Aerosol Health Dictionary

A method of applying drugs in a ?nely divided or gaseous state, so that, when breathed in, they may come into contact with the nose, throat and lungs. There are two chief means by which drugs are mingled with the air and so taken in by breathing: these are traditional steam inhalations, and modern aerosol devices which deliver a ?ne spray direct into the mouth. (See INHALANTS; INHALER.)... inhalation

One of the CORTICOSTEROIDS used as an aerosol inhalant. It must be used regularly for its best e?ect. Unlike systemic corticosteroids, inhaled forms are much less likely to suppress adrenal-gland activity and have fewer side-effects.... beclomethasone dipropionate

An aerosol corticosteroid drug used in the prevention and treatment of attacks of ASTHMA. Inhaled corticosteroids have few or no systemic side-effects unless given in excessive dosage.... fluticasone

Septic, haemorrhagic and cardiogenic SHOCK

METABOLIC DISORDERS such as URAEMIA and pancreatitis (see PANCREAS, DISORDERS OF)

Bowel infarction

Drug ingestion

Massive blood transfusion, transfusion reaction (see TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD), CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS, disseminated intravascular coagulation

Treatment The principles of management are supportive, with treatment of the underlying condition if that is possible. Oxygenation is improved by increasing the concentration of oxygen breathed in by the patient, usually with mechanical ventilation of the lungs, often using continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP). Attempts are made to reduce the formation of pulmonary oedema by careful management of how much ?uid is given to the patient (?uid balance). Infection is treated if it arises, as are the possible complications of prolonged ventilation with low lung compliance (e.g. PNEUMOTHORAX). There is some evidence that giving surfactant through a nebuliser or aerosol may help to improve lung e?ectiveness and reduce oedema. Some experimental evidence supports the use of free-radical scavengers and ANTIOXIDANTS, but these are not commonly used. Other techniques include the inhalation of NITRIC OXIDE (NO) to moderate vascular tone, and prone positioning to improve breathing. In severe cases, extracorporeal gas exchange has been advocated as a supportive measure until the lungs have healed enough for adequate gas exchange. (See also RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME; HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE; SARS.)... indirect insult

Substances that can be inhaled into the body through the lungs. They may be delivered in traditional form dissolved in hot water and inhaled in the steam, or as an aerosol – a suspension of very small liquid or solid particles in the air. The latter are now usually delivered by devices in which the aerosol is kept under pressure in a small hand-held cylinder and delivered in required doses by a release mechanism.

Aerosols Asthmatic patients (see ASTHMA) ?nd aerosol devices to be of value in controlling their attacks. They provide an e?ective and convenient way of applying drugs directly to the bronchi, thus reducing the risks of unwanted effects accompanying SYSTEMIC therapy. BRONCHODILATOR aerosols contain either a beta-sympathomimetic agent or ipratropium bromide, which is an ANTICHOLINERGIC drug.

ISOPRENALINE was the ?rst compound to be widely used as an aerosol. It did however stimulate beta1 receptors in the heart as well as beta2 receptors in the bronchi, and so produced palpitations and even dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Newer beta-adrenoceptor agonists are speci?c for the beta2 receptors and thus have a greater safety margin. They include SALBUTAMOL, TERBUTALINE, rimiterol, fenoterol and reproterol. Unwanted effects such as palpitations, tremor and restlessness are uncommon with these, more speci?c preparations. In patients who get insu?cient relief from the beta-adrenoreceptor agonist, the drug ipratropium bromide is worth adding. Salmeterol is a longer-acting choice for twice-daily administration: it is not intended for the relief of acute attacks, for which shorter-acting beta2 stimulants such as salbutamol should be used. Salmeterol should be added to existing corticosteroid therapy (see CORTICOSTEROIDS), rather than replacing it.

Patients must be taught carefully and observed while using their inhalers. It is important for them to realise that if the aerosol no longer gives more than slight transient relief, they should not increase the dose but seek medical help.... inhalants

An ANTICHOLINERGIC, BRONCHODILATOR drug, given by aerosol inhalation to treat ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS and RHINITIS.... ipratropium

A short-acting selective beta2-adrenoceptor stimulant delivered via a metered-dose aerosol inhaler, a powder inhaler or through a nebuliser to control symptoms of ASTHMA. If stimulant inhalation is needed more than twice a day to control asthma attacks, prophylactic treatment should be considered including, in severe cases, oral CORTICOSTEROIDS. Salbutamol relaxes the muscles which cause bronchial spasms in the lungs – the prime symptom of asthma. There are other similar preparations such as terbutaline.... salbutamol

A beta2 adrenoreceptor agonist that acts as a BRONCHODILATOR (see also BETAADRENOCEPTOR-BLOCKING DRUGS). As an aerosol (see INHALANTS), it is of particular value in the treatment of mild to moderate attacks of ASTHMA; it is also available in oral and parenteral forms, as well as subcutaneous, intramuscular, or slow intravenous injection.... terbutaline

(Ultra-low-volume) Application of concentrated insecticidal solutions sprayed sparsely over a large area in a vehicle or aeroplane at dosage rates of 740 ml to 1 litre per hectare for mosquito control. This technique produces very large droplets forming a fog or aerosol of concentrated insecticide.... ulv

A pharmaceutical term to describe the medium in which a drug is administered – for example, a ?uid, gel, powder or aerosol.... vehicle

Herbs that reduce sweating; anti-hidrotics.

Internal: White Willow bark, Red Sage.

External: Essential oils of Sage, Pine, Rosemary, Lavender. Blended with fresh lemon juice are marketed as a gentle spray without aerosol (Weleda). Zinc and Castor oil cream or ointment.

Bath preparations made from these oils; herbal soaps, massage oils. ... anti-perspirants

A mechanism for administering a drug in the form of a powder or aerosol. mainly used by patients with ASTHMA. Inhalers are basically of two types: aerosol, and dry-powder inhaler. The former delivers the drug as an aerosol spray when the patient presses the top of the canister containing the drug; the latter works by putting a drug capsule in the end of the chamber and, when the patient presses the top, the capsule is pierced and the drug released. A variety of ‘spacing devices’ are available to use with pressurised (aerosol) inhalers, providing metered doses. The space introduced between the inhaler and the mouth reduces the velocity of the aerosol and thus the impact it has on the oropharynx. More time is therefore allowed for evaporation of the propellant, with a greater concentration of drug particles being inhaled. Inhalers with larger spacing devices and a one-way valve are very e?ective and particularly useful for children and patients needing higher doses of the drug. (See INHALANTS; NEBULISERS.)... inhaler

A form of PNEUMONIA due to a bacterium known as Legionella pneumophila, so-called because the ?rst identi?ed outbreak was in a group of US ex-servicemen (members of the American Legion). Inhalation of water aerosols seems the most likely way that people acquire the disease, for example from air-conditioning outlets. Some rubber outlets in showers and taps are able to support the growth of legionnellae so that high concentrations of the organism are released when the tap is ?rst used in the morning. In the presence of the disease, the treatment of infected water systems is essential by cleaning, chlorination, heating or a combination of all three.

The pneumonia caused by legionnellae has no distinctive clinical or radiological features, so that the diagnosis is based on an antibody test performed on a blood sample. There is no evidence that the disease is transmitted directly from person to person. The incubation period is 2–10 days; the disease starts with aches and pains followed rapidly by a rise in temperature, shivering attacks, cough and shortness of breath. The X-ray tends to show patchy areas of consolidation in the lungs. Erythromycin and rifampicin are the most useful antibiotics, although rifampicin should never be given alone because of the rapid development of drug resistance.... legionnaire’s disease

A nebuliser makes an aerosol (see under INHALANTS) by blowing air or oxygen through a solution of a drug. Many inhaled drugs such as SALBUTAMOL, ipratropium and beclomethasone can be given in this way. It has the advantage over a metered dose inhaler (MDI) that no special e?ort is required to coordinate breathing, and a nebuliser allows a much greater volume of the drug to be delivered to where it is needed (the airways) compared with that of MDIs. The use of higher doses of bronchodilator drugs made possible by the nebuliser means that the risk of unwanted side-effects is also increased. Fortunately the safety pro?le of anti-asthmatic drugs such as salbutamol is extremely high and overdose is generally well-tolerated.... nebulisers

Winter vomiting disease, or epidemic nausea and vomiting, is a condition caused by subtypes of the genus Norwalk-like virus and is characterised by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and giddiness, which occurs during the winter. Outbreaks of it usually involve whole families or may affect communities like schools. The incubation period is 24–48 hours, and attacks seldom persist for more than 72 hours. In England and Wales in 2000, more than 1,600 infections were reported compared to more than 16,400 cases of salmonella infections and 56,420 of CAMPYLOBACTER. However, in England it is estimated that around 1,500 times more people are infected in the community than are reported. Humans are the only known hosts of the virus and infection can be acquired via contaminated food or water or, more commonly, from an infected individual via the faeco-oral route, aerosol-spread and FOMITES.... winter vomiting disease

 Redness and possible blistering caused by a sensitive substance such as chromium, nickel, other metals, rubber, paints, cosmetic materials, plants (primula), house dust mites, aerosols, deodorants, photocopying, dyes in clothing, etc. A patch test establishes diagnosis. A suspected irritant is applied to the skin and after two days its reaction is noted. If inflammation is present the test is positive. Symptoms may include vesicles with weeping, scaling, and presence of dropsy.

In a study of 612 patients attending the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, more than half of the women who had ears pierced reported skin reactions to metallic jewellery, while a third had sensitivity to nickel. (British Journal of Dermatology, Jan 1992)

Treatment. Remove article or cause of irritation. Garlic is claimed to be successful, either in diet or by capsule when the condition is caused by histamines. Other agents: Betony, Burdock leaves, Chickweed, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Plantain, Red Clover.

Internal. Burdock tea. Clivers tea.

Tablets/capsules. Garlic, Devil’s Claw, Blue Flag.

Topical. Avoid use of Calamine, if possible. Creams or salves: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Evening Primrose, Witch Hazel, Jojoba. All are alternatives to corticosteroids.

Tamus (Black Bryony) tincture. Distilled extract of Witch Hazel. ... dermatitis, contact

An aerosol device used to administer a drug in the form of a fine mist for inhalation through a face mask or mouthpiece.

Nebulizers are used to administer bronchodilator drugs, especially in the emergency treatment of asthma.... nebulizer

n. an agent that causes widening of the air passages by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. *Sympathomimetic drugs that stimulate ?2 adrenoceptors, such as *formoterol, *salbutamol, and *terbutaline, are potent bronchodilators and are used for relief of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These drugs are often administered as aerosols, giving rapid relief, but at high doses they may stimulate the heart. Some antimuscarinic drugs (e.g. *ipratropium and *theophylline) are also used as bronchodilators.... bronchodilator

n. inflammation of the stomach and intestine. It is usually due to acute viral or bacterial infection or to the ingestion of toxins in contaminated foods (see food poisoning). Clinical symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. The illness usually lasts 3–5 days. Fluid loss is sometimes severe, especially at the extremes of age, and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary. Viral or viral-type organisms (e.g. the *norovirus) are common causes of highly infectious gastroenteritis and, unlike bacterial pathogens, can be spread by aerosol or minimal contact and not necessarily by the faeco-oral route.... gastroenteritis

Any mechanism by which a susceptible human host is exposed to an infectious or parasitic agent. These mechanism are:- 1. Direct transmission Direct and essentially immediate transfer of infectious agents (other than from an arthropod in which the organism has undergone essential multiplication or development) to a receptive portal of entry by which infection of humans may take place. This may be by touching, as in kissing, sexual intercourse or biting (direct contact); or by the direct projection of droplet spray onto the conjunctivae, or onto the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth during sneezing, coughing, spitting or talking (usually not possible over a distance greater than 3 ft) (droplet spread); or, as in the systemic mycoses, by direct exposure of susceptible tissue to soil, compost or decaying vegetable matter that contains the agent and where it normally leads a saprophytic existence. 2. Indirect transmission (a) Vehicle-borne Contaminated materials or inanimate objects such as toys, handkerchiefs, soiled clothes, bedding (fomites), surgical instruments or dressing (indirect contact); water, food, milk, biological products including serum and plasma, or anysubstance serving as an intermediate means by which an infectious agent is transported and introduced into a susceptible host through a suitable portal of entry. The agent may or may not have multiplied or developed in or on the vehicle before being introduced into man. (2) Vector-borne (i) Mechanical:- Includes simple mechanical carriage by a crawling or flying insect through soiling of its feet or proboscis, or by passage of organisms through its gastrointestinal tract. This does not require multiplication or development of the organism. (ii) Biological:- Propagation (multiplication), cyclic development, or a combination of them (cyclopropagation) is required before the arthropod can transmit the infective form of the agent to man. An incubation period (extrinsic) is required following infection before the arthropod becomes infective. Transmission may be by saliva during biting, or by regurgitation or deposition on the skin of agents capable of penetrating subsequently through the bite wound or through an area of trauma following scratching or biting. This is transmitted by an infected invertebrate host and must be differentiated for epidemiological purposes from simple mechanical carriage by a vector in the role of a vehicle. An arthropod in either role is termed a vector. (c) Air-borne The dissemination of microbial aerosols with carriage to suitable portal of entry, usually the respiratorytract. Microbial aerosols are suspensions in air of particles consisting partially or wholly of microorganisms. Particles in the 1 to 5 micron range are quite easily drawn into the lungs and retained there. They may remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, some retaining and others losing infectivity of virulence. Not considering as airborne are droplets and other large particles, which promptlysettle out; the following are airborne, their mode of transmission indirect: (i) Droplet nuclei: Usually the small residues which result from evaporation of droplets emitted by an infected host. Droplet nuclei also may be created purposely by a variety of atomising devices, or accidentally, in microbiology laboratories or in abattoirs, rendering plants, autopsy rooms, etc. They usuallyremain suspended in the air for long periods of time. (ii) Dust: The small particles of widely varying size which may arise from contaminated floors, clothes, beddings, other articles; or from soil (usually fungus spores separated from dry soil by wind or mechanical stirring). Note: Air conditioning and similar air circulating systems may play a significant role in air-borne transmission (e.g. Legionnaire’s disease).... transmission

Tincture Benzoin Co (BPC).

Action. Expectorant for chronic bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory disorders.

Use. An inhalant. One 5ml teaspoon of the balsam to 500ml boiling water; patient inhales the vapour with a towel over the head.

Still used as an alternative to pressurised devices that may evoke a diminished response by over-use. Children may develop an unhealthy dependence upon a nebuliser resulting in bronchitis, the area of aerosol mists being an area of controversy. Friar’s balsam may still be used with effect.

Formula: macerate Benzoin 10 per cent, prepared Storax 7.5 per cent, Tolu balsam 2.5 per cent and Aloes 2 per cent with alcohol 90 per cent. ... friar’s balsam

Amni visnaga. Known to early Egyptian medicine.

Action. Antispasmodic to respiratory and cardiovascular system. Alternative to use of steroids in children.

“A potent coronary vasodilator. Has been employed in the treatment of angina pectoris and bronchial asthma; a decoction is made for whooping cough.” (Hakim Mohammed Said: Hamdard Foundation, Pakistan)

Uses: Has a long reputation in Arabian medicine for asthma. On record for the treatment of diseases of the coronary vessels, gall bladder, kidney, bladder. To relieve painful spasm of stone in kidney or bladder. Myocardial infarction. Allergies.

Vitiligo, psoriasis. (Abdel-Fattah et al 1982/1983)

Seeds yield sodium cromoglycate, a preparation which is inhaled from a nebuliser or aerosol. ... khella

n. a plastic container with a mouthpiece at one end and a hole for an aerosol inhaler at the other. The dose from the inhaler is sprayed into the spacer, from which it can be inhaled without needing to coordinate breathing. It is particularly useful for babies and small children who do not have this coordination. Paediatric spacers also have a small mask that fits onto the mouthpiece of the spacer and is placed over the child’s nose and mouth. Spacers help to deliver a greater proportion of the dose to the airways while reducing the proportion absorbed into the body (which is the usual cause of unwanted side-effects)... spacer

n. a piece of equipment for producing an extremely fine mist of liquid droplets by forcing a jet of liquid through a narrow nozzle with a jet of air. Vaporizers are used to produce aerosols of various medications for use in inhalation therapy.... vaporizer

There is strong evidence that sunlight plays a major role in the development of human skin cancers. Skin malignancy usually takes the form of Basal Cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma that may develop from pre-existing naevi.

Basal Cell Cancer. Strong sunlight on fair skins. Common on face and hands and other exposed areas. Commences as a tiny hard nodule. See – RODENT ULCER.

Squamous Cell Cancer. The role of sunlight in this type of cancer is even more positive. Other causes: photosensitisers such as pitch and PUVA photochemotherapy. Commences as a raised scaly rapidly- growing nodule.

Malignant Melanoma. Rare, but incidence rising. Four different kinds. Incidence is increased in individuals with fair or red hair who tend to burn rather than tan in the sun.

Causes may be numerous: genetic, occupational hazards or exposure to low-level radiation. Heavy freckling in youth doubles the risk. (Western Canada Melanoma study)

A study carried out by the New York’s Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre refers to damage to the ultra violet-blocking ozone layer by supersonic jet exhaust and aerosol propellants that can also raise the malignant melanoma rate. A University of Sydney study links fluorescent lighting with the disease. Symptoms. Itching lesion increases in size and with growing discoloration. Colours may present as brown, black, red, blue, white, with a red inflammatory border. May progress to a dry crust, with bleeding.

Study. A study conducted by a team from Melbourne University, Anti-Cancer Council and St Vincent’s Hospital, Australia, describes a summer-long experiment that showed that people who used a sun-screen lotion (in this case SPF-17) cut their chances of developing the first signs of skin cancer.

Study. Patients who receive blood transfusions are more likely to develop malignant lymphomas and non- melanomatous skin cancers. (European Journal of Cancer (Nov 1993))

Eclectic physicians of the 19th century reported success from the use of American Mandrake (podophylum peltatum). Recent experience includes a 76 per cent cure rate achieved in 68 patients with carcinoma of the skin by treatment twice daily for 14 days with an ointment consisting of Podophyllum resin 20 per cent, and Linseed oil 20 per cent, in lanolin, followed by an antibiotic ointment. (Martindale 27; 1977, p. 1341) Podophyllum is an anti-mitotic and inhibits cell-division and should not be applied to normal cells.

Aloe Vera. Fresh cut leaf, or gel, to wipe over exposed surfaces.

Vitamin E oil. Applying the oil to the skin can reduce chances of acquiring skin cancer from the sun. (University of Arizona College of Medicine)

Red Clover. “I have seen a case of skin cancer healed by applying Red Clover blossoms. After straining a strong tea, the liquid was simmered until it was the consistency of tar. After several applications the skin cancer was gone, and has not returned.” (May Bethel, in “Herald of Health”, Dec. 1963)

Clivers. Equal parts juice of Clivers (from juice extractor) and glycerine. Internally and externally.

Thuja. Internal: 3-5 drops Liquid Extract, morning and evening.

Topical. “Take a small quantity powdered Slippery Elm and add Liquid Extract Thuja to make a stiff paste. Apply paste to the lesion. Cover with gauze and protective covering. When dry remove pack and follow with compresses saturated with Thuja.” (Ellingwood’s Therapeutist, Vol 10, No 6, p. 212) Echinacea and Thuja. Equal parts liquid extracts assist healthy granulation and neutralise odour.

Rue Ointment. Simmer whole fresh leaves in Vaseline.

Poke Root. An old physician laid great stress on the use of concentrated juice of green leaves. Leaves are bruised, juice extracted, and concentrated by slow evaporation until the consistency of a paste, for persistent skin cancer. Care should be taken to confine to the distressed area. (Ellingwood’s Therapeutist, Vol 8, No 7, p. 275)

Maria Treben. Horsetail poultice.

Laetrile. Some improvement claimed. 1 gram daily.

Cider vinegar. Anecdotal evidence: external use: small melanoma.

Diet. See: DIET – CANCER. Beta-carotene foods.

Treatment by skin specialist or oncologist. ... cancer – skin

Non-contagious acute infection affecting the mucous membrane of the lungs. A form of pneumonia, caused by the organism Legionella pneumophilla.

Onset: 2-10 days.

Sources of infection: water-cooling and air-conditioning plants, Aerosols.

Usually attacks those with existing lung weakness. Those with low natural resistance and smokers are most at risk. Epidemic or single cases. Diagnosis confirmed by Haematological laboratory.

Symptoms. High body temperature (above 39°C). Rigor. Shivering. Diarrhoea. Dry cough. Bleeding from stomach and intestines. Mental confusion. Chest pains, shortness of breath, occasional diarrhoea. Differential diagnosis. Glandular fever. Other forms of pneumonia.

Indicated: anti-microbials and expectorants.

Treatment. Formula. Pleurisy root 2; Echinacea root 2; Grindelia quarter. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Every 3 hours. Take together with:–

Fenugreek tea. 2 heaped teaspoons seeds to each cup water simmered gently 10 minutes. Drink freely 1 cup. Seeds should be swallowed.

Enema. Strong Yarrow tea enema to control bowel bleeding. ... legionnaire’s disease

The control of fertility to prevent pregnancy. Methods prevent ovulation in the woman, stop sperm from meeting an ovum in the fallopian tube (preventing fertilization), or prevent a fertilized ovum implanting in the uterus.

Methods of contraception include total or periodic abstinence from sexual intercourse (see contraception, natural methods of); barrier methods (see contraception, barrier methods of); coitus.

The male condom is one of the most widely used barrier contraceptives. Female condoms (see condom, female) are similar to, but larger than, male condoms. Other female barrier methods include the diaphragm (see diaphragm, contraceptive), a hemispherical dome of thin rubber with a metal spring in the rim to hold it in place against the vaginal wall, blocking the entrance to the cervix. It is used with a spermicide. A cervical cap (see cap, cervical) is an alternative to the diaphragm. The contraceptive sponge, which is a disposable, circular, polyurethane foam sponge impregnated with spermicide, is inserted high in the vagina and left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse.

Spermicides, in the form of aerosol foams, creams, gels, and pessaries, are placed in the vagina as close as possible to the cervix shortly before intercourse.

Some spermicides should not be used with rubber barrier devices.

Mechanical and chemical means used together correctly can be highly effective in preventing conception.... contraception

n. the condition of subjects with widespread narrowing of the bronchial airways, which changes in severity over short periods of time (either spontaneously or under treatment) and leads to cough, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. Bronchial asthma may be precipitated by exposure to one or more of a wide range of stimuli, including *allergens, drugs (such as aspirin and other NSAIDs and beta blockers), exertion, emotion, infections, and air pollution. The onset of asthma is usually early in life and in atopic subjects (see atopy) may be accompanied by other manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as hay fever and dermatitis; however, the onset may be delayed into adulthood or even middle or old age. Treatment is with *bronchodilators, with or without corticosteroids, usually administered via aerosol or dry-powder inhalers, or – if the condition is more severe – via a nebulizer. Oral corticosteroids are reserved for those patients who fail to respond adequately to these measures. Severe asthmatic attacks may need large doses of oral corticosteroids (see status asthmaticus). Selection of treatment for individual cases is made using stepped guidelines issued by respiratory organizations, e.g. the British and American Thoracic Societies and the European Respiratory Society. A new group of drug treatments, using *monoclonal antibodies to target components in the allergic response, have recently become available (see omalizumab). Avoidance of known allergens, especially the house dust mite, allergens arising from domestic pets, and food additives, will help to reduce the frequency of attacks, as will the discouragement of smoking.

Cardiac asthma occurs in left ventricular heart failure and must be distinguished from bronchial asthma, as the treatment is quite different. —asthmatic adj.... asthma

Inula helenium

FAMILY: Asteraceae (Compositae)

SYNONYMS: Helenium grandiflorum, Aster officinalis, A. helenium, inula, scabwort, alant, horseheal, yellow starwort, elf dock, wild sunflower, velvet dock, ‘essence d’aunée’.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A handsome perennial herb up to 1.5 metres high, with a stout stem covered in soft hairs. It has oval pointed leaves which are velvety underneath, large, yellow, daisy-like flowers and large, fleshy rhizome roots.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in North America. Cultivated in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany) and Asia (China, India). The oil is mainly produced from imported roots in southern France.

OTHER SPECIES: There are several varieties of Inula; the European and Asian species are slightly different having a harsher scent. Other varieties include golden samphire (I. crithmoides) and sweet inula (I. graveolens or I. odora), which share similar properties.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb of ancient medical repute, which used to be candied and sold as a sweetmeat. It is used as an important spice, incense and medicine in the east. It is used in both western and eastern herbalism, mainly in the form of a tea for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough, disorders of the digestion, intestines and gall bladder and for skin disorders.

Current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for irritating cough or bronchitis. Elecampane root is the richest source of inulin.

ACTIONS: Alterative, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, bactericidal, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hyperglycaemic, hypotensive, stomachic, tonic.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried roots and rhizomes. (An absolute and concrete are also produced in small quantities.)

CHARACTERISTICS: A semi-solid or viscous dark yellow or brownish liquid with a dry, soft, woody, honey-like odour, often containing crystals. It blends well with cananga, cinnamon, labdanum, lavender, mimosa, frankincense, orris, tuberose, violet, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, cypress, bergamot and oriental fragrances.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly sesquiterpene lactones, including alantolactone (or helenin), isolactone, dihydroisalantolactone, dihydralantolactone, alantic acid and azulene.

SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant; however it is a severe dermal sensitizer. In clinical tests it caused ‘extremely severe allergic reactions’ in twenty-three out of twenty-five volunteers. On the basis of these results it is recommended that the oil ‘should not be used on the skin at all’..

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE None.

NB In Phytoguide I, sweet inula (I. odora or I. graveolens), a deep green oil, is described as ‘queen of mucolytic essential oils’, having properties as diverse as: ‘anti-inflammatory, hyperthermic, sedative, cardia-regulative, diuretic and depurative’.. It is described as being an excellent oil for the cardiopulmonary zone including asthma, chronic bronchitis and unproductive coughs. This variety of Inula seems to avoid the sensitization problems of elecampane, at least when it is used as an inhalation or by aerosol treatment.

OTHER USES: Alantolactone is used as an anthelmintic in Europe (it is also an excellent bactericide). The oil and absolute are used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. Used as a flavour ingredient in alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and foodstuffs, especially desserts.... elecampane