Elecampane

The image above is from the class lesson I attended.

There was a lot of information on this herb but a lot of it was repetitive.  Since it's safe for children, this is a good one to have around to handle those colds!  Love and Light!

On to elecampane.

Constituents: Inulin, essential oil (several sesquiterpenes lactones(antiseptic properties) including alantolactone, isoalantolactone, and dihydroalantolactone), helenin/elecampane camphor, calcium, potassium, sodium, and resin (Petersen, 2018, p. 101). Hoffman (2003) says sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone(helenalin), isoalantolactone), polysaccharides (inulin), Sterols, resin (p. 560). Chevalier (2016) says inulin, volatile oil (alantol, sesquiterpenes (alantolactone)), triterpene saponins, and phytosterols (p. 107).

Therapeutic Actions: Alterative, anthelmintic (vermicide), antiasthmatic, antiascorbutic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitive, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic (mild), emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nutritive, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, and vulnerary (Petersen, 2018, p. 101). Hoffman (2003) says expectorant, antitussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, warming, and antimicrobial (p. 560). Clark (2011) says antiseptic, diaphoretic, respiratory tonic, and expectorant (p. 37). Tierra (1998) says expectorant, antiemetic, and warming (effects lung, spleen, stomach, liver, large intestine) (p. 320). Chevallier (2016) says expectorant, soothes cough, increases sweating, mildly bitter, eliminates worms, and antibacterial (p. 107). Ulbricht (2010) says antifungal, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and expectorant (p. 307).

Indications: Chronic respiratory issues with digestive complaints, anthelmintic for roundworm, threadworm, hookworm, and whipworm. Bronchial complaints, asthma, bronchitis, cough, cystitis, diabetes, delayed menstruation, gastritis, inflammation, inflamed gums, loss of appetite, neuralgia, sciatica, skin diseases, sluggish liver, water retention, worms, and wounds (Petersen, 2018, p. 101, 102). Hoffman (2003) says irritating bronchial coughs, catarrh, emphysema, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, and chronic cough (p. 560). Clark (2011) says irritating coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough and is gentle enough for kids (p. 37). Tierra (1998) says bronchitis, coughing, shortness of breath, congestions, pleurisy, and ascites (p. 320). Chevallier (2016) says tuberculosis, MRSA, respiratory tonic, chest infections, almost all chest conditions, debilitation, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, stimulates appetite, relieves dyspepsia, treats worms, tonsillitis and helps counter infection when combined with other herbs (p. 107). Ulbricht (2010) says food flavoring, coughs, colds, and bronchial ailments (p. 307).

Safety: Do not use during pregnancy or lactation. Large doses may cause diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis. The US allows the sale of this for flavoring for alcohol only. Can cause contact dermatitis and interfere with treatments for hypoglycemia and hypertension (Petersen, 2018, p. 102). May irritate allergies in people with allergies to this family (Hoffman, 2003, p. 560). Clark (2003) says contact dermatitis is a possibility.  Large doses can cause diarrhea, spasms, vomiting, and paralysis so do not exceed the recommended dosage (p. 38). Tierra (1998) says not for tuberculosis or inflammatory cough (p. 320). Clark (2015) says not to use while breastfeeding (p. 71). Gardner (2013) says there is potential for allergic reaction, to include contact dermatitis, for those who are allergic to other plants in this family. There is mixed science but the editors feel this herb is safe for pregnancy and lactation, even used in china to prevent miscarriages with the pregnancy is threatened (p. 474).

Have a Great Day!