ELECAMPANE

Inula helenum: Compositae

PLANET: Mercury

ELEMENT: Air

TASTE: pungent, bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: heating	DOSHAS: V-P+K-

MERIDIANS: lung, spleen

ACTIONS: rejuvenative pulmonary tonic, expectorant, antispasmodic, carminative, anodyne, diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, antiseptic, antifungal.

INDICATIONS: chronic lung conditions with clear sputum, asthma, bronchitis, colds, pleurisy, weak digestion, mucus in gut, nervous debility, dyspepsia, dropsy, diseases of the skin

PRECAUTIONS: uterine stimulant, avoid in pregnancy; avoid in high Pita conditions

CONSTITUENTS: INULIN, HELENIN (antiseptic), volatile oil containing sesquiterpene lactones incl alantolactone, isolactone, dihydroisalantolactone, dihydralantolactone, dihydralantolactone, alantic acid, azulene, sterols, resins

PREPARATION AND USE:
-decoction: simmer 1/2 oz for twenty minutes in 1 pint water; take tid after meals
-as diaphoretic and expectorant, with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom
-as tonic, with comfrey, marshmallow
-externally as a paste for muscular pain
-the Chinese roast it in a wok with honey to increase its tonic properties

USE IN MAGIC:
-associated with elven magic
-used as incense to purify initiates
-used as cleansing tonic prior to sacred ritual
-elixir of magic
-worn to attract love
-increases sight

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-helps one be more connected with the earth, and appreciate the elegance, beauty, and strength of oneself and others
-helps clear third eye for clearer perception
-pungent taste gets energy moving and the bitter taste clears away outmoded ideas and fixations

"Knowing that the Mother always provides, I can let go of the fears that close me to Her nourishment."