Bulk Elecampane Root Cut & Sifted

Inula helenium
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Elecampane root, c/s image
[ 1508 ]Inula helenium

Elecampane Root Cut & Sifted

1/4 Pound:  $4.34 Pound:  $9.64 buy now  
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Elecampane, also known as velvet dock and yellow starwort, is a member of the daisy family that is native to Europe now naturalized elsewhere.

The roots of the plant contain a chemical called inulin, a type of fiber common to many fruits used as a natural sweetener in processed foods and as a dietary prebiotic.

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a.
quick look

information at a glance

approximate cups to one pound4
originChina
active compoundsThe primary active principles are the volatile oils, especially alantolacton and isoalantolacton. Several polysaccharides are also present, including fructosan, helinin and inulin.
plant part usedrhizome
processingcut & sifted

b.
buying & keeping

general guidelines and tips

storage tipsKeep in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
appearance & aromaFibrous and light in color without noticeable scent.

c.
uses

try something new

cosmeticInfuse in oil or alcohol to apply directly to the skin or to make salves, balms and other topical products.
culinaryAdd to tea blends.
industrialElecampane is a source of inulin, a food additive and dietary prebiotic.
safetyBe aware that larger amounts of this herb may cause vomiting, diarrhea and intestinal paralysis, which requires immediate medical attention. People with a known sensitivity to inulin should avoid this herb. Do not use elecampane root during pregnancy or while nursing.

d.
flavor profile

cut & sifted
elecampane root

Blend with pleasant-tasting herbs and berries to improve the pungent flavor.

e.
formulas & recipes

cut & sifted
elecampane root

coming soon

f.
what else you should know

cut & sifted
eelecampane root

Elecampane is a member of the aster family distributed throughout Europe, Asia and some parts of North America. Although the attractive flowers are eye-catching, it is the root of the plant that is harvested to produce teas, tinctures and other preparations.

The herb gets its species name in honor of Helen of Troy, who was allegedly holding a bouquet of the flowers at the moment her Trojan prince swept her off her feet. The genus name of the plant provides inspiration for inulin, a natural plant fiber and polysaccharide used to sweeten processed foods.


history and folklore
According to Greek legend, Helen held a sprig of elecampane in her grasp as Paris, the son of the King of Troy, made off with her from Sparta, where she lived with her husband, King Menelaus. Later known as Helen of Troy, she left with Paris willingly, an act of her infidelity that set all of Greece against the city of Troy and sparked the Trojan War. Some etymologists suspect that Helen is also the reason elecampane was given helenium as its species name.

Pliny the Elder recommended elecampane to promote mirth, a prescription supported by Galen, the Roman physician and surgeon who wrote that the root of the plant is "good for the passions of the hucklebone." Pliny also praised the herb's ability to combat the effects of poor digestion with "Let no day pass without eating some of the roots of elecampane...to help digestion, to expel melancholy..."

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for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.