Elecampane root: medicinal properties and contraindications for women, for men, photo

The medicinal properties and use of elecampane are very popular in folk medicine. Useful rhizomes of the plant relieve negative symptoms in acute and chronic diseases.

Botanical description

Elecampane is a plant from the Astrov family. It has a long-term, sometimes annual life cycle, is represented by several species that look very similar to each other.

What does the elecampane plant look like

Perennial is able to rise up to 3 m above the ground. Shoots straight, smooth or slightly pubescent, almost no branching. The leaves are large, oblong or lanceolate, with an entire or serrated margin. It blooms in the second half of summer with yellow or orange baskets.

Elecampane inflorescences are single or collected in panicles and corymbs.

Varieties

It is customary to distinguish several types of perennials that are of medical value. Before medicinal use, you should study the photo, medicinal properties and contraindications of elecampane.

Devyasil high

High elecampane (Inula helenium) has the greatest medicinal value. It grows to about 3 m, the leaves of the plant can stretch up to 50 cm in length, and the flowers reach 8 cm in diameter.

From afar, tall elecampane can be mistaken for a sunflower

Elecampane magnificent

The magnificent elecampane (Inula magnifica) rises to an average of 2 m in height. It has a thick stem and huge basal leaves, the inflorescences of the species are yellow, up to 15 cm in diameter.

Magnificent elecampane blooms in July and August

Elecampane mechelistny

Sword-leaved elecampane (Inula ensifolia) is a compact plant no more than 30 cm tall. It has strong stems and narrow lanceolate leaves only about 6 cm long. It blooms in single yellow baskets of 2-4 cm.

Most often, sword-leaved elecampane grows in the mountains on calcareous and chalky soils.

Elecampane oriental

Eastern elecampane (Inula orientalis) is a plant about 70 cm tall with oblong leaves and dark yellow baskets of 10 cm inflorescences. Under natural conditions, it grows mainly in Asia Minor and the Caucasus.

Oriental elecampane has been cultivated since 1804

Where does elecampane grow

Elecampane is a plant widely distributed throughout the world. You can meet him in Europe, North and Central America, in Asia, throughout Our Country and even in Africa. Perennial prefers light areas with breathable soil. Often settles along the banks of rivers and near lakes, in well-moistened meadows, in pine and deciduous forests.

The value and chemical composition of elecampane

Traditional medicine uses for medicinal purposes mainly rhizomes and roots of elecampane. They contain many useful substances, namely:

• inulin – up to 40%;
• ascorbic acid;
• essential oils and resins;
• vitamin E;
• alkaloids;
• tannins;
• sesquiterpenes;
• saponins;
• allant camphor;
• potassium, manganese and iron;
• alactopicrin;
• pectins;
• magnesium and calcium;
• quercetin;
• organic acids;
• allanthol and proazulene.

The composition of the plant is represented by proteins and carbohydrates – 2,9 and 0,2 g, respectively. There are only about 100 calories in 15 g of roots.

What is useful elecampane

A perennial plant has a very beneficial effect on the body. In particular:

• helps fight inflammation and has an antiseptic effect;
• serves as a diuretic and choleretic agent;
• promotes the removal of toxins and waste products from the body;
• improves digestion and awakens appetite;
• has a calming effect on stress and nervous disorders;
• helps with diarrhea;
• improves blood circulation processes;
• promotes healing of wounds and ulcers.

Perennial is used in the fight against intestinal parasites. The plant inhibits their vital activity and helps to quickly remove worms from the body.

For men

The healing properties of elecampane for men are used for ailments of the reproductive system. Healing agents based on it relieve inflammation and pain, help to cope with hemorrhoids. The plant is used to enhance potency and to improve the quality of seminal fluid.

For women

Perennial is actively used in the gynecological field, elecampane root helps with delayed menstruation in women, with inflammatory ailments and pain in the uterus. Vitamin E in the composition of the plant has a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin, slows down the aging process and improves cellular metabolism.

Elecampane root can be used to relieve urinary inflammation

Can I take during pregnancy and with HB

The medicinal properties and contraindications of elecampane for women are ambiguous. Despite the benefits, it is not used during pregnancy. Phytohormones in the composition of the root of the plant can cause uterine bleeding and lead to miscarriage.

Also, the use of perennial-based products is not recommended for lactation. The active substances of the plant can cause allergies in infants or provoke intestinal colic.

At what age can children be given elecampane

The perennial is mainly used to treat coughs in children, it has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. At the same time, a child is allowed to offer herbal preparations only after reaching the age of three. In babies, the plant can cause stomach upset and allergies.

What helps elecampane, from what diseases

The use of elecampane root in folk medicine and traditional therapy is aimed at treating a variety of ailments. Among them:

• kidney stone disease;
• cough and bronchitis;
• helminthic invasions;
• diabetes;
• hemorrhoids;
• rheumatism and arthritis;
• hypertension and epilepsy;
• vascular spasms;
• headache;
• gastritis and stomach ulcer;
• liver disease.

The plant brings a good effect with a sluggish appetite, with a slow separation of bile. You can use it for a speedy recovery from colds and SARS.

Does elecampane help with weight loss

Perennial root is used on diets to reduce appetite. They usually take the remedy in this way, pour 15 g of crushed raw materials into a glass of cold water and use the infusion three times a day. The plant helps to more easily endure food restrictions, and also stimulates the removal of toxins from the body.

Recipes for healing compounds

Traditional medicine suggests using a perennial plant in several dosage forms. With any method of preparation, elecampane retains a maximum of valuable properties.

decoction

To prepare a medicinal decoction, you must:

• grind the dry root in the volume of a large spoon;
• pour raw materials with a glass of boiling water;
• bring to a boil in a water bath;
• boil seven minutes;
• insist under the lid for two hours.

Used for bronchitis and cough, it removes phlegm and fights bacteria.

You can use a decoction of elecampane to rinse your hair and wipe your skin.

Infusion

Instructions for the use of rhizomes and roots of elecampane suggest preparing an aqueous infusion from them. They do it like this:

• pour a small spoonful of crushed raw materials with a glass of cool water;
• leave for eight hours;
• filter through gauze.

It is necessary to drink a remedy from elecampane for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract according to recipes.

Infusion of elecampane strengthens the immune system during the period of autumn viruses

Tincture

In the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and inflammation, alcohol tincture is often used. They do it like this:

• a large spoonful of dry raw materials is poured into 500 ml of vodka;
• stopper the container and shake;
• for two weeks clean in a dark place.

The finished product must be filtered. Take the drug according to specific recipes.

A single dosage of elecampane tincture usually does not exceed 30 drops.

Tea

Tea from perennial roots is good for rheumatism, headache and toothache, flu and colds. The recipe for the preparation looks like this:

• a small spoonful of roots is poured into a glass of hot water;
• kept under the lid for 15 minutes;
• pass through gauze or a fine sieve.

You can drink a drink from elecampane a cup a day, if desired, honey can be added to the product.

Tea from elecampane, like a regular drink, is best consumed on a full stomach.

Ointment

Perennial rhizomes can be used externally for joint and skin diseases. Homemade ointment is prepared according to this recipe:

• a small amount of roots is ground into powder;
• mixed with slightly melted butter or lard in a ratio of 1:5;
• mix thoroughly and put in the refrigerator to solidify for several hours.

The finished elecampane ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas. It is not necessary to rub the product, it is enough to cover it from above with a bandage or folded gauze.

The consistency of the elecampane ointment should be dense and viscous

Root Powder

Perennial powder is used for cholecystitis, hepatitis, peptic ulcer and hypertension. The preparation is very simple:

• the root is thoroughly dried;
• grind in a blender or coffee grinder to a state of fine dust.

You can use the product in a dry form, washed down with water, a pinch twice a day on an empty stomach. It is also allowed to immediately dilute raw materials in liquid.

On the basis of powder from rhizomes, it is especially convenient to prepare infusions and decoctions.

The use of elecampane in folk medicine

Elecampane has great medicinal value. Traditional medicine advises using it for a wide variety of ailments – inflammatory, metabolic, digestive.

With colds

For the treatment of flu and colds, a medicinal decoction is used. Prepare it like this:

• crushed roots of elecampane and angelica are mixed in equal amounts in a large spoon;
• pour 1 liter of hot water;
• boil on the stove for ten minutes.

The finished drink is filtered and consumed 100 ml three times a day in a warm form.

From cough

For coughs and bronchitis, use the following decoction based on a medicinal plant:

• a large spoonful of chopped elecampane root is poured with a glass of boiling water;
• keep in a water bath for 30 minutes;
• the broth is cooled and filtered;
• topped up with clean water to the initial volume.

Throughout the day, the remedy should be taken in small portions until the entire glass is drunk.

To strengthen immunity

In the autumn, to protect against flu and colds, you can use the following decoction:

• a small spoonful of dry roots is crushed;
• pour a glass of hot water;
• boil for ten minutes on low heat;
• cool and pass the product through gauze.

You need to take a decoction up to six times a day for a large spoon. The drink not only improves immunity, but also has a good effect on angina.

At climax

Useful properties of elecampane root are used in the initial stage of menopause, if a woman wants to restore the monthly cycle. The prescription for the drug looks like this:

• a small spoonful of dry roots is ground into powder;
• pour 200 ml of boiling water;
• boil on low heat for 15 minutes and remove from the stove.

The broth must be insisted under the lid for several hours, then filtered and taken three small spoons per day for no more than four days in a row. The cycle should be restored on the second day. If this does not happen for the entire course, the drug should be stopped.

With arthrosis

In case of joint ailments, elecampane tincture relieves inflammation and pain. Prepare it as follows:

• 100 g of dry roots pour 250 ml of alcohol;
• close the container with a lid and put it in a dark place for two weeks;
• the finished product is filtered.

The tincture is used to rub the joints on a daily basis in the evenings. After applying the drug, the sore spot should be wrapped warmly.

Elecampane tincture has strong warming properties

From parasites

A drink made from elecampane and some other medicinal herbs has a good effect on parasites in the intestines. To get rid of helminths and ascaris, you must:

• take 30 g of elecampane, thyme, tansy and St. John’s wort;
• add a similar amount of burdock, centaury and eucalyptus;
• grind all herbs;
• measure 75 g of the mixture and pour 300 ml of water;
• boil for seven minutes and insist for another hour.

A little honey is added to the remedy and taken four large spoons three times a day on a full stomach. You need to continue treatment for two weeks, then take a break for another seven days and repeat the course twice.

With pancreatitis

Elecampane has a good effect on the pancreas during the remission of pancreatitis. Prepare this decoction:

• a large spoonful of elecampane is mixed with the same amount of coltsfoot;
• add two large spoons of string;
• pour herbs 500 ml of water and boil for five minutes.

Under the lid, the product must be kept for about two hours. During the day, the broth is drunk in full to the end, taking it in small portions at short intervals.

With diabetes mellitus

The perennial regulates blood glucose levels and prevents the complications of diabetes. The remedy is prepared as follows:

• two small spoons of dry raw materials are soaked in 500 ml of cold water;
• insist in heat for eight hours;
• pass the agent through gauze.

You need to take an infusion of half a glass four times a day on an empty stomach.

With diseases of the digestive tract

With pain in the abdomen, frequent constipation and other digestive disorders, the following infusion helps:

• a small spoonful of crushed rhizome is poured with a glass of boiling water;
• insist ten hours under the lid;
• passed through folded gauze.

You need to take the drug 1/4 cup on an empty stomach three times a day.

With gastritis

The benefits and harms of elecampane for gastritis depend on the level of acidity. They use a medicinal plant with increased production of gastric juice, since it reduces the amount of secreted enzymes. The medicine is done like this:

• a small spoonful of raw materials is poured into a glass of chilled water;
• leave to infuse for eight hours;
• filter.

Take an infusion of 50 ml four times a day.

With gastritis, a decoction of elecampane is drunk shortly before meals, but not in a state of severe hunger.

With protrusions

The perennial is not capable of eliminating protrusions of the spine, but it helps well with pain syndrome. Usually homemade ointment is used:

• a large spoonful of grated roots is mixed with five large spoons of lard;
• melt the mixture in a water bath for ten minutes;
• strain hot through folded gauze.

The cooled homogeneous agent is applied to problem areas and wrapped with a warm cloth for an hour. You can apply the ointment daily, but it is really possible to completely eliminate the protrusion only by surgery.

From prostatitis

To relieve inflammation and pain in prostatitis, use this decoction of elecampane:

• 30 g of dry root is crushed;
• pour 500 ml of hot water;
• boiled for half an hour.

The cooled agent is filtered and drunk in a sip every two hours during the day.

With hemorrhoids

Medicinal preparations based on elecampane contribute to the resorption of hemorrhoids. Good action brings such an infusion:

• a small spoonful of dry root is ground into powder;
• pour 250 ml of warm water;
• kept under the lid for about five hours.

The strained remedy is taken on an empty stomach four times a day, a single serving is 50 ml.

For the liver

In case of liver ailments, the collection of medicinal herbs has a beneficial effect. For cooking you need:

• mix 15 g of elecampane and artichoke extract;
• add 45 g of dandelion and immortelle;
• add 30 g of stigmas of corn and 55 g of burdock;
• grind the entire collection to a state of powder and measure out two small spoons.

The components are poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for two hours and taken twice a day, 200 ml each.

With oncology

Elecampane for oncology can be used in combination with official medicines. Such an infusion brings benefits:

• the roots of the plant are ground into powder in the volume of a glass;
• combined with 500 ml of fresh honey;
• mix thoroughly and cover with a lid;
• insist during the day.

You need to take the mixture in a large spoonful three times a day on an empty stomach.

Elecampane in cancer therapy mitigates the unpleasant effects of chemotherapy

For skin diseases

With dermatitis and eczema, a decoction of elecampane can be used for washing. The tool is done like this:

• 100 g of dry raw materials are poured into 1 liter of hot water;
• insist for four hours;
• filtered through cheesecloth.

You can wipe the diseased areas of the skin with a drug several times a day until the condition improves.

With asthma

The following remedy can help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks:

• a large spoonful of crushed root is poured into a glass of water;
• boil for 15 minutes;
• passed through gauze.

You need to take the remedy twice a day, if desired, the drink is flavored with a spoonful of honey.

The use of elecampane

Traditional medicine is not the only area where the medicinal properties and contraindications of the high elecampane root are valued. The plant can be found in the composition of traditional medicines, it is also used for skin and hair care.

In official medicine

Elecampane extract is present in several pharmaceutical preparations:

• tablets Devyasil-P;
  
  

  Elecampane-P is taken for coughs, gastrointestinal ailments and skin diseases.

• Cream Elecampane – the tool is used in the treatment of wounds and burns;
  
  

  Cream with elecampane extract accelerates regeneration processes

• herbal tea Korni elecampane – the collection is used to increase immune resistance.
  
  

  You can take pharmacy tea from the roots of elecampane when you cough

In pharmacies, perennial essential oil is also available for purchase. It is used not only for flavoring rooms, but also for external use on the skin for healing wounds and ulcers.

Elecampane oil has a strong antiseptic effect

In cosmetology

The root contains vitamins E and C. Infusions and decoctions based on perennials are well suited for washing in the morning and evening. The face from such care becomes fresh, fine wrinkles disappear, skin elasticity improves.

Root powder is used as part of homemade cosmetic masks. You can mix it with honey – the remedy will cleanse your face of acne and blackheads. Alcohol tincture is also beneficial for rashes, it is applied pointwise to acne for cauterization.

Hair can be rinsed after washing with decoction of elecampane. The tool will not only strengthen the subcutaneous follicles, but also help to cope with dandruff, and also return a healthy shine to the curls.

Contraindications and side effects when taking elecampane

When using the medicinal properties of elecampane at home, contraindications must be taken into account. It is forbidden to use preparations based on perennial:

• with serious cardiovascular ailments;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• with gastritis with low acidity;
• with hypotension;
• with a tendency to bleeding;
• with individual allergies.

Take decoctions, infusions and other means in strict accordance with the recipes. If nausea, diarrhea, headache or rash occurs, stop using the medicine immediately and consult a doctor.

Terms and rules for harvesting elecampane roots

Elecampane roots are harvested in spring when the first leaves appear or in autumn, after leaf fall, but before frost. Plants older than two years are dug up entirely, cut off the upper part, and the underground shoots are shaken off the ground and washed with water. The side roots are usually removed, leaving only the main stem.

Before drying, the raw materials are cut into pieces of 10 cm and left in the fresh air for three days. Then they are placed in an oven heated to 40 ° C and left with the door open until the roots begin to break easily.

Store medicinal raw materials in wooden containers, paper bags or cloth bags. Valuable properties of elecampane are retained for three years.

Conclusion

The medicinal properties and use of elecampane are of great importance in folk medicine. The plant helps to cope with inflammation and improves the condition in severe chronic ailments.