Description. Useful properties of elecampane are found in its root and rhizome. Among them are various resins, wax, 1-3% of essential oil in the form of crystals, vitamin E, saponins, up to 44% of inulin polysaccharide, and mucus. A decoction from the rhizomes and roots of the plant is prescribed for inflammatory processes of the intestines or stomach, for fighting cough and bronchitis with thick discharge, as well as in the cases of liver and kidney disease. The root has anthelmintic and diuretic properties, relieves inflammation, etc. Another component of the plant – tocopherol (aka vitamin E) – helps to delay the aging processes in people suffering from premature aging, since this vitamin is a natural antioxidant. A decoction of elecampane is also indispensable in the treatment of skin diseases. For treatment and prevention, a strong decoction is used, which is added to the water when taking baths. Also, a special elecampane ointment is used externally, which treats itching, scabies, etc. The mucus, resins and gums found in the plant have a beneficial therapeutic effect – they envelop the walls and thereby protect the intestinal and stomach mucosa, as well as the throat.
Use. Among traditional remedies, the reception of elecampane is quite common. Usually, a decoction or infusion is made from the roots of the plant, it is also used as an additive to tea or made into an ointment. The powder obtained from the roots is mixed with pork fat and then fried. The mix is then placed on a linen cloth and applied to a wound or tumor. An infusion made from the root of the plant is one of the best remedies for dealing with stomach ailments such as ulcers or gastritis. For the treatment of duodenal ulcers, it is necessary to take a tablespoon of infusion, and then drink two or three tablespoons of pork fat. Elecampane is also useful for combating sciatica, goiter or diseases of the nervous system – external and internal use is allowed. A different type of infusion of the plant reduces toothache, helps fight heart disease, and also slightly lowers blood pressure. A special tea is made from the plant, which helps to fight cough: you need to add a liter of boiling water to a teaspoon of the rhizomes of the plant and leave it for fifteen minutes. Take a glass of the infusion two or three times during the day, along with honey. There is also a good a recipe for the cases of bronchial asthma: the juice obtained from the roots and rhizomes of the plant must be combined with honey in a ratio of one to one, and then taken by a teaspoon twenty minutes before meals three times a day.