Elecampane (Inula helenium rhizoma concisus) is a plant native to Central Asia. It has been known for a very long time, it is one of the earliest known plants with healing properties. Elecampane root has a bitter and burning taste and a specific and strong smell. In the past, the Romans and Greeks - especially during feasts - used elecampane as a remedy for digestive problems. In addition, the root of this plant has been used to fight colds and flu.
What features does it offer?
Elecampane root has expectorant properties. It can help us fight respiratory infections and make it easier to breathe when coughing. The essential oils contained in this plant help stimulate coughing and optimal functioning of the respiratory tract.
It can accelerate the removal of secretions from the lungs. Elecampane root is also valued for improving and aiding digestion. It can also be helpful during the discomfort associated with a tickle in the throat.
Usage - elecampane syrup
We can prepare the syrup ourselves with the addition of other herbs with a similar effect (e.g. thyme herb, anise fruit or licorice roots). We measure 25 grams of each of the ingredients we choose, then pour about 1 liter of boiling water. Leave the mixture prepared in this way for - more or less - 8 hours, necessarily under cover. After this time, strain our infusion and add 200 grams of honey.
Recipe for decoction and tincture
Another way is to obtain a decoction - we need 3 tablespoons of cut elecampane root, which we boil with 500 ml of water, cook the whole thing for 12 minutes over low heat. Cooking the decoction for too long can make it taste hotter and spicier, so be sure to respect the cooking time.
The elecampane root can be used to make a tincture. We need about 100 grams of cut elecampane root, which we pour over 250 ml of alcohol (40-60% will be suitable). After a week of keeping the tincture in a dark place, we filter it and it's ready. It is recommended to drink the tincture several times a day, but not more than half a teaspoon at a time. Elecampane root is not recommended for consumption by pregnant women, small children and people with intolerance to elecampane.
Contraindications
The product is not intended for children, pregnant and lactating women.
