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Elecampane (Inula helenium)

Family: Compositae

---Synonyms---Elecampane, Yellow Starwort, Elfdock, elfwort, horse-elder, horseheal, scabwort

Parts Used: Rhizome

Active Compounds:  Volatile oil, containing sesquiterpene lactones, mainly alamtolactone (= helenalin or elecampane camphor), isoalantolactone and their dihydro derivatives, alantic acid and azulene

Inulin

Miscellaneous; sterols, resin etc.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---

Expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, anti-microbial.

Elecampane is a specific for irritating bronchial coughs, especially in children. It may be used wherever there is copious catarrh formed e.g. in bronchitis or emphysema. 

The mucilage has a relaxing effect accompanied by the stimulation of the essential oils. It may be used in asthma and bronchitic asthma. Elecampane has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The bitter principle makes it useful also to stimulate digestion and appetite.