Elecampane
Elecampane is a plant whose root is used to make medicine. Elecampane is used for diseases of the lungs including asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. It is also used to prevent coughs and especially whooping cough, which is caused by tuberculosis. In addition to this, elecampane is also used as an expectorant to loosen phlegm so that it can be coughed up more easily. Other uses include improving stomach function, treating nausea and diarrhea and killing worms in the intestines. These worms include hookworms, roundworms, pinworms and whipworms. Some people use elecampane to promote sweating. Elecampane is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. In industrial production, elecampane is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and soap.
How does elecampane work?
Elecampane contains chemicals that can kill worms that settle in the intestines.
How effective is elecampane?
There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of elecampane for coughs, asthma, bronchitis, nausea and diarrhea, and for killing worms (hookworms, roundworms, pinworms and whipworms) that live in the intestines. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of elecampane for these conditions.
Safety and side effects
Elecampane appears to be safe and harmless for most adults in the medicinal quantities commonly used. However, large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and paralysis.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and lactation: Elecampane is not safe or safe during pregnancy and lactation and should therefore be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Allergies to broomweed and related plants: Elecampane could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomsedge, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking elecampane.
Diabetes: There are concerns that elecampane may affect blood sugar control. Diabetics should therefore carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when using elecampane.
High or low blood pressure: There are concerns that elecampane may interfere with blood pressure control. For this reason, blood pressure should be carefully monitored if you suffer from blood pressure problems and are taking elecampane.
Operations: Elecampane affects the central nervous system and can cause drowsiness. There are concerns that elecampane, in combination with anesthetics and other medications used during and after surgery, may cause excessive drowsiness. For this reason, you should stop taking elecampane at least 2 weeks before planned operations.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining elecampane with the following medications:
Sedatives (CNS suppressing agents)
Elecampane can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drugs that cause drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking elecampane in combination with sedatives could increase drowsiness too much.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of elecampane depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for elecampane. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.