Elecampane Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Elecampane Root – 100 g ($13.99), 50 g ($9.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits
Elecampane is regarded as a long-term treatment for respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. It is also recommended as a daily supplement to improve digestion. It also is used for menstrual cramps, worm infestation, and headaches. Homeopathic preparations are used for stomach ulcers and chronic cough. It has antibacterial and antifungal effects in cell lines. One of elecampane’s active ingredients, alantolactone, has been used to treat intestinal parasites. It also is somewhat effective against yeast infections.

Respiratory  Elecampane root has a long history of use in the reduction of cough and respiratory-related conditions like rhinitis, bronchitis, and throat infections, particularly in folk medicine (2).

One test-tube study found that alantolactone isolated from elecampane suppressed airway inflammation resulting from cigarette smoke exposure, as well as helped open airways (10). The authors even suggested alantolactone as a potential therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic inflammatory lung disease that often results from smoking and makes it difficult to breathe (10). Test-tube research has observed that elecampane can slow white blood cell activity and reduce inflammation in respiratory conditions (2).

Elecampane has been used traditionally to support lung health and respiratory function. Traditional herbalists suggest that elecampane works as a gently stimulating expectorant for chronic catarrhal conditions. Said more plainly, this herb works to expel phlegm from your lungs.

A recent clinical trial involving 106 children with acute cough was conducted to test the effectiveness of a cough syrup containing various herbs, including:

• Inula helenium(i.e. elecampane)
• Malva sylvestris(i.e. common mallow)
• Plantago majorextract (i.e. plantain)
• Helichrysum stoechas(i.e. everlasting flower)

Over the course of 8 days, the study found that the group given the herbal cough syrup had a significant reduction in night-time and day-time cough scores.

A lab-based study found that elecampane (as well as Grindelia squarrosa) worked to reduce inflammation within cultured human respiratory epithelium cells. The researchers noted that their observations in this study justify the traditional use of these herbs for the treatment of inflammation-based diseases in the respiratory tract.

A clinically tested and approved extract of I. helenium root (standardized for sesquiterpene lactones) is marketed in Russia under the name “Alanton”. It is prescribed for the treatment of acute and chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, accompanied by a persistent cough with thick viscous mucus.

Isoalantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone found in elecampane, has been found in lab studies to help reduce inflammation in cases of acute lung injury. Elecampane has also been found to be one of the best herbs for sore throat pain, along with herbs such as horehound and licorice.

Bronchitis, Pneumonia. Elecampane contains inulin, a mucilage-like polysaccharide that may coat the linings of the bronchial passages. The herb is antibacterial. While people have used elecampane root for a number of health-related issues throughout history, not much scientific evidence is available on its uses. There are over 100 species in the Inula genus, but scientists have only studied a handful of them (1). Overall, there isn’t a lot of clinical evidence behind the effectiveness of this herb for many of the ways people have used it historically.

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant  Elecampane root contains active compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat inflammation-related respiratory diseases (2).

One review of over 120 studies suggested that elecampane has antioxidant activity that may help fight oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases, including cancer, impaired brain function, and diabetes (3). While more research is needed, much of this antioxidant activity is attributed to the compound alantolactone found in the Inula genus of herbs, including elecampane (3). An in vitro study found that elecampane can stop oxidative damage. Laboratory research suggests that elecampane has anti-inflammatory activity. It’s thought that the sesquiterpene lactones found in this herb are responsible for its anti-inflammatory action.

Inflammation is a complex defense mechanism that is vital to health since it is the immune system’s response to harmful stimuli, such as damaged cells, toxic compounds, pathogens, or irradiation. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes.

As noted above, a lab-based study found that elecampane worked to reduce inflammation within human respiratory cells. An animal study noted that sesquiterpene lactones (isolated from Inula helenium) worked to reduce inflammation in mice. Igalan, a sesquiterpene lactone found in elecampane, has been found in lab studies to impair pro-inflammatory cytokines. Another sesquiterpene lactone, Isoalantolactone, within elecampane has been found in lab studies to help reduce inflammation in cases of acute lung injury.

Cancer  One study examined available research on the traditional uses of 16 Inula species, including elecampane. One area of focus was cancer (1). Scientists need to conduct more studies in humans, but the authors noted that preliminary studies suggest that compounds from Inula species may exhibit anticancer activity (1).

Furthermore, test-tube studies have found that elecampane extract may be toxic to certain cancer cells and have significant antitumor effects. For instance, researchers have observed antitumor effects in studies on brain cancer (4, 5). Additionally, one test-tube study found that the compound isoalantolactone, isolated from elecampane, exhibited potential antitumor effects in the case of pancreatic cancer (6).

Another test-tube study looked at the effects of another isolated elecampane compound — eudesmane sesquiterpenoid — on leukemia cells. The authors observed its potential to promote cancer cell death (7). Elecampane also appear to affect breast cancer cells. One test-tube study found that sesquiterpene lactones had promising anticancer activity on breast tumors, inhibiting certain pathways involved in cancer cell activation (8). Similarly, another test-tube study observed the anticancer activity of alantolactone, an isolated sesquiterpene lactone compound in elecampane. The compound appeared to promote breast cancer cell death (9).

Antimicrobial  Researchers have also studied elecampane root extracts for their potential antibacterial and antifungal activity.

One test-tube study found that compounds in elecampane extract were active against the bacteria Staphylococcus. The authors even suggested further research into its applications in the setting of antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases (12). Other test-tube studies have also observed elecampane root was effective against Staphylococcus, likely by damaging the membrane of bacterial cells and causing them to die (13).

Other laboratory research has found that elecampane may fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause the respiratory illness tuberculosis. They may also suppress Candida, a species of yeast that can cause opportunistic fungal infections (14, 15).

Research shows that elecampane has antimicrobial properties. A test-tube study looked at the effectiveness of elecampane versus Staphylococcus aureus. The study results showed I. helenium to be 100% effective against the 200 staphylococci strains that were tested.

Another in vitro study found that the essential oil present in elecampane proved to be effective in fighting both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The study also found that elecampane was highly effective against Candida spp (a fungal infection). Interestingly, the researchers noted that elecampane was found to be more effective in attacking Candida spp than other well-known antimicrobial herbs, including tea tree and bergamot oil.

Another lab study found that elecampane has strong anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Staph is a gram-positive bacteria that cause a wide variety of clinical diseases. The researchers noted that the sesquiterpene lactones present in elecampane were found to be the most active principles against S. aureus.

Digestion  Elecampane may be one of the best bitter herbs for digestion. Elecampane contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that’s known to support digestive health. Inulin is a special type of fiber that is readily fermentable by intestinal bacteria. It’s been noted that inulin helps to increase stool frequency in individuals with constipation. Research shows that inulin has many other health benefits, including improved intestinal permeability, a decrease in fat mass, and an improvement in appetite control. Additionally, research shows that bitter-tasting herbs (like elecampane) work to increase the secretion of gastric juice and bile. This essentially primes your digestive system and helps your body digest food better.

Anti-Proliferative– A study found that an elecampane extract containing alloalantolactone, alantolactone, and isoalantolactone displayed anti-proliferation (prevents spreading) and anti-migration effects on pancreatic cancer cells.

Anti-Stress – An animal study found that Inula helenium has an anti-stress effect.

Recommended Use
Elecampane is available in capsules, tinctures, and teas; as an ayurvedic medicine called a rasayana; and in combination with other ayurvedic herbs in a commercial preparation. The daily dose of elecampane is 1 gram.

Repeated use of elecampane may cause allergic sensitivity. Symptoms of overdose are cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and signs of paralysis. It also can cause contact dermatitis. In rare cases, it may be necessary to use a stomach pump and treat the poisoning with medication. Animal studies have shown a reduction in blood sugar with small doses of elecampane, and an increase in blood sugar with large doses. Until further testing shows otherwise, people with diabetes should avoid elecampane. It should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Botanical Name: Inula helenium
English: Elecampane
Ayurvedic: Pushkaramuula, Pushkara, Pouskara,
Also, known as: Alant, Inule, Enula elemie, Ussul-ur-rasun, Phatmer, Pil-gush, Scabwort, Elf dock, Yellow starwort, Wild sunflower, Horse heal, Velvet dock, Paushkara, Padmapatra, Kaashmira, Kushtha-bheda, Pohakarmul, Puskar, Pushkarmula, Pushkarmulam, Pushkara, Pushkaramula, Pohakar Mul, Pushkara Moola, Pokhar Mool, and Pushkarmulam, Elfwort, Horse-Elder, Horseheal, and Indian Elecampane
Habitat: Europe, North Asia, and Western Himalaya.
Origin: Ukraine
Harvested: Wild or Cultivated
Parts Used: Roots and rhizomes

General Information:
Inula helenium is one of our largest herbaceous, striking, and handsome plant. The stems are thick, vigorous, 3 to 4 ft tall, downy above, and branched. The leaves are large, ovate, 10 to 18 inches long and woolly underneath, are arranged alternately and toothed, the upper ones clasping the stem, the lower ones stalked. The flower heads are golden yellow, large, solitary, 2 to 4 inches across, and with narrow rays, blooming in midsummer. The flowers are on long stalks, resembling a double sunflower. The root is slightly grey brown on the outside, lighter brown internally, hard, horny and cylindrical, and should be dug in the autumn of the second year, usually split into longitudinal, oblique pieces having one or more roots. Divide plants about every 3 years to maintain vitality. The whole plant is similar in appearance to the horseradish. This plant has a long and interesting history as a medicinal herb wherein the rhizomes and roots were at one point used in a large variety of medical applications. Inula racemosa, similar species also found in Western Himalayas.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. SO you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: ½-1 tsp (1-3 g) of elecampane root, up to 4 times/day. This can be added to food or to make tea.