Elecampane: A Natural Remedy for Respiratory Health
Why is Elecampane Beneficial?
Elecampane is known for its various health benefits, particularly for respiratory conditions. It has expectorant, anti-tussive, sedative, anti-fungal, relaxing, warming, and anti-microbial properties. This herb can soothe the linings of the bronchial tubes and act as an expectorant, helping to cleanse the lungs. Because of these properties, elecampane is often used to support respiratory conditions that produce a lot of mucus.
Traditionally, elecampane has been used as a specific remedy for chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. The root of the plant contains helenalin, helenin, and inulin. Inulin is particularly effective as it coats and soothes the bronchial passages and acts as an expectorant, reducing the secretions associated with chronic bronchitis.
Another compound found in elecampane is alantolactone, which has expectorant, secretolytic, and antitussive actions. This compound helps the body fight harmful organisms and has shown the ability to reduce redness and hypotensive properties in animals. Research from the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) in Ireland has demonstrated that herbal extracts, including those from elecampane, are effective at killing harmful organisms.
Elecampane for Respiratory Ailments
When breathing becomes difficult due to constricted airways, the lining of the bronchial tubes can become swollen and red. Inulin, found in elecampane, helps by coating and soothing these linings and acting as an expectorant to reduce lung congestion.
Elecampane formulas are commonly used to relieve coughs. According to the study “Relaxant effects on tracheal and ileal smooth muscles of the guinea pig” by Reiter M. Brandt, elecampane root has a relaxing effect on smooth tracheal muscle. Additionally, the plant’s bitter tonic properties stimulate appetite and digestion, increase bile flow, and support weakened respiratory conditions, especially after illnesses like influenza or bronchitis. John Gerard, a renowned herbalist, recommended elecampane for “shortness of breath.”
Andrew Pacholyk, a graduate of the Master of Science of Traditional Oriental Medicine, also supports the use of elecampane root for maintaining good lung health, particularly for individuals prone to asthma attacks.
Elecampane and Tuberculosis
While elecampane is often associated with bronchitis and emphysema, it has also been traditionally used to relieve symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis. Recent American research on tuberculosis supports this use. The volatile oils in elecampane stimulate circulation and the bronchi, bronchioles, and nose, while the saponins help expel mucus from the lungs.
Usage and Precautions
Elecampane is available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. However, individuals with cardiac concerns or hypertension should limit their consumption of elecampane to no more than once a week. If using elecampane in meals, soaking it in water for half an hour beforehand can help reduce its sodium content.
Other herbs that are beneficial for lung cleansing include eucalyptus leaf, osha root, peppermint leaf, lungwort leaf, oregano leaf, plantain leaf, chaparral, and lobelia flower.
