Inula helenium

Inula helenium [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.treknature.com/gallery/photo16302.htm

Common name: 
Elecampane
(Bone, 2003, p. 193). 

Latin binomial:
Inula helenium  
(Bone, 2003, p. 193).
 

Family: 
Compositae 
(Bone, 2003, p. 193).

Parts used:
Root and rhizome
(Bone, 2003, p. 193).

Active contituents:

• Inulin 40% (immunostimulating)
• Sesquiterpene lactones
• Triterpenoid saponins (expectorant)
• Volatile oil - helenin (Anthelmintic)
• Polyacetylenes (antibacterial)
• Mucilage

(Hoffmann, 1983, p. 192).  

Actions:

• Diaphoretic
• Expectorant
• Antibacterial
• Bronchospasmolytic
• spasmolytic 

  (Bone, 2003, p. 193). 

Indications:

• Bronchial or tracheal catarrh
• Bronchitis - acute and chronic
• Emphysema, Asthma (wet), Cough (wet)
• Chronic cough with lowered appetite
• Congestive LRT complaints
• Bacterial LRT infections

(Hoffmann, 1983, p. 192). 

Contraindications: 

• Asteraceae allergy, 
• Lactation - Sesquiterpene lactones 
• Pregnancy

(Bone, 2003, p. 193).

Cautions:
Hypersensitivity to Sesquiterpene lactones 
(Bone, 2003, p. 193). 

Dosage:
Liquid Extract 3-6ml 1:2 LE /day 20-40ml
 1:2 LE / week Dried Herb Equivalent 
4.5 - 12g/day of dried root (decoction) 
 (Bone, 2003, p. 193). 

Combinations: 
Combines well with White horehound, Coltsfoot, Pleurisy root and Yarrow for respiratory problems 
(Hoffmann, 1983, p. 192).  

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.