ELECAMPANE

(Inula helenium)

Large green leaves with yellow daisy like flowers that have narrow petals - the velvety seed heads are great for winter flower arrangements. The root can be dried or cooked (like a root vege), crystallize the root as a sweet - a popular ingredient in Roman times.  Decoct root as a general tonic, as an expectorant to ease bronchitis. The crystallized root is good to eat to relieve indigestion, asthma and coughs. The root can also be used to make a decoction for acne - apply to skin. Harvest the root in the 2nd year. Full sun in moist fertile soils. Hardy perennial. Ht 1.5m