I managed to grow 4 Elecampane seeds this last summer, 2022. The seeds took along time to germinate. All of the growth took place in forming a sturdy root system. By the end of autumn I was not sure they would survive the winter. As an experiment I planted 2 in the ground and have 2 in pots in my greenhouse. All 4 are alive as their pink tipped sprouting stems are poking through the soil. The ones exposed to the outside environment survived below 0c which is so exciting for me. I look forward to spring when they will start to grow. In a few years I hope to be able to harvest some of the roots to make my own tincture. I recommend this tincture sold in the Health Shop I work in and have wonderful feedback on it’s healing especially for coughs and chest issues.
Health Benefits:
Treats coughs and chest congestion.
Assists the digestive system by eliminating intestinal parasites & worms.
Assists with a healthy cardiovascular system.
Uplifts mood
Anti- bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Helps to treat asthma.
Helps with type 2 Diabetes
BENEFITS EXPLAINED
Respiratory Health
With many respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, the bronchial tubes become red and swollen making it difficult to breathe. Elecampane root is rich in the phytochemicals; helenalin, helenin and most importantly inulin. Inulin coats and soothes the bronchial passages whilst acting as an expectorant helping to reduce bronchial secretions and cleansing the lungs of congestion.
In addition to its expectorant qualities, Elecampane soothes the irritation and inflammation that results from coughing, whilst also acting as a cough suppressant. This antitussive action is thought to be a result of another active compound, alatolactone, found in the root of this herb.
Furthermore, the sesquiterpene lactones present in Elecampane have a natural antibiotic effect that may be useful in treating bacterial respiratory infections.
Anti-Parasitic
The phytochemicals alantolactone and isoalantolactone contained in the roots of Elecampane have anthelmintic and anti-parasitic properties. These compounds are effective in destroying and expellling parasites from the intestine such as; roundworms, pinworms, hookworms, whipworms and threadworms.
Digestive Health
Elecampane root contains a whopping 44% of the prebiotic compound inulin. Prebiotics support and nourish healthy gut flora and are one of the favourite foods of probiotics, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. Colonies of these beneficial bacteria in the gut help to stave off infections, prevent inflammation and encourage healthy bowels.
In the case of loss of appetite and feelings of lethargy due to poor nutrient absorption, Elecampane enhances nutrient absorption and encourages proper function of the digestive system.
symptoms and improved gastric mucosal circulation. The trial was conducted on 102 patients with peptic ulcer disease.
Diabetes
The high inulin content in Elecampane is also helpful for people with blood sugar issues, such as Type II Diabetes. The inulin slows down sugar metabolism, reducing the harmful blood glucose spikes that contribute to insulin resistance. Consuming inulin rich foods helps to restore normal levels of blood sugar.
Many thanks to Indigo Herbs - https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/elecampane