Elecampane Root Cut and Sifted for Herbal Tea

ELECAMPANE ROOT (Inula helenium): HERBAL BENEFITS & HISTORY

KEY HERBAL ACTIONS:

• Expectorant

• Antibacterial

• Antiviral

• Digestive stimulant

• Anti-inflammatory

• Tonic for the lungs

HISTORY & FOLKLORE

Origins and Etymology:

• Native to Europe and Western Asia, now naturalized in North America.

• The name "elecampane" is thought to come from “Enula campana”, or “Helen of the fields.” Myth has it that the plant sprang up where the tears of Helen of Troy fell.

• Historically cultivated in medieval monastic gardens as a lung and digestive remedy.

Traditional Uses Across Cultures:

• Ancient Romans and Greeks: Used it to support digestion and respiratory health; considered a sacred healing herb.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Known as tu mu xiang, valued for respiratory and phlegm-resolving actions.

• European Folk Herbalism: Given for whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, and indigestion; also brewed into syrups and candies.

HERBAL BENEFITS OF ELECAMPANE ROOT

1. Respiratory Health

• One of the best traditional herbs for deep lung clearing.

• It’s especially useful for wet, phlegmy coughs, bronchitis, and chronic congestion.

• Contains inulin, a mucilage-like compound that soothes irritated bronchial tissues.

• Powerful expectorant: Helps the body expel mucus effectively without suppressing the cough reflex.

2. Antibacterial & Antiviral Properties

• Effective against respiratory pathogens, especially in chronic lung infections.

• Historically used as a natural antibiotic for upper respiratory tract infections.

3. Digestive Support

• Stimulates appetite, relieves gas and bloating, supports the breakdown of food.

• Inulin also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

• Used in bitters and liqueurs for its aromatic bitterness.

4. Immune System Tonic

• Supports the body’s resilience during and after illness.

• Often used in convalescence to rebuild strength and lung vitality.

ELECAMPANE ROOT TEA: RECIPE & USAGE GUIDE

Elecampane root is potent and a little goes a long way. Its flavor is strong, somewhat bitter and aromatic, with a camphor-like or slightly floral scent — very earthy.

RESPIRATORY WELLNESS TEA BLEND

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried elecampane root (cut & sifted)

• 1 tsp licorice root (soothing & sweetens bitterness)

• 1 tsp mullein leaf (lung tonic, expectorant)

• 1 tsp ginger root (warming, anti-inflammatory)

• Optional: a pinch of thyme or peppermint (for flavor and decongestion)

Instructions:

1. Place herbs in a pot or teapot.

2. Add 2–3 cups of water.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes (elecampane is a root, so decoction is best).

4. Strain and sip slowly.

5. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Suggested Use:

• Drink 1–2 cups daily during cold or flu recovery, or as support for chronic lung conditions.

• Especially effective in late winter and early spring when congestion and coughs linger.

TASTE & BLENDING TIPS

Elecampane is strongly aromatic and bitter, so it pairs well with:

• Licorice (sweet, harmonizing)

• Ginger (spicy warmth)

• Cinnamon or cardamom (to balance the camphorous tones)

• Chamomile or lemon balm (calming, digestive aid)

• Peppermint (for clearing and flavor)

⚠️ CAUTIONS & SAFETY

• Pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy.

• Sensitive digestion: High doses can cause nausea or vomiting.

• Diabetics: Inulin may affect blood sugar; use with care.

• Always consult a healthcare provider or herbalist for long-term or intensive use.

ELECAMPANE HONEY (Lung Syrup)

If tea isn’t your thing, or you want a sweeter option:

1. Gently warm 1 cup raw honey.

2. Stir in 2–3 tbsp powdered or chopped dried elecampane root.

3. Let it infuse for a week or more.

4. Use 1 tsp at a time for coughs or sore throats.

ELECAMPANE OXYMEL (HERBAL COUGH SYRUP)

An oxymel is a traditional vinegar-honey syrup used for sore throats, coughs, and immunity.

Ingredients:

• 1 part dried elecampane root (chopped)

• 1 part dried thyme or ginger

• 2 parts raw apple cider vinegar

• 2 parts raw local honey

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass jar halfway with herbs.

2. Pour equal parts ACV and honey over herbs until fully covered.

3. Stir well and seal with a non-metal lid.

4. Let infuse for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.

5. Strain and bottle. Label + date.

Storage: Keeps 6+ months in fridge or cool cupboard.

Dose: 1 tsp every 2–3 hours for cough/sore throat, or daily as preventative.

SEASONAL HERBAL FORMULA: “Lung Recovery & Resilience Tonic”

This can be made into a tea blend, tincture mix, or capsules.

Formula:

• Elecampane root (20%) – Deep expectorant, immune booster

• Mullein leaf (25%) – Lung soother, anti-inflammatory

• Marshmallow root (20%) – Moisturizing mucous membranes

• Thyme (15%) – Antimicrobial, antispasmodic

• Licorice root (15%) – Adrenal tonic, harmonizing

• Ginger root (5%) – Warming, synergist

Use for:

• Post-viral cough recovery

• Chronic respiratory conditions

• Cold/damp winter lung support

• Allergy season resilience

Brew as a tea, infuse into honey, or tincture blend for easy dosing.