Elecampane has a long history of being used as a spice, essential oil, culinary and medicinal herb by many cultures.
Here are a few examples:
- The Druids used the herb as an incense in rituals for initiation and blessing babies.
- The Spanish used the herb in surgical dressings.
- Elecampane essential oil is used to boost the immune system, prevent bacterial and intestinal infections, improve digestion, and support proper lung function.
- Elecampane is a flavoring agent or spice in digestive liqueurs, vermouth, absinthe, cough syrups, pastilles, and candy.
- In the Middle Ages, the roots used to be chewed by travelers when passing near polluted waters to protect against noxious substances.
Traditionally in China, the flowers were steamed and dried. Today they are fried in honey and are used to strengthen the Lungs, treat chronic respiratory ailments, and improve digestion and kidney health. The flowers are considered more Moving than the roots.
