Elecampane by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Elecampane, Horse-heal, Elf Dock
2. Folk Name(s): Velvet Dock, Scabwort, Yellow Starwort, Enula Campana
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Inula helenium
4. Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Tall (3–6 ft) plant with large, rough, ovate leaves (up to 18 inches long at base), woolly undersides, and bright yellow daisy-like flowers with narrow petals, blooming mid-to-late summer. Thick aromatic roots are brown outside and white inside.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers temperate climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Northern and central temperate regions with cool summers.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe and western Asia, naturalized in North America. Found in meadows, damp pastures, woodland edges, and along roadsides.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
2. Propagation: By seed in spring or root division in autumn.
3. Companion Planting: Pairs well with other tall herbs (Angelica, Lovage) but may overshadow smaller plants. Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Roots harvested in autumn of the second or third year for peak potency. Dig carefully to preserve as much of the root as possible.
5. Drying/Preservation: Roots sliced and dried in warm, airy conditions; store in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Known since ancient times, mentioned by Pliny and Dioscorides. Root linked to Helen of Troy—legend says the plant sprang where her tears fell.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used in Roman, Greek, and medieval European herbalism as a lung tonic, digestive aid, and to heal wounds in horses (hence “Horse-heal”).
3. Symbolism: Associated with healing, breath, and spirit—“plant of inspiration and divine breath.”

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Inulin (a prebiotic fiber), alantolactone, isoalantolactone, helenin, essential oils, sesquiterpene lactones.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Expectorant for bronchitis, asthma, coughs, whooping cough.
4. Bitter tonic for digestion, bloating, and sluggish appetite.
5. Antimicrobial and antifungal (historically against tuberculosis and intestinal parasites).
   
6. Preparation Methods: Decoction of root, tincture, syrup, infused honey, powdered root.
7. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
8. Decoction: 1–2 tsp dried root per cup, simmered 10–15 minutes, up to 3× daily.
9. Tincture: 1–4 ml up to 3× daily.
   
10. Safety/Precautions: Avoid in pregnancy (may stimulate uterus). High doses can cause nausea/vomiting. Those allergic to daisies (Asteraceae family) should use caution.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air & Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mercury (breath, communication) and Helios (sun, illumination); linked to Helen of Troy in myth.
3. Magical Correspondences: Healing, protection, love charms, psychic visions, spiritual strength, inspiration.
4. Ritual Use: Burn root as incense for purification or to aid divination. Carried as a charm for protection during travel. Infused in oil for ritual anointing.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Appearing in dreams may signify healing, the need to “breathe easier,” or divine inspiration arriving.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators; roots may deter soil pests.
3. Culinary Uses: Root candied in sugar syrup in medieval times; also brewed into herbal wines, ales, and liqueurs. Bitter and aromatic flavoring agent.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Respiratory tea, digestive bitter, candied root, protective incense.
2. Notable Traits: Root contains large amounts of inulin (beneficial prebiotic).
3. Special Notes: Revered as both a horse healer and a divine gift of inspiration in folklore.

Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931).
3. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (DK, 2016).
4. Mills, S., & Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (2013).
5. Hoffmann, D. Medical Herbalism (2003).
6. Culpeper, N. Complete Herbal (1653).
7.