COMMON NAME : Chin Ch'Ien Chu, Chin Ch'Ien Hua, Elecampane, Elfdock, Elfwort, Enula, Helenio, Horse-elder, Horseheal, Hsuan Fu Hua, Induzotu, Inul, Scabwort, Starwort, Velvet-dock, Wild Sunflower, Yellow Starwort, Alantwurzwl, Aunee

ELEMENT : Air

RULING PLANET : Mercury

GENDER : Masculine

MAGICKAL POWERS : Love, Protection, Psychic powers

DESCRIPTION : Elecampane is an impressive 4-6 foot, large-leaved perennial.

The leaves are large, ovate, toothed and are wooly beneath and bristly above. The upper ones clasp the hairy stem, the lower ones are stalked. The basal leaves are elliptical to oblong, up to 2 feet long. The plant has a similar appearance to horseradish.

The stems are downy, stout, erect, round and coarse and almost unbranched.

The flower heads are golden yellow, composite, large and usually solitary, sometimes growing in paniculate clusters, with many narrow rays surrounding a center disk. The flowers are 3-4 inches across, numerous and resemble daises. The inner bracts are dry at the tip. The outer ones look like leaves and are ovate. Flowers appear July-August.

The rhizome is slightly grey-brown, short spindle shaped, tuberous and cylindrical with large fleshy roots. It has a strong odor and a bitter, tangy taste.

There are about 90 species of this plant.

CULTIVATION : Cultivation may be from cuttings taken from a mature plant in the autumn. Cover and store in a warm place till spring then plant out. Root divisions may be taken in spring or autumn. Growing this plant from seeds is easy.

Elecampane likes ordinary garden soil, damp but well drained. It grows best in moist shady sites but will take light shade.

Elecampane is naturalized in some parts of North America from Nova Scotia to North Carolina and west to Missouri. It may be found growing wild in clearings and roadsides, fields and waste land. Hardy in Zones 3-10.

When harvesting for medicinal use, dig roots from 2 year old plants when the tops have started to die back. Cut into pieces before drying.

PART OF THE PLANT USED : The rhizome of Inula is used dried or fresh.

PLANT ANALYSIS : Elecampane contains 40% carbo inulin, essential oil called helenin, mucilage, triterpene saponins (dammaranedienol) sterols, polyacetylenes, bitter principle, polyynes, polysaccharides. The volatile oil contains alantolactone, isoalantolactone, 11,13-dihydroisoalantolactone: 11,13- dihydroalantolactone (mixture of alantolactone derivatives is also known as helenalin or elecampane camphor)

Elecampane contains Inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans, passing right through the digestive system. It can ferment on the way through and cause gas problems. Inulin can be converted into a sugar that is suitable for diabetics to eat.

MEDICINAL ACTION : Inula is considered antiseptic, antifungal, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, anti-tussive, emmenagogue, antibacterial, astringent, emollient, hepatic, and tonic.

The plant contains alantolactone, which is thought to be anti inflammatory. Using the whole herb may reduce mucous secretions.

A powerful antiseptic and bactericide is contained in the extract Inula. It is particularly effective against the organism that causes TB.

MEDICINAL USE : Do not use if pregnant.

Medical uses for Inula include : bronchitis, whooping cough and bronchial catarrh, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and toothaches. It is considered a generally beneficial tonic for the total pulmonary system.

The plant may cause allergic skin reactions, so beware when using Inula as an external wash for skin inflammations and varicose ulcers.

The folk remedies for this plant include use for urinary inflammation and menstrual problems such as dysmenorrhea. It was also used in a decoction or tincture for the removal of worms. Inula was used as a cure for seasickness in Medieval Europe.

For respiratory problems, Elecampane combines well with white horehound, coltsfoot, mullein, pleurisy root and yarrow.

Externally, this plant is used in poultices or strong tea for itching, skin rashes and wounds.

Steep the powdered root for use as a tea to help regulate menstrual cycles.

DOSAGE : Do not use if pregnant. It is severely irritating to mucous membranes. Large doses cause vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, and signs of paralysis

To make a syrup for coughs, make an infusion and simmer until the volume is reduced by half. Add sugar or honey to taste. Take 1-2 teaspoons every 2 hours.

For a single dose infusion, add 1 teaspoon shredded root to 1 cup cold water. Let stand for 8-10 hours. Take 3 times a day, heating each dose before taking.

For tinctures, take 1-2 ml 3 times a day.

MAGICKAL USE : Wear Inula to attract love, for protection. Burn leaves on a piece of charcoal as an incense when scrying to sharpen psychic powers, or to bring joy and love.

HISTORY : Elecampane is native to Central and Northern Europe and Northwest Asia. It was introduced to the U.S. and is naturalized over much of the East and was also introduced in China.

The name helenium is also said to be a Latinized version of the Greek word helenion.

In the Great Herball of 1526 Elecampane is called Elf Docke, Scabwort, and Horshale.

The Greeks and Romans used Inula in cold remedies. It was thought to promote sweating and help bring up phlegm.

The plant was frequently mentioned in Anglo-Saxon writing prior to the Norman Conquest.

Elecampane was named Scabwort and Horseheal for it reputation for healing scabs on sheep and its ability to cure many ailments of horses.

Spaniards in the 16th century used Elecampane as a surgical dressing and alterative for the whole body. It was thought to improve general well being.

Elecampane was the main ingredient in a digestive drink in Medieval times called potio Paulina, or drink of Paul. "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake," according to St. Pauls biblical instruction.

In 1885 experiments found the active bitter principle helenin in Elecampane to be a powerful antiseptic and anti-bacterial. A solution of 1 part in 10,000 will kill ordinary bacteria, including the Tubercule bacillus Myobacterium tuberculosis.

In the 19th century, the roots were boiled in sugar water to make asthma lozenges and cough drops.

Cordials made with the infused root is still used by Europeans for anemia.

LORE : There are many stories about the origin of this herb's name. Some say the name helenium originated with Helen of Troy. The wife of Menalaus was said to have a handful of the herb when Paris took her away to Phrygia. Another legend says helenium sprung from the tears of the Goddess Helena. Or the name may come from the island Helena, where it is said the best plants grew.

Another legend says Helen first used it against venomous bites.

CULINARY: The leaves are rather bitter and aromatic and in the past have been used cooked. Elecampane was used by the ancient Romans as a potherb. It is rarely used at present.

In Elizabethans times the root was candied and eaten as a sweetmeat. In London, in the 17th century candied root was eaten when traveling the river to protect against bad air.

The Swiss used the root extract as a flavoring for absinthe liquor.