Elecampane Wine

Decoctum Inulae

Historical tradition – not medical advice, and no health or healing claims. more

Historical botanical drawing: Elecampane — Elecampane

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, elecampane wine was associated with the airways.

Ingredients

Elecampane root (Inula helenium), pure wine; alternatively honey water.

Preparation ¹

Steep elecampane — dried or fresh — in pure wine. Once the plant parts have contracted in the wine they are spent: discard them and steep fresh elecampane. Anyone who would rather not use wine steeps the elecampane in a mixture of honey and water.

Note

Strictly in moderation. Elecampane contains bitter compounds and essential oil; sensitive skin may react to it.

Botanical background

Elecampane grows up to two metres tall and bears yellow flowers. The root contains inulin and essential oils.

Sources & references

Ptok, Michael: Die Hildegard-Hausapotheke für die ganze Familie. St. Benno Verlag 2025. S. 34–35.

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Historical tradition. The above describes how this preparation was recorded and used in the tradition of Hildegard of Bingen. This is cultural-historical information, not medical advice and not a health or healing claim, and it is no substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. If you have health complaints, please consult your doctor or pharmacy.

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