Asteraceae
Elecampane
Inula helenium
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Central Asia, Siberia (naturalized Europe, North America)
Also known as: Horseheal, Elf Dock, Wild Sunflower, Marchalan
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis support, deep lung infections, fungal infections (Candida, tinea), intestinal parasites, digestive bitters, chronic respiratory catarrh. Deep, warming respiratory herb for chronic conditions.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, antifungal (alantolactone), antimicrobial, bitter tonic, anthelmintic, diaphoretic
Active Constituents
Sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone), inulin (up to 44%), volatile oil (azulene, camphor), alantic acid, resin
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 20 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Decoction required (not simple infusion) to extract inulin and sesquiterpenes. Warming herb — suited to cold, damp respiratory conditions. Inulin content excellent prebiotic. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in Asteraceae allergy. High doses may cause nausea (sesquiterpene lactones). Avoid in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Contact dermatitis (alantolactone sensitization). GI upset at high doses. Generally well tolerated at therapeutic doses.