Evidence supporting the use of: British Elecampane
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

British Elecampane (Inula helenium) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for respiratory conditions, including spastic or persistent coughs. Historical records from European herbalism, especially in the UK, describe the use of elecampane root as an expectorant and soothing agent for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The plant contains compounds such as inulin, sesquiterpene lactones (notably alantolactone), and essential oils, which were believed to help loosen phlegm and ease bronchial spasms.

Despite this traditional use, modern scientific studies directly evaluating elecampane for spastic cough are limited. Some laboratory research has demonstrated mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity for elecampane extracts, and certain constituents may have mild antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in vitro or in animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, the justification for using British Elecampane for spastic cough is rooted primarily in traditional and historical use, with limited scientific validation to date. Contemporary herbal references still list elecampane for cough and respiratory complaints, typically referencing its long-standing use rather than new clinical data.

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Products containing British Elecampane

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