Elecampane root powder – Inula helenium

Native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, elecampane has been valued since ancient times. Its root is dried and then finely ground to facilitate the preparation of drinks and supplements. It is used both internally and externally in folk traditions.

Description

Beige to light brown powder with a distinctive woody and balsamic odor. Fine and homogeneous, it mixes easily with hot liquids, oils, or natural cosmetic bases.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Elecampane, Elecampane, Elenium
• Latin name: Inula helenium
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Powder
• Origin: Europe, Western Asia
• English name: Elecampane root powder
• German name: Alantwurzelpulver
• Name in Spanish: Polvo de raíz de elecampana
• Name in Italian: Polvere di radice di enula
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق جذر العُنَّة (Mas'houq Jathr al-ʿUnna)

Main virtues

In powder form, elecampane is used to prepare infusions, homemade syrups, or herbal capsules. It is also valued for its external uses in soothing treatments or herbal poultices.

Main constituents

Inulin, alantolactone, isoalantolactone, mucilages, essential oils, resins.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot water, let infuse for 10 minutes covered.
• Capsules: 300 to 500 mg per dose, 1 to 3 times per day (to be formulated by a professional).
• Cosmetic: integrated into skin care or aromatic poultices.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to Asteraceae.
• Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or young children without professional advice.
• Respect the recommended doses and avoid prolonged unsupervised use.

History and origin

Used in medieval herbals and monastic preparations, elecampane is mentioned by historical figures such as Dioscorides and Hildegard of Bingen. Its powdered form updates an ancient use by making it more accessible for everyday use.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: airtight jar away from humidity and light.
• Packaging: kraft bag, tinted glass jar, metal box.
• Appearance: Fine beige to light brown powder.
• Smell: woody, balsamic, slightly spicy.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European Phytotherapy
• Hildegard of Bingen, Dioscorides, ancient herbals
• Monastic and popular traditions

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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