Horseheal
Scientific Name: Elecampane
Other Names: Alant, Elf Dock, Elfwort, Horse-elder, Inula helenium, Pushkarmoola, Scabwort, Velvet Dock, Wild Sunflower, Yellow Starwort
Should I take it?
Elecampane is a large plant--generally about 5 feet in height--easily recognized by flowers resembling small sunflowers that bloom nearly all summer. Believed to be a native of Europe and western Asia, elecampane now grows wild in most mild climate areas, including eastern North America. It is grown commercially on farms in China and parts of Eastern Europe.
Although it is a perennial plant, elecampane does not send out a stem until the second year of growth. During the first year, only a cluster of large dark green "root" leaves forms close to the ground. A thick stalk develops in the second year and re-appears each spring that the plant lives after that. Elecampane has seeds, but the plants multiply mainly through rhizomes--fleshy extensions of their stems that run along or under the ground and often produce shoots and roots for new plants. For use in medicine and manufacturing, elecampane's rhizomes and roots are collected in the autumn after the stems and leaves of 2-year or 3-year old plants have died. Older roots and rhizomes are generally too large and dense to be useful. Once they have been dried and shredded or powdered, elecampane roots and rhizomes are used for medicine or for flavoring beverages and pharmaceuticals. In some parts of the world, pieces of fresh elecampane root are boiled in syrup and eaten as candy. Elecampane may also be used in cosmetics and perfumes. In Europe, one of the chemicals found in elecampane is a prescription drug used for treating intestinal worms.
Dosage and Administration
For coughing, a commonly recommended dose is one cup of elecampane tea up to four times a day. Elecampane tea may be made by soaking 1,500 mg to 4,000 mg (1.5 grams to 4 grams or about one-fourth of a teaspoon to one teaspoon) of dried, powdered elecampane root in about 5 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes to 10 minutes and then straining out the solid particles before drinking the tea. Due to its strongly bitter taste, elecampane tea is often sweetened or flavored before drinking.
Elecampane is often included in herbal blends and it is also available by itself in dosage forms that include capsules and extracts. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. Each of these products has different directions for use. Individuals who decide to take elecampane or a combination containing it should follow the instructions on the package that is purchased.
Summary
Elecampane contains chemicals that thin mucus and reduce coughing, making it potentially useful for respiratory conditions such as asthma. Due to the soothing effect of the mucilage it contains, elecampane may also be used to relieve gastrointestinal (GI) ailments including sore throats and stomach irritation. Inulin, a soluble fiber in elecampane, may be effective for regulating blood sugar levels and helping to prevent diseases of the colon.
Risks
Due to a lack of information on elecampane?s possible effects, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and small children are advised to avoid taking it. Blood sugar levels and blood pressure may need to be monitored more closely if elecampane is taken by individuals who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Individuals allergic to plants in the daisy family may also be allergic to elecampane.
Side Effects
A very large dose of elecampane is believed to have resulted in muscle spasms and paralysis. More common side effects possibly related to its use include dizziness and stomach upset.
Interactions
Elecampane may enhance the effects of drugs and herbal products that lower blood sugar or blood pressure levels. It may also increase drowsiness associated with certain drugs and other herbs.
Last Revised April 11, 2008
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Should I take it? 
