Inula Helenium – Elecampane
Parts used – Root & rhizome.
Actions– Antimicrobial, expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, bitter, Aromatic digestive, antispasmodic, carminative, decongestant, antifungal, emmenagogue, diuretic.
Legend has it that Helen of Troy carried a handful of Inula on the fateful day the Trojan prince Paris abducted her from Sparta, igniting the Trojan war. Perhaps the woman whose face launched 1,000 ships had dysentery, pinworm, hookworm!! We will never know.
During the Middle Ages it was a popular as a veterinary medicine. It was reputed to cure scab disease in sheep, hence the once popular name Scabwort. It was also considered a panacea for horses, & for that reason it was also know as horseheal.
Respiratory System.
The pungent root is a warming decongestant & expectorant, excellent for catarrh, colds, hay fever & bronchitis. It is antispasmodic & antibacterial, useful for sore throats, tonsillitis, larygngitis, whooping cough, asthma, chest infections, pneumonia & pleurisy.
Inula combines well with Horehound, Coltsfoot & Yarrow for respiratory Problems.
Immunity
Inula is antibacterial & anti fungal & enhances immunity. As an anti-inflammatory, it is helpful in arthritis & auto-immune disease. Its antimicrobial actions help combat unfriendly microorganisms including Candida, thereby enhancing immunity.
Digestion
The volatile oils in elecampane warm & invigorate the digestion & enhance appetite, digestion & absorption, while the cooling & cleansing bitter help clear toxins from the gut. Its antispasmodic action relaxes tension & spasm & combats infections. It calms nausea, indigestion, flatulence & colic & is useful in IBS, diarrhoea & gastro- enteritis. It helps maintain healthy gut flora & it antifungal & very helpful for Candida. It is used to expel worms & parasites.
Urinary System
As an antiseptic diuretic,elecampane relieves fluid retention & can be used for urinary tract infections, it is a good antispasmodic for an irritable bladder.
Lung & Chest Congestion Tea
2 Part Licorice root
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Echincea
1 Part Inula
1/4 part Ginger
Drink 3 -4 cups daily.
Magical Uses.
Element Air, Planet Mercury. Powers- Love, protection & Psychic Powers. Worn, Inula attracts love. Sew up some of the leaves or flowers in pink cloth. It is also carried for protection & the herb smouldered on charcoal aids to sharpening psychic power.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy. Large doses can cause vomiting, allergic hypersensitivity.
Green Blessings – Laura x