Elecampane root: medicinal properties and contraindications for women, men, photos

The medicinal properties and uses of elecampane are very popular in folk medicine. The beneficial rhizomes of the plant relieve negative symptoms of acute and chronic diseases.

Botanical description

Elecampane is a plant from the Asteraceae family. It has a long-term, sometimes annual life cycle, and is represented by several species that are very similar in appearance to each other.

What does an elecampane plant look like?

The perennial is able to rise up to 3 m above the ground. The shoots are straight, smooth or slightly pubescent, with almost no branches. The leaves are large, oblong or lanceolate, with a whole or serrated edge. It blooms in the second half of summer with yellow or orange baskets.

Inflorescences of elecampane can be single or collected in panicles and corymbs

Varieties

It is customary to distinguish several types of perennials that are of medical value. Before medicinal use, you should study the photos, medicinal properties and contraindications of elecampane.

Elecampane tall

Tall elecampane (Inula helenium) has the greatest medicinal value. It grows to about 3 m, the leaves of the plant can stretch up to 50 cm in length, and the flowers reach 8 cm in diameter.

From afar, a tall elecampane can be mistaken for a sunflower

Elecampane magnificent

The magnificent elecampane (Inula magnifica) grows to an average height of 2 m. It has a thick stem and huge basal leaves; the inflorescences of the species are yellow, up to 15 cm in diameter.

The magnificent elecampane blooms in July and August

Inula elecampane

Sword-leaved elecampane (Inula ensifolia) is a compact plant no more than 30 cm tall. It has strong stems and narrow lanceolate leaves only about 6 cm in length. It blooms in single yellow baskets 2-4 cm long.

Most often, sword-leaved elecampane grows in the mountains on calcareous and chalk soils.

Elecampane eastern

Eastern elecampane (Inula orientalis) is a plant about 70 cm tall with oblong leaves and dark yellow baskets of inflorescences 10 cm long. Under natural conditions it grows mainly in Asia Minor and the Caucasus.

Eastern elecampane has been cultivated since 1804

Where does elecampane grow?

Elecampane is a plant widespread throughout the world. You can meet it in Europe, North and Central America, Asia, throughout Russia and even in Africa. The perennial prefers bright areas with breathable soil. Often settles along the banks of rivers and near lakes, in well-moistened meadows, in pine and deciduous forests.

Value and chemical composition of elecampane

Traditional medicine uses mainly rhizomes and roots of elecampane for medicinal purposes. They contain many useful substances, namely:

• inulin - up to 40%;
• ascorbic acid;
• essential oils and resins;
• vitamin E;
• alkaloids;
• tannins;
• sesquiterpenes;
• saponins;
• alanthic camphor;
• potassium, manganese and iron;
• alactopicrin;
• pectins;
• magnesium and calcium;
• quercetin;
• organic acids;
• allanthol and proazulene.

The composition of the plant is represented by proteins and carbohydrates - 2.9 and 0.2 g each, respectively. There are only about 15 calories in 100 g of roots.

How is elecampane useful?

The perennial plant has a very beneficial effect on the body. In particular:

• helps fight inflammation and has an antiseptic effect;
• serves as a diuretic and choleretic agent;
• promotes the removal of toxins and waste from the body;
• improves digestion and awakens appetite;
• has a calming effect on stress and nervous disorders;
• helps with diarrhea;
• improves blood circulation processes;
• promotes healing of wounds and ulcers.

The perennial is used in the fight against intestinal parasites. The plant inhibits their vital activity and helps to quickly remove worms from the body.

For men

The healing properties of elecampane for men are used for ailments of the reproductive system. Healing products based on it relieve inflammation and pain, and help cope with hemorrhoids. The plant is used to enhance potency and improve the quality of seminal fluid.

For women

The perennial is actively used in the gynecological field; elecampane root helps with delayed menstruation in women, inflammatory ailments and pain in the uterus. Vitamin E contained in the plant has a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin, slows down the aging process and improves cellular metabolism.

Elecampane root can be used to relieve genitourinary inflammation

Can I take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The medicinal properties and contraindications of elecampane for women are ambiguous. Despite its benefits, it is not used during pregnancy. Phytohormones contained in the root of the plant can cause uterine bleeding and lead to miscarriage.

It is also not recommended to use perennial-based products during lactation. The active substances of the plant can cause allergies in infants or provoke intestinal colic.

At what age can elecampane be given to children?

The perennial is used mainly to treat coughs in children; it has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. At the same time, offering herbal preparations to a child is allowed only after reaching three years of age. In children, the plant can cause stomach upset and allergies.

What does elecampane help with, what diseases?

The use of elecampane root in folk medicine and traditional therapy is aimed at treating a wide variety of ailments. Among them:

• kidney stone disease;
• cough and bronchitis;
• helminthic infestations;
• diabetes;
• haemorrhoids;
• rheumatism and arthritis;
• hypertension and epilepsy;
• vascular spasms;
• headache;
• gastritis and stomach ulcers;
• liver diseases.

The plant has a good effect on sluggish appetite and slow secretion of bile. It can be used for a speedy recovery from colds and acute respiratory viral infections.

Does elecampane help with weight loss?

The perennial root is used in diets to reduce appetite. The remedy is usually taken like this: pour 15 g of crushed raw materials into a glass of cold water and drink the infusion three times a day. The plant makes it easier to tolerate dietary restrictions, and also stimulates the removal of waste and toxins from the body.

Recipes for healing compounds

Traditional medicine suggests using the perennial plant in several dosage forms. Regardless of the cooking method, elecampane retains maximum valuable properties.

Decoction

To prepare a medicinal decoction you need:

• grind the dry root in the volume of a large spoon;
• pour a glass of boiling water over the raw materials;
• Bring to a boil in a water bath;
• boil for seven minutes;
• leave covered for two hours.

The remedy is used for bronchitis and cough, it removes mucus and fights bacteria.

You can use a decoction of elecampane to rinse your hair and wipe your skin.

Infusion

The instructions for using elecampane rhizomes and roots suggest preparing an aqueous infusion from them. They do it like this:

• a small spoon of crushed raw materials is poured into a glass of cool water;
• leave for eight hours;
• filter through cheesecloth.

You need to drink the remedy from elecampane for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract according to the recipes.

Infusion of elecampane strengthens the immune system during the period of autumn viruses

Tincture

Alcohol tincture is often used in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and inflammation. They do it like this:

• a large spoon of dry raw material is poured with 500 ml of vodka;
• seal the container and shake;
• put it in a dark place for two weeks.

The finished product must be filtered. Take the drug according to specific prescriptions.

A single dosage of elecampane tincture usually does not exceed 30 drops

Tea

Tea made from the roots of the perennial is good for rheumatism, headaches, toothaches, flu and colds. The recipe for preparing the product looks like this:

• pour a small spoonful of roots into a glass of hot water;
• keep under the lid for 15 minutes;
• pass through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.

You can drink a cup of elecampane drink a day; if desired, you can add honey to the product.

Elecampane tea, like a regular drink, is best consumed on a full stomach

Ointment

The rhizomes of the perennial can be used externally for joint and skin diseases. Homemade ointment is prepared according to this recipe:

• a small amount of roots is ground into powder;
• mixed with slightly melted butter or lard in a ratio of 1:5;
• mix thoroughly and put in the refrigerator to harden for several hours.

The prepared elecampane ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas.There is no need to rub the product in; just cover it on top with a bandage or folded gauze.

The consistency of the elecampane ointment should be dense and viscous.

Root powder

Powder from the perennial is used for cholecystitis, hepatitis, peptic ulcers and hypertension. The preparation is very simple:

• the root is thoroughly dried;
• grind in a blender or coffee grinder to a fine dust.

You can use the product in dry form, with water, a pinch twice a day on an empty stomach. It is also allowed to immediately dilute the raw materials in liquid.

It is especially convenient to prepare infusions and decoctions based on rhizome powder.

The use of elecampane in folk medicine

Elecampane has great medicinal value. Traditional medicine advises using it for a wide variety of ailments - inflammatory, metabolic, digestive.

For colds

A medicinal decoction is used to treat flu and colds. It is prepared like this:

• crushed roots of elecampane and angelica are mixed in equal quantities in a large spoon;
• pour 1 liter of hot water;
• boil on the stove for ten minutes.

The finished drink is filtered and consumed 100 ml three times a day warm.

Against cough

For coughs and bronchitis, use the following decoction based on a medicinal plant:

• pour a large spoonful of chopped elecampane root into a glass of boiling water;
• keep in a water bath for 30 minutes;
• the broth is cooled and filtered;
• top up with clean water to the initial volume.

Throughout the day, the product should be taken in small portions until the entire glass is drunk.

To strengthen the immune system

In the autumn, you can use the following decoction to protect against flu and colds:

• a small spoonful of dry roots is crushed;
• pour a glass of hot water;
• boil over low heat for ten minutes;
• cool and pass the product through cheesecloth.

You need to take the decoction up to six times a day, using a large spoon. The drink not only improves immunity, but also has a good effect on sore throat.

During menopause

The beneficial properties of elecampane root are used in the initial stages of menopause, if a woman wants to restore her monthly cycle. The drug recipe looks like this:

• a small spoonful of dry roots is ground into powder;
• pour 200 ml of boiling water;
• Boil over low heat for 15 minutes and remove from the stove.

The decoction should be left covered for several hours, then filtered and taken three small spoons per day for no more than four days in a row. The cycle should resume on the second day. If this does not happen during the entire course, you should stop taking the drug.

For arthrosis

For joint ailments, inflammation and pain are relieved by elecampane tincture. It is prepared as follows:

• 100 g of dry roots are poured with 250 ml of alcohol;
• cover the container with a lid and put it in a dark place for two weeks;
• the finished product is filtered.

The tincture is used to rub joints on a daily basis in the evenings. After applying the drug, the sore spot should be wrapped warmly.

Elecampane tincture has strong warming properties

From parasites

A drink made from elecampane and some other medicinal herbs has a good effect on parasites in the intestines. To get rid of helminths and roundworms you need to:

• take 30 g each of elecampane, thyme, tansy and St. John's wort;
• add a similar amount of burdock, centaury and eucalyptus;
• chop all the herbs;
• measure 75 g of the mixture and add 300 ml of water;
• Boil for seven minutes and leave for another hour.

Add a little honey to the product and take four large spoons three times a day on a full stomach. You need to continue treatment for two weeks, then take a break for another seven days and repeat the course twice.

For pancreatitis

Elecampane has a good effect on the pancreas during the period of remission of pancreatitis. Prepare the following decoction:

• a large spoonful of elecampane is mixed with the same amount of coltsfoot;
• add two large spoons of string;
• pour 500 ml of water over the herbs and boil for five minutes.

The product should be kept under the lid for about two hours. During the day, drink the entire decoction to the end, taking it in small portions at short intervals.

For diabetes

The perennial regulates blood glucose levels and prevents diabetes complications. The remedy is prepared as follows:

• soak two small spoons of dry raw materials in 500 ml of cold water;
• leave in a warm place for eight hours;
• pass the product through gauze.

You need to take the infusion half a glass four times a day on an empty stomach.

For gastrointestinal diseases

For abdominal pain, frequent constipation and other digestive disorders, the following infusion helps:

• a small spoon of crushed rhizome is poured with a glass of boiling water;
• leave under the lid for ten hours;
• passed through folded gauze.

You need to take 1/4 cup on an empty stomach three times a day.

For gastritis

The benefits and harms of elecampane for gastritis depend on the level of acidity.The medicinal plant is used when there is increased production of gastric juice, as it reduces the amount of secreted enzymes. The medicine is done like this:

• a small spoon of raw material is poured into a glass of chilled water;
• leave to infuse for eight hours;
• filtered.

Take 50 ml infusion four times a day.

For gastritis, a decoction of elecampane is drunk shortly before meals, but not in a state of severe hunger.

For protrusions

The perennial is not able to eliminate protrusion of the spine, but it helps well with pain syndrome. Homemade ointment is usually used:

• a large spoonful of ground roots is mixed with five large spoons of lard;
• melt the mixture in a water bath for ten minutes;
• strain while hot through folded cheesecloth.

The cooled, homogeneous product is applied to problem areas and wrapped in a warm cloth for an hour. You can use the ointment daily, but it is only possible to completely eliminate the protrusion through surgery.

For prostatitis

To relieve inflammation and pain due to prostatitis, use the following decoction of elecampane:

• 30 g of dry root is crushed;
• pour 500 ml of hot water;
• boil for half an hour.

The cooled product is filtered and sipped every two hours during the day.

For hemorrhoids

Medicines based on elecampane promote the resorption of hemorrhoids. The following infusion brings good results:

• a small spoon of dry root is ground into powder;
• pour 250 ml of warm water;
• keep under the lid for about five hours.

The strained product is taken on an empty stomach four times a day, a single serving is 50 ml.

For the liver

For liver ailments, the collection of medicinal herbs has a beneficial effect. To prepare you need:

• mix 15 g each of elecampane and artichoke extract;
• add 45 g of dandelion and immortelle;
• add 30 g of corn silk and 55 g of burdock;
• Grind the entire mixture to a powder and measure out two small spoons.

The components are poured with a glass of boiling water, left for two hours and the product is taken twice a day, 200 ml.

For oncology

For oncology, elecampane can be used in combination with official medications. The following infusion brings benefits:

• the roots of the plant are ground into powder in the volume of a glass;
• combine with 500 ml of fresh honey;
• stir thoroughly and cover with a lid;
• insist for 24 hours.

You need to take a large spoonful of the mixture three times a day on an empty stomach.

In cancer therapy, elecampane mitigates the unpleasant effects of chemotherapy

For skin diseases

For dermatitis and eczema, a decoction of elecampane can be used for rinsing. The remedy is done like this:

• 100 g of dry raw materials are poured into 1 liter of hot water;
• insist for four hours;
• filter through cheesecloth.

You can wipe the affected areas of the skin with the medicine several times a day until the condition improves.

For asthma

The following remedy can help reduce the frequency of asthmatic attacks:

• pour a large spoonful of crushed root into a glass of water;
• boil for 15 minutes;
• passed through gauze.

You need to take the product twice a day; if desired, flavor the drink with a spoon of honey.

Application of elecampane

Traditional medicine is not the only area where the medicinal properties and contraindications of elecampane root are valued.The plant can be found in traditional medicines and is also used for skin and hair care.

In official medicine

Elecampane extract is present in several pharmaceutical preparations:

• Elecampane-P tablets;
  
  

  Elecampane-P is taken for coughs, gastrointestinal ailments and skin diseases

• cream Elecampane - the product is used in the treatment of wounds and burns;
  
  

  Cream with elecampane extract accelerates regeneration processes

• herbal tea Roots elecampane — the collection is used to increase immune resistance.
  
  

  You can take pharmaceutical tea from the roots of elecampane for coughing

Perennial essential oil is also available for purchase in pharmacies. It is used not only for aromatizing rooms, but also for external use on the skin to heal wounds and ulcers.

Elecampane oil has a strong antiseptic effect

In cosmetology

The root contains vitamins E and C. Infusions and decoctions based on the perennial are well suited for washing in the morning and evening. As a result of this treatment, the face becomes fresher, fine wrinkles disappear, and the elasticity of the skin improves.

Powder from the roots is used in homemade cosmetic masks. You can mix it with honey - the product will cleanse your face of acne and blackheads. Alcohol tincture is also beneficial for rashes; it is applied precisely to pimples to cauterize them.

Hair can be rinsed after washing with a decoction of elecampane. The product will not only strengthen the subcutaneous follicles, but also help cope with dandruff, and also return a healthy shine to your hair.

Contraindications and side effects when taking elecampane

When using the medicinal properties of elecampane at home, contraindications must be taken into account. It is prohibited to use preparations based on perennials:

• for serious cardiovascular diseases;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• for gastritis with low acidity;
• with hypotension;
• with a tendency to bleeding;
• for individual allergies.

You need to take decoctions, infusions and other remedies in strict accordance with the recipes. If nausea, diarrhea, headache or rash occurs, you should immediately stop using the medicine and consult a doctor.

Terms and rules for harvesting elecampane roots

Elecampane roots are harvested in the spring when the first leaves appear or in the fall, after leaf fall, but before frost. Plants older than two years are dug up entirely, the top part is cut off, and the underground shoots are shaken off the ground and washed with water. The lateral roots are usually removed, leaving only the main stem.

Before drying, the raw materials are cut into 10 cm pieces and left in the fresh air for three days. Then place in an oven heated to 40 ° C and leave with the door open until the roots begin to break easily.

You need to store medicinal raw materials in wooden containers, paper bags or fabric bags. Elecampane retains its valuable properties for three years.

Conclusion

The medicinal properties and use of elecampane are of great importance in folk medicine. The plant helps cope with inflammation and improves the condition of severe chronic ailments.

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