It is mainly used as a supplement or as a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial - to relieve respiratory or gastrointestinal problems - but it has also been shown to be used as a flavoring agent for food and drinks, as well as fragrance in soaps and cosmetic products.
Its main use is to quell coughs, thin mucus, promote sweating, relieve vomiting and kill bacteria. Elecampane can be found commercially in the form of root supplements, dry and powdered, liquid and infused.
. Although more research is needed, much of this antioxidant activity is attributed to the alantolactone compound found in the genus Inula herbs, including the elecampane., as well as promoting the opening of the airways, slowing down the activity of white blood cells and reducing inflammation in respiratory conditions.
In one study, the authors provided children who had an acute cough with a cough suppressant containing elecampane for 8 days. The researchers found it was safe and reduced the severity and duration of the cough compared to a placebo. However, the cough suppressant contained several ingredients, not just elecampane root, so it's impossible to know how the root alone affected the study result.
Elecampane root as an antibacterial
Elecampane root extracts have a potential antibacterial and antifungal activity. Some test tube studies found that elecampane root was effective against staph, possibly by damaging the membrane of bacterial cells and causing them to die. Other laboratory research has found that elecampane extracts can fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis respiratory disease. They can also suppress the Candida , a species of yeast that can cause fungal infections.
Against eczema and herpes
The elecampane is also available in the form of ointment. For external use, in fact, decoctions and ointments are used as remedies for the treatment of itching resulting from eczema, dermatosis, dermatitis, cold sores and skin rashes in general.
or for those taking medications to lower blood pressure.One study found that sesquiterpene lactone compounds present in elecampane root could trigger a systemic allergic reaction among people with a sensitivity to plants in the family. Compositae. Some anecdotal sources state that people shouldn't use elecampane root in conjunction with sleep medications due to potential interactions, but there is a lack of scientific data. However, as with any herbal supplement, it is best to exercise caution and consult with your healthcare provider. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid elecampane root due to a lack of research related to the safety of its intake.
