American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

In bronchitis, asthma, dyspnea, and in jaundice or dropsy, all of cardiac
origin, it is said to be one of our best agents, in some cases acting
magically. Galen used it in rheumatic affections. The agent has not
received the attention it is said to deserve.
INULA Inula helenium
Synonym—Elecampane.
CONSTITUENTS—
Helenin, inulin, volatile oil, acrid resin, bitter extractive.
PREPARATIONS—
Extractum Inulae Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Elecampane. Dose from
ten to sixty minims.
Specific Medicine Inula. Dose from five to forty minims.
Administration—The agent is given in infusion to excellent advantage,
and a syrup may be prepared which is serviceable in lung troubles.
Helenin is given in doses of from the one-twelfth to the one-fourth of a
grain four or five times daily.
Physiological Action—The tonic influence of this agent has been
recognized for many years. It acts directly upon the nutritive functions of
the body. In general debility from protracted disease or from overwork, or
from age, its influence is plainly apparent. It imparts tone to the digestive
and respiratory organs and to the urinary tract.
Therapy—In atonic condition of the abdominal viscera with engorgement
great relaxation and general inactivity this agent exercises specific
properties. It influences not only the character of the circulation but acts
also as an alterative, improving the character of the blood. It is of
advantage in those atonic conditions where, with great inactivity of the
gastro-intestinal tract, there is disorder of the skin and discoloration and
eruptions.
The direct tonic influence of inula seems to be exercised also upon the
respiratory tract after protracted disease promoting recovery. It lessens
excessive bronchial secretion controls the night sweats and imparts real
tone and strength.
Hare says that inula has an actively astringent influence. Giving it during
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 263