Herb of The Week: Elecampane
Molly Sams
Last week my mom was making a knockout of a syrup which had
osha and elecampane. It filled our whole home with the smell of what I can only
describe as rotting woodland. It was pungent, encompassing, but I’m sure to
those who are sick, incredibly comforting.
Elecampane has been used since medieval times to treat lung
and breathing issues and was even eaten as candy or throat lozenges later in
the 1600s. Because elecampane is diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic,
expectorant, alterative, antiseptic, astringent, and a stimulant it is great
for getting mucus and other bodily fluids moving within the body and easing a
dry cough.
I remember this herb well from my tween
years. I had bronchitis and despite fighting taking the (what I was sure was
toxic juice) elecampane tooth and nail I was relieved and able to go
practically the whole night without coughing. While I tried to hide my enthusiasm
from my mother (don’t want her to get too cocky) she continued making more
syrup happily knowing she had won.
It’s a good idea to always have a bit
of syrup on hand during the winter. It can be added to other syrups (such as
elderberry) for a combination of ailments or to help the taste and to test children
trying to stay home from school just how sick they really are. It’s amazing how
health can bounce back in a child after being threatened with elecampane.
Cough and Cold Syrup (Mom's)
1 T elecampane root
1 T osha root
1 T wild cherry bark
1 lemon
1 qt water
Simmer together until the water is reduced by half.
possible additions:
licorice root
mullein leaf
horehound leaf
(add the leaves for the last few minutes of simmering the roots)
If everyone using the syrup will be old enough for honey, combine 2 cups honey with 2 cups of concentrated "tea." Use by the tablespoon.
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