Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Although elecampane has never been proven to stimulate the uterus, it has been used traditionally to promote menstruation. For that reason, pregnant women should not use it. Animal studies show that small doses of the herb lower blood sugar levels, but higher doses raise them. These studies have not been replicated in humans, but diabetics should steer clear of the herb.

Sensitive individuals may develop a rash from skin contact with elecampane or its oil. Otherwise, no harmful effects have been reported.

Elecampane is included in the Food and Drug Administration’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who do not have diabetes, elecampane is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.

If elecampane causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Elecampane should be used only in consultation with your doctor. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

A Beauty of a Plant

Elecampane is a striking perennial that reaches 5 feet and produces a large flower, hence its common name, wild sunflower. The entire plant is covered with woolly hairs. The medicinal roots are large, branching, and fleshy.

Elecampane may be started from seeds sown indoors in late winter, then transplanted. But once plants have been established, the herb is best propagated from 2-inch root cuttings taken in autumn from the buds (”eyes”) of two-year-old roots. Cover the cuttings with moist, sandy soil and store for the winter in a cool indoor room. Plant the cuttings 3 feet apart after danger of frost has passed. Deeply cultivated soil produces the biggest roots.

Elecampane likes rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acid loam and full sun or partial shade. Harvest the roots during the autumn of their second year. Older roots become too woody. To speed drying, slice roots into pieces.