What is Elecampane?A hardy old-world herb of the Aster family native to Eurasia and later naturalized in Great Britain, Asia and America. The plant has distinctive and showy yellow flowers that have many rays and a very thick root. It was originally used to treat horses, and hence its nick name ‘horse heal’. The root is mucilaginous and has a bitter taste. Elecampane is usually propagated by root cuttings. They need good exposure to the sun and a well draining soil. The roots of the plant should not be harvested before 2 years of growth. 
Traditional Use of Elacampane Traditionally, Elecampane has been used to treat conditions related to blockages in the respiratory canal like asthma and bronchitis. This is because the plant has certain chemical substances that cause the mucus to become thinner and flow freely. Since it becomes easier to eliminate excess mucus, congestion in the lungs is considerably reduced. Elecampane has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of lozenge, candy and syrup. It was used not only for severe bronchial infections, but also to treat a number of other conditions. The root of Elecampane contains mucilage – a gummy substance that does not dissolve in water but congeals to form a thick gooey liquid when exposed to fluids. This thick slippery mixture coats and soothes irritated tissues in the stomach, mouth and intestines. Therefore Elecampane was used to relieve gastrointestinal irritations also. Benefits of Elecampane In traditional alternative medicine, Elecampane was believed to possess antifungal, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic and antiseptic properties. Since it can thin the mucosal deposits, it is also a stimulating expectorant. The tea made of the rhizome or the root also has a mildly sedative effect, and helps to relieve stress and tension related headaches. Elecampane is a rich source of inulin. This is a type of carbohydrate that is broken down and absorbed in the colon. Unlike other carbohydrates, inulin does not cause great fluctuations in the blood sugar level. One reason for this could be the fact that inulin gets converted into fatty acids and spreads throughout the body. Thus, inulin may actually help people suffering from diabetes because it can lower the glucose levels in the blood. Inulin found in Elecampane also protects and boosts the growth of the beneficial bacteria in the colon, and thereby kills or suppresses the activity of the harmful bacteria. Thus Elecampane may help prevent diseases related to the colon, including colon cancer. The bitter tonic derived from Elecampane aids digestion and thereby increases and stimulates the appetite. It also helps increase the flow of bile and can be used to support a constitution that has been debilitated by the attack of certain diseases like influenza or bronchitis. The antibacterial and antifungal effects of the herb were used to treat conditions like roundworm, hookworm, threadworm and whipworm. The common name used for the herb ‘scabwort’ refers to its ability to treat external skin infections like scabies and herpes. The tonic induces the flow of blood during menstruation and is also used to treat anemia. Elecampane Cautions
There are very few recorded side effects related to the use of Elecampane. In general, it is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women. Individuals suffering from diabetes should take the herb under medical supervision only as it has a slightly hypoglycemic effect. Elecampane may also lead to low blood pressure. Hypotension (or low blood pressure) may lead to dizziness, headaches or blurred vision.
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