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Elecampane root: medicinal properties and contraindications. Video
Elecampane tall is a perennial herb with a high pubescent stem, very large lower leaves and bright yellow flowers, collected in numerous baskets. Elecampane root has long been used in medicine, effectively helping from various ailments.
Old Russian herbal medicine men ascribed to elecampane “nine forces” (where, in fact, the name came from). For medicinal purposes, the roots of the plant are used, from which infusions and decoctions are prepared. However, it should be remembered that elecampane, for all its merits, also has contraindications.
Collection and processing of elecampane roots
The underground part of the plant contains many biologically active substances: polysaccharides, essential oils, resins, gums, organic acids and their derivatives, alkaloids and vitamin E. This explains its medicinal properties. The main active ingredient in elecampane is alantolactone, which has antihelminthic and bactericidal properties.
The collection of rhizomes and lateral roots of elecampane can be carried out either in early spring (immediately after the appearance of its first leaves), or in late summer – early autumn. They are cleaned of the earth, washed and cut into small pieces, from 3 to 20 centimeters long. Too thin roots, the thickness of which is less than ½ centimeter, are discarded. Then the collected raw materials are dried under sheds or indoors until the thick rhizomes become hard and the thin roots brittle. On a fresh fracture, dark shiny points containing essential oils and resins should be clearly visible. The finished raw material exudes a strong spicy aroma.
Store dried roots and rhizomes in wooden containers lined with paper inside
Application and contraindications for elecampane high
You will need: – elecampane root; – boiling water; – cotton wool or gauze; – red wine; – honey; – burdock; – deep enameled container.
Infusions and decoctions of elecampane high have a pronounced anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antiseptic and expectorant effect. They also normalize the digestion process and stimulate appetite. Therefore, this plant is widely used for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, especially those accompanied by the formation of sputum, gastrointestinal tract, a number of skin diseases, as well as for the healing of wounds and ulcers. Elecampane preparations also effectively help in the treatment of certain gynecological diseases, hemorrhoids. This plant is very good at relieving worms, for example, ascaris.
Elecampane root is also part of the collection intended for the treatment of a number of diseases – pleurisy, ulcerative colitis, cystitis, epilepsy
In order to prepare a decoction of elecampane, you need to take 2 tablespoons of chopped roots, pour 2 cups of boiling water, boil for 15 – 20 minutes over low heat, then leave under a lid for 4 hours. Strain through cotton wool or cheesecloth. The resulting broth is taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. It can also be used to rinse the throat or lotions on wounds, ulcers (not weeping).
The so-called “elecampane wine” has a good firming and tonic effect, helps with stomach ulcers and diseases of the liver, gall bladder. For its preparation, 2 tablespoons of crushed roots are poured with 500 milliliters of red wine (for example, port or Cahors wine), brought to a boil, boiled for 10 minutes over low heat and filtered. The resulting drink should be taken 3 times a day before meals, about 50 milliliters. Some sources recommend adding 1 tablespoon of honey when boiling elecampane wine for flavor.
Application of elecampane
Elecampane also works well for rheumatism. It is necessary to mix 1 weight part of the roots of elecampane and burdock, then pour 1 tablespoon of the resulting mixture with 200 milliliters of boiling water. Insist in a warm place, covered for 20 minutes, then strain. The resulting infusion is taken 3 times a day, 20 minutes before meals, 1 tablespoon. It can also be used for warming compresses.
This is not a complete list of useful properties of elecampane. It also helps with tuberculosis, stomatitis, cold allergies. There is evidence that elecampane can delay the development of some types of malignant tumors. It is also used for cosmetic purposes, for example, with faded, problem skin. In a word, this plant is rightfully considered one of the most effective.
However, elecampane also has contraindications that you should know when using it. For example, its preparations should not be taken by people suffering from a number of cardiovascular diseases. They are also contraindicated in some kidney diseases, gastritis with low acidity, hypotension. You can not take elecampane for pregnant women, as well as for gynecological diseases, accompanied by excessive menstruation. Elecampane drugs should also be used with caution in case of stomach ulcers during an exacerbation. In addition, the dosage must be strictly monitored. In any case, it is better to consult a doctor before using elecampane.