Elecampane belongs to the genus of elecampane. It has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times.
Occurrence and cultivation of elecampane
Elecampane is a herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a maximum growth height of two meters. A striking feature of the medicinal herb is its yellow flower heads. Elecampane (Inula helenium) is the name given to a plant belonging to the genus of elecampane (Inula), which includes about one hundred species. It is part of the daisy family (Asteraceae). Already in ancient times, elecampane was used as a spice plant for cooking as well as a medicinal plant. The herb is also known in Germany under the names Brustalant, Schlangenkraut, Odinskopf , Helenenwurz, Altkraut, Edelwurz or Darmkraut. Elecampane is a herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a maximum growth height of two meters. A striking feature of the medicinal herb is its yellow flower heads. The leaves grow up to 50 centimeters long. On their lower side they have felt hairs. Also typical of elecampane is the aromatic fragrance of the strong rhizome. Its origin is in Central Asia and Asia Minor. In modern times, however, its cultivation also takes place in European regions such as Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, as well as in the Balkans. The medicinal plant thrives best in places that are semi-shaded and moist. The flowering period of the alant is between June and September.
Effect and application
In elecampane, there are ingredients such as inulin, elecampane, alanic acid, helenin, alantolactone, and essential oils, among others. Helenin is primarily responsible for the healing effects of the plant. Due to the mixture of ingredients, the plant achieves a positive effect in case of bronchial catarrh or loss of appetite. The administration of the plant can be done in different ways. In most cases, it is used in the form of tea. For its preparation, a teaspoon of alant root is poured over a cup of hot boiled water. The infusion time of the tea is ten minutes. After brewing, the user strains the tea and drinks it in small sips. The recommended dose is one to three cups per day. If the intake lasts longer than six weeks, a break from the elecampane tea should be taken to prevent undesirable long-term effects. After the break, the tea can be taken again for six weeks. Elecampane is also excellent for mixed teas. For example, it can be taken together with lungwort, licorice roots and ribwort leaves for cough complaints. Another proven form of administration is the tincture. It can be prepared by putting the roots of alanth in a jar with a screw cap and pouring the spirit of wine or double grain schnapps over it. Then this mixture is sealed to infuse for one to six weeks. After straining, the user fills the contents of the jar into a dark bottle. From the finished tincture, 10 to 50 drops can be administered per day. If the concentration is too strong, it is possible to dilute it with water. In the Middle Ages, elecampane wine was also often used as a remedy. To make it, 50 grams of elecampane roots are needed for one liter of wine. The producer puts them into a screw-cap jar and pours white wine over them. After decanting into a dark bottle, one to three glasses of liquor can be taken a day. For external use, an alant ointment is suitable. It is made in the traditional way from fresh alant roots and lard. The first step is cutting and boiling of the alant roots. These are pounded until a pulp is formed. Then the pulp is mixed with lard. The manufacturer then strains the mixture through a cloth. Finally, the ointment is poured into a crucible, where it cools. Other external uses include poultices with elecampane tea, ablutions, and applying the leaves to chronic skin inflammations or wounds.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Already in ancient times and in the Middle Ages, people appreciated the therapeutic effects of the alant. Thus, at that time, it served for the treatment of lung diseases or scabies. The medicinal plant was also supposed to protect against the plague. In modern times, however, elecampane is rarely used. Alant tea is well suited to combat respiratory diseases associated with cough.These include acute or chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis and pneumonia. It is recommended to use elecampane as an adjunct to conventional medicine. The medicinal plant facilitates the expectoration of mucus, reduces cramps and counteracts the irritation of the cough. In addition, elecampane has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which also has a positive effect on respiratory diseases. Treatment with elecampane can also be helpful in diseases of the digestive organs. It is used for flatulence, stomach problems, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea or bile problems. In contrast to earlier times, however, nowadays the treatment of cough complaints is in the foreground. Other internal uses include shortness of breath, angina, tonsillitis, loss of appetite, anemia, chest pain, urinary retention, cramps, and pleurisy. Externally, elecampane can be used to treat various inflammations of the skin. These can be ulcers, eczema, itching or poorly healing wounds. A disadvantage of elecampane is the possible occurrence of side effects. Thus, when used internally, diarrhea and vomiting, paralysis symptoms, convulsions are in the range of possibility. When used externally, irritation of mucous membranes may occur. Some people are also prone to allergic reactions. In case of overdose, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea are to be expected.
