Elecampane Plant
”Inula helenium”
Plant Availability: Early spring to autumn
Pot Size: 1L
Benefits:
Elecampane is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly for respiratory issues. It's known to have expectorant and immune-boosting qualities.
Growing Conditions:
Season: Elecampane is a perennial plant that thrives in the spring and summer months. It can withstand colder temperatures and goes dormant in the winter.
Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for elecampane. It prefers soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. However, ensure that the soil doesn't become waterlogged.
Position: Plant elecampane in a location with partial to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but prefers sunlight for optimal growth.
Fertilizing: Elecampane doesn't require heavy fertilization. A balanced, organic fertilizer applied in spring should be sufficient.
Use: The roots of elecampane are the primary medicinal part. They are used to make herbal preparations for respiratory issues, such as coughs and bronchitis. The plant also has a history of use in traditional medicine for digestive complaints.
Growing tips:
Mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide the plant every few years to maintain its vigor.
Prune the stems back in late fall or early spring to encourage new growth.
Harvest the roots in the fall of the plant's second or third year. Clean, dry, and store them for medicinal use.
