Elecampane in the photo

Elecampane refers to perennial plants. Elecampane in the photo looks like a tall plant with yellow flowers and large leaves. The height of elecampane is up to two meters and above. Elecampane has an erect stem and a thick rhizome. The leaves are alternate and large. The flowers are collected in inflorescences, the fruit of the elecampane is a tetrahedral achene. The plant blooms in the second half of summer, and the fruits ripen in early autumn. Elecampane is more common in the wild in clearings, meadows, along rivers.

Elecampane in the photo does not have any special decorative features, but this plant is medicinal. Used in medicine rhizomes and leaves. Elecampane contains vitamins E, K; microelements – magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, iron; essential oil, resins, organic acids, alkaloids, polysaccharides.

Elecampane has choleretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and slight diuretic effect, the plant increases the excretion of bile, improves blood circulation in the gastric mucosa, accelerates the healing of ulcers, normalizes appetite, restores body weight in weakened patients. Elecampane is used for bronchitis, tracheitis, colitis, constipation, headaches, epilepsy, anemia, whooping cough, menstrual irregularities, pulmonary tuberculosis, palpitations, intestinal disorders, influenza, rheumatism.

Elecampane is harvested in spring or autumn, the plant is dug up, cut and dried. They cook from elecampane infusions, decoctions or juice. The plant is also used fresh. Elecampane is still used in cooking As a spice, it is added to sauces and baked goods.