Elecampane, Inula helenium (also called Elfdock, Elfwort, Horseheal and Scabwort) is a pretty sunflower-like perennial found in wet pastures or easily grown in a sunny garden spot. It is named after Helen of Troy, who is said to have carried the flowers with her when Paris abducted her from Sparta. The 6- to 8-foot tall plant has large, pointed leaves with downy gray undersides, and yellow summer flowers. It is used extensively for horses and livestock, specifically for skin diseases in horses and sheep (hence the nicknames horseheal and scabwort).

Medicinally, Elecampane is a wonderful expectorant and the root is brilliant for inflammatory lung issues with white phlegm such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough. It has also been used for cholecystitis, gallstones, intestinal worms, and rheumatic pain (applied externally for sciatica and other neuralgic complaints.)

It has a strong association with the Elven world and is said to be one of their favorite plants, although it was historically used to counteract their magic!  It is also used to enhance psychic abilities and works involving scrying. Because of its association with the elves, and by extension, some of the other species of Fae, a flower essence of elecampane can be used to help communicate with the Elven and Fae realms. Elecampane’s most basic power is love, and is used in love charms of all kinds, especially when combined with Mistletoe and Vervain.
Planet: Mercury  Element: Air
Gender: Masculine
Primary Associations: Love, Protection, Psychic Powers