ElecampaneElecampane (Unula helenium) was one of the most important herbs to the Greeks and Romans. For centuries it was regarded as a cure-all for illnesses as diverse as respiratory problems, digestive upsets, and menstrual disorders. By the 19th century this herb was used to treat coughs, neuralgia and skin problems. It is a liver stimulant and a tonic for weakness following bronchitis or influenza. Today elecampane root is used almost for upper respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever complaints. It loosens stubborn phlegm and can help coughs and congestion, especially for children. Want to know more how to use elecampane? Here are easy-to-make remedies suggested by a herbalist practicing in California.

by Kami McBride

Elecampane is a well known winter herb like Echinacea or ginger but it should be! This herb is AMAZING! The old herb books talk about this root for serious lung diseases like TB, silicosis and emphysema. It is one of the main herbs I rely for respiratory problems where there is excess phlegm.

If you are one of these people that catch a cold, fill up with mucus that drains into your lungs and then next thing you know you have bronchial infection, well I highly suggest getting to know elecampane.

 The part of the plant you use is the root. You can purchase it already dried and use it for teas and make syrup. Make some syrup at the beginning of cold and flu season, it will last in the refirigerator for about a month and I guarantee there will be someone you know that will need it.      

As soon as something starts to settle into the lungs take 5 tablespoons of the warmed syrup a day or purchase elecampane tincture. Take 30 drops of tincture every three hours.

Elecampane is a warming herbal tonic for the lungs. It strengthens the lung tissue and helps the lungs to absorb fluid. It  has demulcent properties and helps to soothe and heal the bronchial lining.

This wonderful healing root is also an expectorant, helping the body to rid of excess mucus. It is anti-bacterial and helps to fight off any infection. Use it when anything starts to creep past your throat. If you are wheezing, coughing, have a cold with lots of mucus, take elecampane!

My favorite way to take elecampane is in tincture form. Below I have listed a good resource for the tincture. I take 30 drops every three hours until symptoms sunside. I also love making elecampane syrup. You can take 5 tablespoons a day up to one month.

Elecampane Syrup

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups spring water
  • 4 tablespoons dried elecampane root
  •  2 cups honey
  •  Sterilized glass jar
  •  funnel
  •  muslin

Directions:

  • Put spring water and roots into a sauce pan
  • Bring to a boil and then heat down to lowest simmer
  • Simmer on low until the contents of the pan is down to 1/2 of the original volume that you started with. You can eyeball it, as the herbs leave a ring arounf the inside edge of the pot as they are being cooked down.
  • When you have cooked things down to about 2 cups, remove from heat.
  • Put a funnel lined with cotton muslin into the top opening of a sterilized jar
  • Pour the contents of the pan through the muslin and funnel into the jar. The muslin will catch the herb and only the liquid end up in the jar. make sure to not let any herb into the jar. If roots spill into the jar, you have to start over.
  • Add honey to liquid and shake until honey is mixed in.

You now have an elecampane syrup. This syrup will last about a month in the refrigerator.

To order elecampane tincture: http://www.livingawareness.com/AffHerbProductsList.aspx?hAffCategory=3&page=3&all=0

To order elecampane dried  roots visit http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkherb/bulkherb.html

Kami McBride teaches classes in herbal medicine and women’s health. She has helped thousands of people to use herbs in their daily lives in ways that are healthy, safe and fun. An intuitive and inspiring teacher, she works to revive the cultural art of home herbal care and teaches herbology as a relationship with the Earth and a way of life. www.livingawareness.com

To learn more about elecampane check  also out the book, Mama’s Home Remedies: Discover Time-Tested Secrets of Good Health and the Pleasures of Natural Living by Svetlana Konnikova, MA, AN, Aurora Publishers, 2008.

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