Elecampane Root Powder

Botanical Name: Inula helenium

Common Name:

• English: Elecampane
• Ayurvedic: Pushkaramuula, Pushkara, Pouskara,

• Also, known as: Alant, Inule, Enula elemie, Ussul-ur-rasun, Phatmer, Pil-gush, Scabwort, Elf dock, Yellow starwort, Wild sunflower, Horse heal, Velvet dock, Paushkara, Padmapatra, Kaashmira, Kushtha-bheda, Pohakarmul, Puskar, Pushkarmula, Pushkarmulam, Pushkara, Pushkaramula, Pohakar Mul, Pushkara Moola, Pokhar Mool, and Pushkarmulam, Elfwort, Horse-Elder, Horseheal, and Indian Elecampane

Origin: Bulgaria/Ukraine

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Roots and rhizomes  

General Information:

Inula helenium is one of our largest herbaceous, striking, and handsome plant. The stems are thick, vigorous, 3 to 4 ft. tall, downy above, and branched. The leaves are large, ovate, 10 to 18 inches long and wooly underneath, are arranged alternately and toothed, the upper ones clasping the stem, the lower ones stalked. The flower heads are golden yellow, large, solitary, 2 to 4 inches across, and with narrow rays, blooming in midsummer. The flowers are on long stalks, resembling a double sunflower. The root is slightly gray brown on the outside, lighter brown internally, hard, horny and cylindrical, and should be dug in the autumn of the second year, usually split into longitudinal, oblique pieces having one or more roots. Divide plants about every 3 years to maintain vitality. The whole plant is similar in appearance to the horseradish.

This plant has a long and interesting history as a medicinal herb wherein the rhizomes and roots were at one point used in a large variety of medical applications.

Inula racemosa, similar species also found in Western Himalayas.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot. 

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.