Elecampane (Inula helenium) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for supporting the respiratory or bronchial system. Historically, it has been used in Europe, Asia, and North America as a remedy for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. Its roots contain several bioactive compounds, including inulin, alantolactone, and isoalantolactone, which are thought to provide expectorant and soothing effects on mucous membranes.

Many traditional herbal texts and pharmacopeias cite elecampane as an expectorant that helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract and ease coughing. For example, British herbalists in the 19th and early 20th centuries often recommended it for chronic bronchitis and catarrhal conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is also used for similar purposes.

Scientific research on elecampane’s effects on the bronchial system is limited. Some in vitro studies suggest that alantolactone may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could be relevant to respiratory health. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, so the evidence remains primarily rooted in tradition with some preliminary pharmacological support.