Medicinal Uses and Side Effects of Elecampane

The ingredients that are responsible for the therapeutic properties of this herb include:

❖ Volatile oils that contain sesquiterpene lactones such as alantolactone, isoalantolactone, etc.
❖ Inulin
❖ Helenin
❖ Mucilage
❖ Polysaccharides
❖ Bitter principles
❖ Sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol)
❖ Saponins
❖ Resins

This herb possesses the following properties:

❖ Expectorant (helps cough up phlegm)
❖ Antitussive (suppresses and relieves coughing)
❖ Diaphoretic (induces perspiration)
❖ Carminative (helps relieve flatulence)
❖ Diuretic (increases the flow of urine)
❖ Antifungal (destroys fungi)
❖ Antiparasitic (destroys parasites)
❖ Anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation)
❖ Demulcent (has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes)

Medicinal Uses

Elecampane is called ‘horseheal’, as it has been used to treat skin infections in horses. Similarly, it is called scabwort, as it has been used to treat sheep affected with scabies. In human population, it can be used to alleviate the symptoms of the following conditions.

❖ Respiratory Ailments
This herb is mostly used for providing relief from coughing with catarrh (increased production of mucus) that might be experienced by people affected by bronchitis (inflamed bronchi) or lung infections. The antitussive and expectorant properties of this herb are mainly attributed to alantolactone. It is believed that alantolactone and inulin (a starchy substance or polysaccharide) present in this plant act as a demulcent. Inulin coats and soothes the lining of the irritated bronchial passages or mucous membranes. As an expectorant, it helps in loosening and expelling mucus or phlegm in case of purulent bronchitis. The presence of saponins helps facilitate the removal of mucus from the lungs. It also helps provide relief from coughing in people affected by asthma and whooping cough. It is believed that the herb acts as a bactericidal agent against M. tuberculosis, and might help prevent coughing or other symptoms associated with tuberculosis to some extent. It might also provide relief to individuals affected by pneumonia or pleurisy.

❖ Gastrointestinal Ailments
It is believed that the presence of a bitter principle called helenin in its root helps promote digestion. Helenin is believed to be instrumental in stimulating appetite. As far as the digestive ailments are concerned, herbalists are of the opinion that this herb can alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia. The volatile oil alantolactone present in the root possesses antihelmenthic properties, which means that the use of this herb might help destroy parasites or worms (roundworm, threadworm, hookworm, whipworm, giardia, or pinworms) that could be responsible for causing gastritis or gastroenteritis. It also acts like a digestive aid. A herbal infusion made from elecampane and licorice might prove beneficial in alleviating symptoms such as nausea, distended abdomen, and flatulence.

❖ Effect on Blood Sugar
Inulin, which is a soluble fiber that is present in this plant, is not only believed to be beneficial for the intestinal flora, but might also help prevent medical conditions associated with blood glucose and triglycerides. Though inulin has a sweet taste, it has a minimal effect on the blood sugar levels, when taken in the right doses.

This herb can be taken in the form of tea, liquid extract, or tincture. As far as the dosage is concerned, 1.5-3 g of rhizome/root can be taken thrice a day. Elecampane tea can be taken twice a day. To make this tea, 1.5-3 g of root can be added to 150 milliliters of boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes and strain.

❖ Vomiting
❖ Diarrhea
❖ Spasms

This herb is contraindicated in the following cases:

❖ Pregnancy
This herb should not be taken by women during the course of pregnancy, as it is considered to be a uterine stimulant. Moreover, there’s a lack of scientific data on its effect on the expectant mother and the fetus. It should also be avoided by nursing mothers.

❖ Allergy
It should be avoided by those who have had an allergic reaction on exposure to plants from the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family, which include chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed, daisies, etc.

Though inulin doesn’t have a significant effect on the blood sugar levels, diabetics who are using elecampane in any form must monitor their blood sugar levels on a regular basis. Elecampane can interact with central nervous system depressants and sedatives, thereby causing drowsiness. Thus, people who are taking such drugs must avoid its use.