Is a flowering stem that is in the Aster family. It is also called horse heal, elf-dock or wild sunflower. It is not native to most of the United States It has been found sporadically in the midwest. It is found regularly in the uppermost states around  the Atlantic Coast and Pacific Coast, along with distribution around the Great Lakes. It is easy to propagate with seeds and requires rich soil that is wet but not marshy.  

Elecampane has been used for centuries, writings of the Ancient Greeks recommended it for an antiseptic, expectorant, diuretic,and an immune booster. The root has been used to make absinthe and as a condiment.

Large doses of Elecampane can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It should not be used during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant. Skin rashes have been reported if you have an allergy to and plant in the Aster family.

You can use the whole plant but most of the medicinal properties are in the roots. In history it has been used for treating Asthma, Bronchitis, Mucus, Whooping Cough, Flu, and Tuberculosis.

Studies have shown that it gently loosens mucus and is an anti-inflammatory to calm inflammation of the respiratory tract. It is useful in supporting lung health in asthmatics, and is slightly more effective than mullen. It is not recommended for dry coughs. It will reduce your need to cough as it makes the cough more productive. In Russia a clinical study of the root has shown that the sesquiterpene lactones are the compound most effective and it is sold as Alanton to treat acute and chronic infections, and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and thick viscous cough. In lab studies it has been shown to reduce inflammation in acute lung injury. It is also good for sore throats especially when combined with horehound and licorice root.

Elecampane has mostly been used to treat respiratory issues but it is also good for digestion and appetite. Should be used for poor digestion, poor absorption, and poor appetite.It helps with a sluggish digestive system as it contains Inulin that is a prebiotic fiber that is readily fermentable by your intestinal bacteria. This is linked to intestinal permeability,decreases fat mass and improves appetite. It works by increasing your digestive juices and bile to help digest the food better for improved use in your  digestive system. 

It is a good sedative and a cup of tea before bed may help you sleep better especially if you are suffering from unproductive coughs that keep you awake. This will help your cough be more productive plus relax you enough to sleep. As with any herb some work better than others so it may not work for you.

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it a good choice to treat yeast infections, E.coli, M. Tuberculosis and Staph infections. 

Studies have shown that it has a unique quantity and mixture of bioactive compounds that make it good for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons, Alzheimer’s, Huntingtons, ALS and Motor neuron disease. It helps protect against stresses on the body also.

Having a high insulin content is helpful for patients with high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Insulin slows down sugar metabolism, reduces blood glucose spikes and decreases insulin resistance.

It has been used for centuries for intestinal parasites. It contains vermifuge which is a special compound that expels parasites, like hookworm, roundworm threadworm and whipworm. Those of us who work in the ground are very likely to have exposure to one or more of these parasites like hookworm and roundworm and according to WHO it is believed that about 75% of the world's population is infected with some kind of parasite. Most of us will and can live with intestinal parasites for the rest of our lives and never know it but just YUCK! Elecampane will effectively rid you of soil borne parasites.

Elecampane has been found to contain alantolactone and based on tests done by the NIH as reported by the Scientific reports journal this specific compound extracted from Elecampane showed it was effective in killing cervical cancer cells at the beginning and ones that were near the end of their cycle but if they are in the middle of their cycle it does not seem to be effective. However it does speed up cell death and if treated early in the cancer cycle it is effective in stopping the spread and growth of cells that are already established. The particular complex protein that Elecampane affects is naturally in your body and it does help with other processes in your cells. However this protein is also responsible for some types of leukemia but testing has never been done on leukemia as cervical cancer seems to be a priority. 

This can also be used on pancreatic cancer as the same properties will apply but they have not studied it as extensively as they have against cervical cancer.

Typically the roots are harvested when 2 or 3 years old. Older than that they get woody and difficult to work with, younger roots have not reached their full medicinal properties yet. Typically you will only find a tea or a tincture. If you choose to grow your own you can make your own tincture.