Inula helenium

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

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:47 []