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Elecampane ~ Inula Helenium

Elecampane ~ Inula Helenium

A perfect choice for the digestion and the respiratory system 

Elecampane grows in the meadows and along the road sides of our Ontario woodlands. Look for them along the John Counter Blvd. The plant at first glance looks like a sunchoke. Elecampane has a similar daisy like flower disk that spands 3-5 inches across. With its stout and erect stem, the flowers appear in the mid of summer. The plant can reach as high as 10 feet. The leaves are large and oval shaped like a lung, with softly pointed tips up to 28 inches long, and when you look closely the leaves clutch the stalk. This is the best way to identify her. The Latin name for this plant is Inula Helenium. Common names for Elecampane include elfdock, horse-heal and scabwort.

Peter Holmes in the Energetic of Western Herbs speaks of elecampane with its' bitter pungent properties as alterative, (blood clearing) with excellent expectorant properties and strengthening for the immune and digestive system. In the West, Elecampane's medicine has always been touted for the respiratory system for bronchitis, asthmatic conditions and irritant coughs. The roots high Inulin content makes elecampane a wonderful medicine for spleen deficient, digestive imbalances where cold presides, with excess mucous causing phlegm, bloating and indigestion and tiredness. The Chinese may say even a “cluttered mind.” Elecampane’s immuno-modulating properties helps to regulate those with hypoglycemia- not unlike elecampane ‘s companion plant, great burdock. They both belong to the Asteraceae family.

Elecampane ‘s root historically was enjoyed candied or drank as a cordial and the constituent is an ingredient in Absinthe. Harvest, cut, chop the root and soak it in honey for an excellent cough and digestive remedy. We will make these when we go on our Annual Fall walk as well as gather White pines and Sumach for Vinegar & the Rosehips! i have taken to putting a stick of elecampane in my Chai this time of year to dry and sooth and warm my middle burner, what the Traditional Chinese medicine would refer to, as my gut. With Ojibwe Summer blessings,

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