Elecampane (lnula Helenium)

Elecampane (lnula Helenium)

Common Names: Elf Dock, Elfwort, Horse-elder, Horseheal, Scabwort.

Elecampane is named after Helen of Troy. As the legend goes, she was holding elecampane in her hand when she left to live with Paris in Troy, another legend says that it sprung up from where her tears fell.

In the 18th century Elecampane was used:

'to stimulate the urine'
'to loosen the belly'
'to resist the poison of venomous serpents and stay the spreading of poison'

It was also added to love charms with Mistletoe and Vervain!
What more could you want from a plant. Enjoy the rest of the week! :)