Herbalist How To: 7 Benefits of Elecampane
Elecampane, Inula helenium, of the Asteraceae family is a favorite herb of mine. When I stand next to Inula helenium, dwarfed by her golden heights and broad green foliage, it's hard not to feel as though she asks you to look up, smile and hit a power pose! Below are 7 reasons to love this herb! Elecampane has gone by many names on its spread from Asia to Southern and Eastern Europe, and is now naturalized in North America and many parts of the world. When I see a plant stand so tall and bright, I know there are some powerful roots creating strength. Read on to learn how to make an herbal decoction with elecampane root, as it is the roots of this generous plant that offer us so much nutrition and support. Herbal decoctions are potent simmered teas. Let's explore the benefits of an Elecampane herbal decoction.
1. Expectorant. Phlegm-y coughs, stuck mucus in the chest, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, or respiratory infection. Inula helenium works deeply with the lungs as an expectorant to release old and infected mucus. Our bodies are always communicating. Be informed by your mucus. Thick, green, mucus is saying “Honey, love you, but you are sick.” Do not take it if you are suffering from a dry cough.
2. Bacteride. With strong antiseptic qualities that work to turn inflamed green mucus into white, clear, soothed mucus.
3. Toning. Elecampane tones the membranes of the GI, respiratory, and urinary tracts.
4. Stimulate digestive function. The flavor is quite strong, spicy, bitter, and warming. Forty-five percent of the roots weight is Inulin, which is low in calories, high in fiber and works as a prebiotic. Inulin feeds the good gut flora in our intestines, which helps to fight off unwanted pathogens, support the immune system, and prevent unwanted infection and yeast overgrowth.
5.Calcium absorption. For anyone out there looking to prevent osteoporosis, research shows that Inulin can help with the absorption of calcium.
6. High in Inulin. Inulin is being studied for its potential benefit to those with prediabetes. Inulin slows digestion, thus helping our body absorb more nutrients from our food. This allows sugars to be released more slowly keeping blood sugar levels from spiking.
7. Emotions of the chest and lungs. Elecampane is known to help those struggling with sadness and grief that settles in our lungs. Many of the plants that bloom with bright yellow flowers, like St. John's Wort and elecampane, help to lift our spirits out of despair and grief.
Tinctures, syrups, teas and decoctions are the simplest way to bring herbal medicine into your life. If you want to make it yourself or get started by trying professionally-made formulas, I always recommend hitting up your local herb shop/herbalists for products or consultations. Head over to Mountain Rose Herbs for a multitude of organic herbal offerings shipped right to your door.
DECOCTION RECIPE
My favorite way to bring root medicine into my day to day life is with a simple decoction. Decoctions are simmered teas ideal for extracting the properties of hard roots, dried berries, barks, and seeds. They will be much stronger in flavor than herbal infusions and more concentrated.
HOW TO MAKE A DECOCTION
Place 3 tablespoons of dried herbs into a small saucepan or pot. Cover the herbs with a quart of cold water.
Slowly heat the water to a simmer and cover. You do not want a big bubbly boil.
Gently simmer for 20 to 45 minutes.
Strain into a glass jar.
Once the decoction has finished simmering, I love to infuse more delicate flowers or leafy herbs into the hot water that cannot stand up to the lengthy simmer time, straining the mixture again after another 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I preserve my herbal decoction?
Most herbal infusions and decoctions will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Add a bit of raw local honey or some fruit juice to taste. Have fun with your flavors and enjoy!
Contraindications
Inula helenium is a strong herb and best taken in moderation. If you take too much, you will know because it will quickly cause some gastric upset. Elecampane is not recommended to take during breastfeeding. The sesquiterpene lactones will pass into the milk and upset the baby's stomach. Although it is unlikely to be of any direct danger, it is still recommended to avoid it during pregnancy. This is truly a tonic herb, the longer you take it the better it works. If you are purchasing a tincture or tea, follow the dosing on the package. Always talk to your doctor if you are on any medications before adding in herbal support.