Decoctions and tinctures are also made from the root and can help treat cold and cough symptoms.
Elecampane (Inula helenium). Elecampane is a tall bushy-like plant that gives height to any garden. It has beautiful sunflower-like flowers that attract all sorts of pollinators. Medicinally, elecampane has expectorant, choleretic, cholagogue, antimicrobial, vermifuge and diuretic properties. It can be taken internally as a tea, made from the root to treat colds, coughs, asthma, loss of appetite, intestinal worm and digestive problems. Decoctions and tinctures are also made from the root and can help treat cold and cough symptoms. Elecampane can be applied externally to help with skin ailments such as eczema and itching. Growing tips from Growing Hermione’s Garden blog: Grow this plant in partial sun with moist, well drained-soil. Minimal maintenance is needed for this plant. It is a perennial.