- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- South-eastern Europe and western Asia; naturalised across Europe and North America. Inula helenium
- Other names
- Echte alant
Europe · Herb · № 79
Inula helenium
Herb · Europe
Elecampane
Inula helenium
The root is traditionally used for productive coughs and bronchitis; it is rich in inulin. Clinical evidence is limited.
Safety notes
May cause allergy in people sensitive to the daisy family. Avoid during pregnancy.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Western herbalism: Not in pregnancy.
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Can cause allergy; not in pregnancy.
Preparation
The root as decoction, syrup or candied. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The name refers to Helen of Troy, who in legend held its flowers when Paris abducted her. Romans ate the root as a digestive; in India the related pushkarmula is used in Ayurveda.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Tonic, stimulating expectorant, induces sweating, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic; stimulates digestion and the liver.
Preparation and amount
Root decoction for bronchitis, asthma, catarrh and hay fever, as a tonic for chronic respiratory complaints; tincture for weakness; cough syrup with thyme and liquorice; wash for eczema and ulcers; I. japonica flowers as syrup 10–20 ml for cough.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Tonic, expectorant, induces sweating, carminative, diuretic, antiseptic; restores the lungs (after smoking, asthma in children), cleanses liver and intestines, supports the lymphatic system.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1 tbsp per cup, 10–15 min, 3 cups a day; steam bath: 30 g per litre, inhale 5–10 min; syrup 1 tsp 1–3 times a day; tincture 30 drops 3–4 times a day.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For cough, early consumption with fever and asthma; for heaves in horses.
Preparation and amount
Boil the dried root or take it finely scraped.
Caution: Can cause allergy; not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureSyrup, honey and oxymelSteam and bath