Elecampane/ is a member of the sunflower family that is also known by
several other common names, including yellow starwort, wild sunflower,
scabwort and horseheal. It stands apart from other plants typically
found in damp meadows and fields because it bears bright yellow flowers
that resemble petite sunflowers and can reach an impressive six feet in
height.
The herb is harvested for its tuberous root and secondary shoots, which
are yellow on the surface but white on the inside. The fresh root also
has an aroma similar to violet flowers, although this characteristic
fades as the root is dried. Elecampane root is abundant in sesquiterpene
lactones, most notably an anti-inflammatory compound called
alantolactone. The root also contains up to 44% inulin, a natural fiber
used as a food additive and dietary supplement.
