Hardy perennial, almost tropical-looking wild flower, growing 4 - 5 ft high. Also known as Scabwort and Elfswort. It has large leaves (about 12 ins) which are wrinkled and downy. Very large, yellow, daisy-like flowers are produce atop thick stems during summer. Found in the wild alongside hedges and ditches, although not that common nowadays. Popular cottage garden plant due to its cough and asthma properties.Its name is allegedly connected with Helen of Troy who, it is said, held a bunch of Elecampane when she was taken by Paris. Its Latin name means Helen's Helen - "inula" being though to be a corruption of Helenula - "little Helen". Its name may also derive in part from the Latin "campus" for field. In Chinese herbalism it is known as hsuan-fu-hua.
In the Middle Ages, Elecampane roots were candied to help digestion. The Romans used the plant as a vegetable. The Anglo-Saxons also used it. In the nineteenth-century it provided one of the ingredients in a popular cough medicine. Called Hors-helene in the tenth-century and used as a horse medicine. Its roots were used in poultices in the Victorian era to relieve saddle and harness sores. Roots can also be chewed to prevent tooth decay. Decoct the plant for acne.
In Spain the sticky roots are still hung round doors and windows to catch flies. Pliny and Dioscorides regarded the plant as an antidote to poison and snakebite - apply the hairs of the root to the bite to stop the spread of poison. Galen recommended it for sciatica - boil the leaves in wine.
Growing Elecampane in your garden will attract fairies. The plant is used in fairy rituals and you can overcome elven magic by stabbing the plant's roots. Elecampane has also been used in love potions - grind Vervain, Elecampane and Mistletoe into a powder and sprinkle into the wine of your chosen love. Alternatively, sew Elecampane flowers or leaves into pink cloth and wear to attract love. Wear in your hat to frighten off robbers and all sly people. If placed in the hat of a deceptive person he will go red in the face. Throw Elecampane roots on a fire to scent a room, or smoulder on charcoal to heighten your psychic powers. It is a useful plant to use when trying to contact nature spirits.
Villagers in Bridgend, Glamorgan, tell of an old woman who many years ago cured hydrophobia in cattle by making a decoction of Elecampane mixed with milk, poultry feathers an other secret ingredients - it seemed to work as many farmers would come to her for the cure. She also made a very similar mixture for people - the sufferer had to bathe in the sea and then take one dose of the mixture when the moon was either new or full. This mixture will cure any bite or scratch and was popular in southern and northern Wales until 1870.
Rhizomes and roots are collected from two-year old plants during September and October to retrieve the drug used in herbal remedies for easing coughs, catarrh and diabetes. Also used in mouthwashes. Good for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. Its oil is used in perfume. It can be taken internally for bronchitis, hayfever, TB and pleurisy. Used as a remedy for irritation caused by the herpes virus. Decoction can cure sheep scab.
In the Middle Ages, apothecaries sold candied roots in flat, pink, sugary cakes to be sucked to ease asthma, indigestion and sweeten breath. Elecampane also forms the basis of a medieval recipe for those who have been struck down with disease by elves.
The plant contains up to 40% insulin and is sometimes recommended to diabetics as a sweetener. It can also be used externally for skin infections, sciatica and neuralgia. It contains a substance that expels intestinal parasites, and it improves the secretion of toxins and stimulates the immune and digestive systems.
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Loves clay soil. Propagate from 2 inch root cuttings or offshoots in autumn.
NOT TO BE TAKEN BY PREGNANT WOMEN.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*
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