Description: Elecampane root, Inula helenium L. [Fam. Asteraceae], is native to southern and eastern Europe but is now cultivated in central Europe, the Near East and North America. Traditionally, elecampane root was used to treat respiratory problems, digestive disorders and urinary conditions. When given as an expectorant, it is recommended only for coughs that are accompanied with secretions or phlegm. If taken with dry cough, elecampane root may make the chest feel constricted and tight. A recent study found that elecampane root contains compounds active against tuberculosis bacteria. Fractions of root extracts of elecampane, which exhibited significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, contained the known eudesmanolides (alantolactone, isoalantolactone, and 11 alpha H, 13-dihydroisoalantolactone). Up to fifty percent of elecampane root is made up of complex carbohydrates known as fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS), including 20-44% inulin. Based on clinical studies, inulin increases mineral absorption during digestion, boosts beneficial bifidobacteria within the gut and eliminates pathogens. This ultimately stimulates the immune system and suppresses abnormal cells. Inulin is also beneficial for kidney health, blood sugar control and cholesterol reduction. Elecampane root aqueous extract has also been shown to possess anti-worm activity. The boiled water extracts of 32 species of raw herbs known to possess anti-worm activity were given orally to rabbits infected with the parasitic worm, Clonorchis sinensis. Suppression of egg-laying in the worms from the rabbits given Inula helenium was greatest. Many extracts did not induce physical changes in the worms, however, extracts of Inula helenium caused regressive and progressive changes such as degeneration, atrophy, necrosis and dilatation of viscera of the worms. The recovery rate of the worms from rabbits treated with elecampane root extract for 30 days, beginning at the 3rd day of inoculation, was as low as 2%, indicating that it could be used as an effective treatment against this parasitic worm.