12 Health benefits of Elecampane

Elecampane is a tall, bristly perennial composite plant that grows about 3 meters tall. The plant is found growing in fields, waysides, waste places, copses, damp meadows, wet-mesic pastures, old fields and roadsides. The plant prefers moist, shady positions, in ordinary garden soil, though it flourishes best in a good, loamy soil, the ground being damp, but fairly well-drained.

The plant has thick, branching and mucilaginous roots with thick rhizome which is white on the inside and yellow in the outside. Erect stem grows from 4 to 5 feet high and is very stout and deeply furrowed, and near the top it is branched. The lower part of the stem is quite hairy while the upper part of the stem is downier.
 

Health benefits of this herb includes the use for respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, coughs as well as bronchitis. It will aid in the healing of bronchitis by drying up the mucus secretions. It is also a remedy for the treatment of tuberculosis.  As a matter of fact, long before antibiotics came into existence; it was used as remedy for tuberculosis. Listed below are few of the health benefits of Elecampane

1. Respiratory remedy

Elecampane is an effective cure for many types of respiratory ailments, including bronchitis. Volatile oil gives the roots expectorant, anti-inflammatory and warming properties that help break up congestion and calm coughs. Frequent intake of elecampane root decoction can relieve symptoms of chronic bronchitis, asthma and other chronic lung conditions. Its antibacterial property is so effective; it kills the organism that causes tuberculosis. Flower decoction or syrup is especially helpful for coughs or nausea caused by excessive mucous.



2. For Intestinal Worms

The herb is quite beneficial in treating intestinal parasites and worms. It has been used effectively to treat a range of parasites including hookworm, threadworm, roundworm and whipworm. One of the plant’s constituents – alantolactone is thought to be responsible for its anthelmintic actions.

3. Blood sugar stabilizer

Elecampane root may be beneficial for diabetics. Roots are a rich source of inulin, a type of fiber named after this plant’s botanical name. Inulin, which is different from the hormone insulin, is often added to low-fat foods to give the foods a high-fat consistency. According to Men’s Health, inulin helps stabilize blood sugar and improve absorption of nutrients from foods.



4. Antibacterial Actions

Scientific research has found that the herb possesses some mild antibacterial actions which can further help relieve colds and infections caused by bacteria.

5. Skin remedy

Elecampane root has anti-inflammatory properties and when used topically it help relieve eczema and other types of skin inflammation. Alantolactone in the roots seems to be responsible for this healing property. You can effortlessly prepare a wash by diluting the root decoction.



6. Used for Fragrance

Essential oil of elecampane can be diffused in the home to freshen up the smell and to ease any nasty odors from cooking or smoke. It is occasionally used in soaps and other cosmetic products for its camphor-like fragrance.

7. Used as a Sedative

Elecampane may possess mild sedative properties and like many herbal teas, it could be useful in calming your nerves and anxiety. Warm cup of tea made from the herb before bed may be just what you need to get a good night’s sleep. Herb that works for one person will not essentially work for another but given that elecampane is usually considered as safe; it would not hurt to give it a go.



8. Digestive remedy

People used elecampane as a digestive stimulant and cure for upset stomach for hundreds of years. It is also a favorite cure due to a chemical called alantolactone – for expelling worms and parasites from the digestive tract. Taken before a meal, the root decoction has a bitter principle called helenin which promotes digestion, improves vitamin and mineral absorption, and encourages the appetite. This remedy is particularly helpful for refreshing the appetite after a bout with the flu or other illness.

9. Gives relief from stress

Elecampane herb helps to fight the stress well. It contain tranquil compound which mainly help to gives relief from stress. This herb treats disease like insomnia and feeling nervous all the time. If you cannot sleep well due to stress then elecampane herb is best for you. You can take this herb in the form of tea or can mix with water as per your choice. If you are trying this you can get the benefits from this.



10. Use in cosmetics
Today people love to try natural cosmetics products because they are not harmful for them. Natural products always have extra benefits in contrast to artificial products. Natural products are little expensive too, so if you are rather than people buy them. Just like that if you also want to get benefits of the natural cosmetic products then you can the elecampane is the prime ingredient.

11. Stagnation in the Urinary System

Elecampane root is also mentioned as a diuretic that is specific to UTIs, cloudy urine, or edema. Lesley Tierra says that the Chinese use a similar species, xuan fu hua or Inula salsoloides, as a diuretic, but it is the leaves and stalks that are used.



12. Reduces fat and increases the immunity power

Most of the times we eat fatty food or fast food which results weight increases. But this is not good for the health, but if you take elecampane on regular basis then it will maintain your right. It contains lots of vitamins and minerals in it so that it helps for stronger immune system.