Inula helenium (Elecampane, Scabwort)

Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Habitat/Botanical Description: Inula is indigenous to Europe, temperate Asia, and is now cultivated throughout the world. It has light gray fleshy roots that give rise to an erect stem 4 – 5 feet in height. The entire plant is downy. The stem produces a rosette of large, ovate, pointed leaves. The leaves have toothy margins. Flowering in June to August with large, bright yellow flowers.

Part Used: Root

Active Constituents:

Bitter (helenin), Inulin (up to 44%), resin, sesquiterpene lactones, sterols, volatile oil (alantic acid, azulene)

Medicinal Actions:

Alterative, antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic

Medicinal Uses:

1.Inula is a potent and capable lung tonic that may be used to treat any condition of the lung.

2.It is a good expectorant that also reduces inflammation, stimulates and supports immune function.

3.It assists with expectoration of patients who are weak from any cause, including age, disease and overwork.

4.It is especially indicated in the treatment of irritating, non-productive bronchial coughs.

5.It will stimulate expectoration of very tenacious mucus.

6. The antiseptic properties of the plant aid in its ability to help the body fight conditions of viral, bacterial or fungal origin.

7.The helenin is a strong bacteriocide to the Tubercle bacillus. Inulin stimulates the alternate complement pathway, which potentiates cell-mediated immune function.

8.It is warming to the lungs, diaphoretic and will reduce night sweats caused by illness.

9. Inulin is not absorbed by the body and is excreted unchanged.

10.Because of the bitter principle, it is also a digestive stimulant that promotes detoxification through the intestines.

11.It is a slow acting plant and needs to be used in higher doses in acute illness and at regular doses for an extended period of time to obtain full effect.

12. So may be added to a chronic tonifying formula for the treatment of asthma rather than an acute formula.

Contraindications: None

Toxicity: None

Drug Interactions: None

Pharmacy:

Cold Infusion: 1 tsp/cup steep overnight, warm to drink 3 – 4 cups daily

Tincture (1:5): 3 – 5 ml TID - QID

Fluid Extract (1:2): 1 – 3 ml TID – QID

Powdered Herb: 2 – 4 grams daily