Elecampane [Inula helenium]

The perennial elecampane is an ancient tea and medicinal plant that, according to ancient beliefs, brings confidence, light, and sunshine into life. It also has many uses in naturopathy for the treatment of various ailments. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, spring sowing, and mixed cropping. Harvesting the roots is also recommended.

 Description 
Elecampane is an ancient perennial tea and medicinal plant, and a typical magical plant of ancient farm gardens. Originally native to Southern Europe and Central Asia, this robust wild plant is now widespread throughout Europe. It can be found growing wild primarily along the banks of streams and rivers or in seasonally wet meadows with loose, sandy soils. It prefers nutrient-rich areas and can sometimes also be found in clearings. In ancient times, it was highly valued and considered a protective spell and was also used against the plague. In the 16th century, the herb was mentioned in the herbal book of the Italian physician and botanist Pietro Andrea Gregorio Mattioli and can also be found in other medieval texts. In medieval medicine, the plant served as a remedy for coughs, cramps, flatulence, and stomach weakness, and also played a major and special role in the form of elecampane wine. Cough drops were also made from its aromatic, strong rootstock because of its expectorant properties and its high bitterness. Today, it is also used to relieve loss of appetite, diarrhea, gallbladder problems, indigestion, and worm infestations. In higher doses, the medicinal plant can also be used as an anti-nausea remedy. In southeastern Europe, tobacco was smoked together with elecampane. It was highly prized in cooking by the Greeks and Romans, but is no longer used today because it is not particularly healthy when consumed in large quantities. The root is suitable for burning as an incense to bring confidence, light, and sunshine into your life, which can help with depression. The plant begins to bloom with its striking yellow flower heads after at least two years and, due to its size, requires sufficient space in the garden.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 140 days
Plant height approx.: 300 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -28°C
Location: Semi shady until shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-22 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x60 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Nettle, Rosehip, Comfrey
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is recommended from March to May. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to April is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable. Elecampane needs permeable, humus-rich, and nutrient-rich soil. Morning or evening sun is sufficient.
Elecampane does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The root is harvested starting in the second year, because it has only then reached a significant size. It readily self-seeds. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods. However, it's important to avoid overwatering. Once the elecampane is well established, it can survive with less water. Occasional applications of compost or slow-release fertilizer promote growth. Pruning this easy-care plant is only necessary to remove dried-out parts to maintain health or to prevent self-seeding in the fall.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Inula helenium
English names: Elecampane, Horse heal, Elfdock
German names: Alant, Echter Alant, Brustalant, Großer Heinrich, Helenenkraut, Glockenwurz, Schlangenwurz 
Portuguese names: Helénio
Spanish names: Énula, Énula campana, Hierba campana, Yerba campana, Hierba del moro, Raíz del moro
French names: Grande Aunée, Inule, Hélène, Oeil de cheval

 Origin 
Country: Germany