Elecampane
Inula heleniumThe Latin name of elecampane comes from Helen of Troy, who was supposed to have carried elecampane with her while being abducted from Sparta. Revered by the ancient Greeks and Romans, this herb was recommended for treating such diverse problems as indigestion, melancholy, sciatica, bronchitis, and asthma.
What Is Elecampane Used for Today?
Some modern herbalists regard elecampane as a long-term treatment for respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, especially when excessive mucus is a notable feature. However, there is no real evidence that it is effective for this purpose.
Elecampane is also sometimes recommended as a daily supplement to improve general digestion.
One of elecampane's constituents, alantolactone, has been used in concentrated form as a treatment for intestinal parasites, 1 but it isn't clear whether the whole herb is particularly effective for this purpose.
References
1. Newall C, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals . London, England: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:106.
Last reviewed April 2009 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
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