Elecampane: useful properties of the root

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Elecampane (*Inula helenium*) is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. In herbal medicine, mainly its rhizomes and roots are used. According to herbal medicine references, the root has traditionally been used as an expectorant and diuretic, and anti-inflammatory, choleretic, astringent and antiseptic properties are also described.

What kind of plant is it and how to recognize it?

Elecampane is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family (*Asteraceae*). According to botanical descriptions, it grows to about 1.5–2 m. The stem is upright, grooved and pubescent. In the upper part it branches shortly.

The rhizome of elecampane is short, thick, fleshy and multi-headed. A few thick roots extend from it. The underground part is brownish on the outside and yellowish inside. It is precisely the rhizomes and roots that are used as medicinal raw material.

The leaves are arranged alternately. They have an unevenly toothed edge. The lower leaves are large and petiolate, the middle ones are smaller. The underside of the leaf blade is covered with velvety felt-like pubescence.

Elecampane is found in the forest and forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, Altai and Western Siberia. It grows near rivers, in moist meadows, forest clearings and among shrubs. The plant is also cultivated in summer cottages and gardens as a medicinal and ornamental plant.

For medicinal raw material, only the rhizomes and roots are used. In references they are called “elecampane root” — *Radix Inulae*. When buying dried raw material, the characteristic strong aroma helps distinguish it from other roots.

History of the name and use

Elecampane has long occupied a noticeable place in herbal books of different peoples. In old literature it was associated with the name “devyatisil” — it was believed that the plant gives a person nine strengths. This idea reflected the popularity of the plant in folk medicine, where it was used for many different conditions.

The medicinal properties of elecampane were described in the works of ancient physicians and later authors. Ancient sources mention Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen and Avicenna. In one of Pliny’s legends, the plant was associated with the tears of Helen, daughter of Zeus and Leda, although this belongs to a mythological explanation of the origin of the name.

In Russia, elecampane was cultivated near homes for many centuries and used in folk practice. The plant was accessible because it grew in meadows and could be cultivated in gardens and vegetable plots.

What are the benefits of elecampane root?

The main substances in the root are considered to be inulin and essential oil components. According to reference materials, the amount of inulin in the roots can reach 44%. Alant camphor, or helenin, alantolactone and alantol are also described.

The rhizomes and roots contain essential oil in amounts of up to 3%, inulins, traces of alkaloids and saponins. The essential oil is associated with sesquiterpenes, among which alantolactone is named as the main component.

In another reference description, alantol is characterized as a substance with a pronounced antiseptic property. Helenin is also described in connection with antiseptic and expectorant effects.

According to herbal medicine references, preparations from elecampane roots are described as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent and antiseptic remedies. Traditional herbal medicine also describes the plant’s influence on appetite and digestion.

For the respiratory system

In references, elecampane root is primarily associated with an expectorant effect. It was used as a decoction for respiratory tract diseases. This use is described as a way to facilitate the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract.

Helenin and other root components were also described in old medical literature in connection with the respiratory system. These data relate to reference and historical herbal medicine and do not replace modern medical diagnosis.

For digestion

In herbal books, elecampane is described as a plant traditionally used for digestive disorders. According to references, preparations from the root may affect the secretory function of the stomach and intestines.

A choleretic effect is also described. In folk herbal medicine, water decoctions and root tinctures were used for stomach pain. Such information refers to traditional use of the plant.

Experimental studies indicate the influence of elecampane preparations on intestinal function: a decrease in intestinal peristalsis and secretory activity was noted, as well as increased bile formation and bile secretion.

Diuretic and other properties

According to references, elecampane rhizomes are used as a diuretic. Astringent, diaphoretic and antiseptic effects are also described for preparations of the plant.

In old books, elecampane was attributed with a very wide range of properties. Its popularity is also reflected in the folk name “devyatisil”. However, descriptions of traditional use should not be considered universal medical recommendations.

Inulin and other root substances

Inulin is one of the main components of elecampane roots. Reference materials state that this substance was discovered as a chemical compound in the roots of this plant in 1804.

Inulin belongs to the reserve substances of plants from the Asteraceae family. Reference literature described it as a substance that can replace sugar and starch for people with diabetes.

How to properly brew elecampane?

The main raw material is rhizomes and roots. References provide a method for preparing a decoction: 20 g of raw material are used per 200 ml of water. This decoction is described as an expectorant; the reference states its use of 3–5 tablespoons per day.

A form of raw material in briquettes is also described. Two briquettes are poured with half a glass of cold water, boiled for 30 minutes and then strained. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

These amounts refer to dosages given in an old reference description. A reliable safe therapeutic dose of elecampane has not been established according to modern clinical data, so such schemes cannot be considered universal for self-treatment.

Old literature also mentions “elecampane wine”: 10–15 g of fresh roots were poured with 0.5 l of port wine, boiled for 10 minutes and taken 50 g 2 times a day before meals as a tonic remedy for general weakness.

This is a historical recipe with alcohol, not a modern recommendation for using elecampane. It should not be used as a treatment regimen, especially by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, or people for whom alcohol is contraindicated.

What is known about harvesting the root?

For medicinal purposes, rhizomes and roots of elecampane are harvested. They are usually dug up in autumn or early spring.

After digging, the rhizomes with roots are cleaned from soil and washed with water. Thick roots and rhizomes are cut into pieces up to 20 cm long. For better drying, they are also cut lengthwise.

The raw material is dried by air drying. After drying, the outer surface of the pieces becomes grayish-brown and finely wrinkled. Inside they are yellowish-white. Yellowish shiny spots may be visible on the fracture. These are essential oil reservoirs.

Dried raw material has a strong distinctive aroma. In the reference book it is named as the most characteristic feature of elecampane root. The taste of the raw material is bitter-spicy.

According to the listed requirements, the moisture content of the raw material should not exceed 13%. At this moisture level, the roots remain hard and do not bend. The reference book also establishes limits on the content of individual impurities and other parts of the plant.

How elecampane is grown

Elecampane was cultivated not only for wild collection. It was grown in gardens and fields for its rhizomes and roots. Cultivation descriptions state that the plant prefers moderately moist, deeply cultivated fertile soil and a sunny location.

Elecampane was propagated by seeds. Old cultivation descriptions state that seeds were sown in spring, and young plants were then transplanted in rows. To obtain more developed underground parts, stems were removed before flowering.

In cultivation, elecampane was valued not only as a medicinal plant. Its garden forms were used to decorate moist areas in parks, forest parks and along roads. The plant is also considered a good honey plant.

Careful harvesting in nature

When collecting wild raw material, it is worth considering the condition of natural populations. Books about medicinal plants noted that due to excessive and improper harvesting, elecampane in some areas reduced its range and population size.

Therefore, during collection it is important to preserve part of the plants and not completely destroy the root system in an area. Cultivation makes it possible to obtain raw material without additional pressure on natural stands.

What should be considered before use?

The use of elecampane requires caution. This is especially true for people with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family. With such a tendency, the use of the root is better discussed with a specialist beforehand.

A reliable safe therapeutic dose of elecampane has not been established according to modern clinical data. Therefore, the decoction dosages given in old references should be understood precisely as historical reference schemes, not as a proven treatment standard.

Adverse reactions have been described with large doses. These include abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, spasms and symptoms of paralysis. If a pronounced or unusual reaction occurs, stop taking the remedy and seek medical help.

There is insufficient data on the safety of elecampane use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During this period, the plant should not be used without consulting a doctor. A safe dosage for children has not been established. Therefore, elecampane should not be given to a child independently. Caution is also needed when taking medications. Even if specific interactions have not been established, a doctor or pharmacist should be informed about the use of an herbal remedy.

How to find elecampane abroad

Abroad, elecampane is easier to search for by the Latin name *Inula helenium* and the name of the required plant part — root. Sometimes the packaging indicates root and rhizome. Flowers or fruits are not the raw material you need to look for.

• USA: elecampane. Sold as loose/cut dried root, tea bags, tinctures or liquid extracts, capsules. Look in herb and health stores, tea online shops and online.
• Germany: Echter Alant, for searching for the root — Alantwurzel. Found as cut root (Alantwurzel geschnitten), root powder capsules, tincture or drops (Tinktur/Tropfen). Check Apotheke, herbal and tea stores, online shops.
• France: grande aunée or aunée officinale. Look for racine d’aunée, root gélules or teinture mère in herboristerie, natural product stores and online. At a pharmacie you can ask about availability or the possibility of ordering.

On the packaging, check *Inula helenium*, the plant part (root / Wurzel / racine), the mixture ingredients and the type of product: food herbal tea or medicinal tea (Arzneitee). For organic raw material, look for the labels organic / Bio / biologique.

Sales rules depend on the country. In the USA, dietary supplements do not receive prior FDA approval for safety and effectiveness; in Germany, Arzneitee belongs to a medicinal category different from ordinary Kräutertee.

When is a doctor needed?

Medical help is needed for a cough if symptoms persist or worsen. It is especially important to see a doctor if there is a high fever, blood appears in sputum, severe shortness of breath or a noticeable deterioration in well-being.

Do not try to treat a prolonged or unclear cough with elecampane on your own. The expectorant effect of the plant described in references does not determine the cause of symptoms.

A doctor’s consultation is needed in case of a pronounced allergic reaction, vomiting, diarrhea, spasms or symptoms of paralysis after taking the remedy. This is especially important when using an unknown dose or several herbal preparations at the same time.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need specialist advice before using elecampane. People with chronic diseases and those taking medications should also discuss such use with a doctor in advance.

Children should use herbal remedies only after consulting a pediatrician.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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