Elecampane, Elecampane inula

Inula helenium

Physical Characteristics

Inula helenium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S.E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked. Rather bitter and aromatic[115], they were used as a potherb by the ancient Romans[183] but are rarely used at present. Root - candied and eaten as a sweetmeat[4, 7, 27, 105, 183]. It contains up to 44% inulin[46, 240]. Inulin is a starch that cannot be digested by humans. It usually passes straight through the digestive system, though it can ferment and cause wind problems for some people[K]. Inulin can be converted into a sugar that is suitable for diabetics to eat[238]. The Council of Europe list Inula helenium as a natural food flavouring.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anthelmintic Antiseptic Antitussive Astringent Bitter Cholagogue Demulcent Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Stimulant Stomachic Tonic Elecampane has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. A gently warming and tonic herb, it is especially effective in treating coughs, consumption, bronchitis and many other complaints of the chest as well as disorders of the digestive system[4, 9, 254]. A very safe herb to use, it is suitable for the old and the young and especially useful when the patient is debilitated[254]. It cleanses toxins from the body, stimulating the immune and digestive systems and treating bacterial and fungal infections[238]. The root is alterative, anthelmintic, antiseptic, astringent, bitter, cholagogue, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, mildly expectorant, gently stimulant, stomachic, tonic[4, 7, 9, 21, 46. 165, 200, 218, 222]. It is best harvested in the autumn from plants that are two years old, and it can be dried for later use[4]. The roots should be at least 3 years old according to another report[7]. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. An extract of the plant is a powerful antiseptic and bactericide, particularly effective against the organism that causes TB[213, 238]. The root contains alantolactone, which is strongly anthelmintic. In a 1:1000 dilution it kills the parasitic worm Ascaris in 16 hours[218]. Alantolactone has an anti-inflammatory action, it also reduces mucous secretions and stimulates the immune system[254]. The plant is sometimes recommended as an external wash for skin inflammations and varicose ulcers, but has been known to cause allergic reactions[238].

Known Hazards

Allergic reactions. Potential to interfere with the treatment of diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. Avoid if history of allergy [301].