Inula helenium or Elecampane root,Barutophor inulin fructosan and the application guide Scabwort.
Article Content:
- .Basic Botanical and Description of Elecampane.
- .Botanical Narrative of Elecampane.
- .Elecampane:Description of Root.
- .Phytochemicals and Constituents.
- .Mechanism of inulin(fructosan):fatty acids.
- .Remedy use of Elecampane root.
- .Traditional history and uses of Elecampane root.
- .Dosage:How much Elecampane root should I take?.
- .Research Update:Elecampane root,Inula helenium.
Remedy use of Elecampane root.
Expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, anti-microbial.
Traditionally, elecampane has been taken to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis because chemicals in it cause mucus to become thinner. Consequently, congestion in the lungs may be lessened and the elimination of excess mucus may be easier. Elecampane may also help to decrease coughing.
Because it contains mucilage, elecampane has been used to relieve gastrointestinal irritation, as well. Mucilage is a natural gummy substance that does not dissolve in water, but forms a thick, gooey mass when exposed to fluids. Like other mucilage-containing substances, elecampane swells up and becomes slick when it is exposed to fluids. The resulting slippery material coats and soothes irritated tissue in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines.
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.
Elecampane tea is much used to quiet coughing, to stimulate digestion and to tone the stomach; for bronchitis, urinary and respiratory tract inflammation, and menstrual problems. Elecampane oil is used for respiratory and intestinal catarrh, chronic diarrhea, chronic bronchitis, and whooping cough. The decoction or tincture is used for worms, and externally as a wash or fomentation for skin problems such as scabies and itches.
Combinations : Elecampane combines well with White Horehound, Coltsfoot, Pleurisy Root, Lungwort and Yarrow for respiratory problems.
The root is also cooked as a vegetable, and used in wines and liqueurs. A wash can be made of the roots and leaves to cleanse the skin and to treat blemishes.
interactions of Elecampane root with Prescription Drugs:
When elecampane is used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness, the effects of the drug may be exaggerated, resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that can cause sleepiness include:
Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital)
Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam
Drugs for insomnia such as zaleplon and zolpidem
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin and nortriptyline
Elecampane may increase the blood sugar lowering effects of insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:
Actos,Amaryl,Avandia,glipizide (Glucotrol XL),glyburide (Glynase),Glyset,metformin (Glucophage),Prandin,Precose
Due to its possible ability to lower blood pressure, elecampane is believed to increase the effects of drugs that also lower blood pressure. Some blood pressure-lowering drugs include:
ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and Monopril
Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol
Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, Norvasc, and verapamil
Diuretics such as Dyazide, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
interactions of Elecampane root with Non-prescription Drugs:
The sleep-producing effects of over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine can be enhanced by taking elecampane at the same time. Diphenhydramine is contained in many non-prescription sleeping pills as well as in some cough and cold products, therefore caution should be used when taking these medications with elecampane because excessive drowsiness may result.
interactions of Elecampane root with Herbal Products:
Elecampane may cause excessive sedation if it is taken with other potentially sedating herbs such as:
Catnip,Hops,Kava,St. John's Wort,Valerian
Because elecampane may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia,blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:
Eleuthero,Fenugreek,Ginger (in high amounts),Kudzu,Panax ginseng
interactions of Elecampane root with Foods:
No interactions between elecampane and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as using elecampane by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.
Reference:
1.Inula helenium or Elecampane root,Barutophor inulin fructosan and the application guide Scabwort.




