NHT News Vol. 13 No. 2 MAY, 2017 Dr. Moffat’s NATURAL HEALTH TECHNIQUES NEWSLETTER •What’s New on the Website: YouTube channel issues •Case of the Month: Chronic limping in a young dog •Product of the Month: Elecampane for respiratory problems •Ask Dr. Moffat: How specific are deworming agents? Inspiration & Perspective: Make a decision •What’s New at Our House: It’s still snowing but I’m dibbling my onions
•Local Events: Camas Festival in Weippe May 27, 2017
Elecampane is a 4-5 foot tall perennial that grows on a rigid erect stem that is deeply furrowed. The plant branches near the top with pointed leaves that are 1-1.5 feet long and four inches across the middle where they are velvety underneath. The 3-4 inch diameter yellow flowers bloom from June-August and resemble a double sunflower. Inula helenium is notably prized by the Romans for food and medicinal purposes. Elecampane is native to western Asia and Europe but has been spread to now grow in many temperate parts of the globe including areas in the United States. It can be grown from seed in the spring or by root division in the fall. The plant grows best in shady, well drained but moist soil. The root is harvested in the fall and used fresh or dried at high temperatures for later use.