
General Information
OTHER NAMES: Elecampane Inula helenium, Inula racemosa
HISTORY: Ancient Greeks and Romans
PROPERTIES: ​Expectorant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihelminthic, bronchodilator, antioxidant, adaptogenic
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Cough (helps cough of TB and whooping cough), congestion, asthma, bronchitis,
chronic respiratory disease
Cardiovascular: May be cardioprotective, helps with blood pressure
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhea, worms (hookworm, roundworm, threadworm, and whipworm)
Musculoskeletal: Sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism
Blood Sugar: May help decrease blood sugar
Cholesterol: May help control cholesterol
Cancer: Possibly anti-cancer
Other: Diuretic
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, do not take with sedatives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Allergies to ragweed and certain other plants, low blood pressure
FORMS: Essential oil, cough drops, capsule, tincture, tea
Recommended Brands
No recommended brands available at this time.
Dosage
As directed on the product label.
Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to herbal dosing on the Epocrates website.
Traditional Use (General Information Only)
This herb has been used traditionally in various forms such as teas, capsules, powders, or extracts. Traditional uses vary widely and are based on historical practices rather than modern clinical evidence.
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
