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Elecampane [Inula helenium]

Elecampane is reputed to owe its genus name "Inula Helenium", to Helen of Troy. One legend says that she was carrying a bunch of Elecampane flowers when she was captured by Paris, another says that the flowers sprung up wherever her tears fell.

Elecampane root is used in medicine traditions around the world and is associated with many health claims, most commonly, Elecampane is used to move phlegm that causes respiratory problems and eliminate intestinal bacteria to improve stomach issues.

Beyond the above-mentioned medicinal uses, it has also traditionally been used energetically. For example, in Ayurvedic medicine, Elecampane is considered a heart remedy and given when one experiences grief and suffering after being torn away from one's home.

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Elecampane (Inula helenium) flower, photographed in Ottawa, Ontario in 2019

File:Inula helenium Prague 2011 1.jpgFlowering plant Elecampane, Inula helenium from Botanical Garden of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic