Coming from Central Asia, native to Central and Southern Europe, elecampane is one of the well-known medicinal plants. The hardy perennial bears beautiful yellow flowers from July to September.

Elecampane is a decorative medicinal plant for the garden

What healing properties does elecampane have?

Elecampane contains essential oils, bitter substances and inulin. These substances act against loss of appetite as well as to loosen mucus in bronchial catarrh. However, allergy sufferers should be very careful, because allergies to elecampane are quite common and the bitter substances of this plant are often used in herbal liqueurs. They are supposed to stimulate digestion.

Elecampane has an antibacterial and antimycotic effect (against fungi), stimulates digestion and metabolism, diuretic and cholagogue, cough suppressant and antispasmodic. In the past, this plant was used to treat many ailments: loss of appetite, bronchitis, intestinal inflammation, gall bladder problems and dry cough, but also for eczema and poorly healing wounds and even against worms.

How do you use elecampane?

Due to the bitter taste and the allergenic effect, elecampane is only rarely used for medicinal purposes today. However, it is a component of lemon balm spirit and many herbal bitters or liqueurs. You can also make a tea from the root and leaves. It helps with mild indigestion, for example. The trade offers some ready-to-use preparations with elecampane.

Can you grow elecampane yourself?

Elecampane is not only curative but also decorative. The flowers are reminiscent of sunflowers. With a growth height of up to two meters, this perennial is an ornament for cottage gardens and natural gardens. The scent, reminiscent of violets, is ideal for potpourris. The leaves can be harvested when needed, the roots, which weigh several kilos, only from the autumn of the second year.

Elecampane likes a moist, humus-rich soil with more or less sun. However, it does not have to be in the midday sun. Give plenty of organic fertilizer in the planting hole, so the lush growing roots have enough nutrients to get started. Water your elecampane regularly and not too little. Elecampane can be propagated by sowing or dividing.

tips

During your pregnancy you should only use elecampane after consulting your doctor. Herbal supplements also have side effects.

Category:

Herbs