Overview

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a flowering herb. The root of the plant is sometimes used to make medicine.

Elecampane contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation (swelling) and kill bacteria. Elecampane is sometimes used to flavor foods and beverages or as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps.

Elecampane is used for asthma, bronchitis, intestinal worms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for ELECAMPANE overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Elecampane is possibly safe for most adults. But large amounts of elecampane are possibly unsafe. Large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, and paralysis.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Elecampane is possibly safe for most adults. But large amounts of elecampane are possibly unsafe. Large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, and paralysis. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's likely unsafe to take elecampane when pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Elecampane may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking elecampane.

Surgery: Elecampane affects the central nervous system and can cause sleepiness. There is a concern that it might cause too much sleepiness if combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using elecampane at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with ELECAMPANE

    Elecampane might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking elecampane with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of elecampane might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.