Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Elecampane (Inula helenium) has a long history of traditional use for supporting the stomach and digestive system, particularly in European and Asian herbal medicine. Its root has been employed as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and relieve symptoms such as dyspepsia, bloating, and flatulence. The primary constituents attributed to these effects include inulin (a prebiotic fiber), essential oils (notably alantolactone), and sesquiterpene lactones, which are thought to promote gastric secretions and improve digestive motility. Historical herbal texts, including those from the Greek, Roman, and medieval European traditions, consistently reference elecampane for stomach complaints and as a carminative. Modern scientific evidence for these uses is limited but does exist; some laboratory studies have identified mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects which could, in theory, benefit digestive health. However, there are few well-designed human clinical trials to substantiate its efficacy for stomach-related issues specifically. As such, while the traditional basis is strong and some preliminary pharmacological data is supportive, robust clinical validation is lacking. The use of elecampane for stomach support remains primarily grounded in tradition, with a moderate level of supporting evidence.

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