ELFWORT (Inula helenium), also known as Horse Heal and Elecampane among other names, is an ancient perennial herb with renewed medicinal interest -- a recent study has shown that extracts kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other broad spectrum bacteria. The plant's specific name derives from Helen of Troy, since it was said that it first grew where her tears fell. It was a sacred herb of the Druids. The root is fragrant and fixes scents so it is added to potpourri. It is also used in the production of vermouth and, now that it is legal again, absinthe. The plant can grow up to 8' high and in its second and subsequent years produces beautiful open-faced golden blossoms. Perennial. 10 Seeds.
MEDICINAL: Traditionally, Elfwort has been used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and broncitis because chemicals in it cause mucus to thin and coughin to calm. Its stems contain mucilage, a natural gummy substance that doesn't dissolve in water but swells up and becomes slick when exposed to fluids. So it is used to sooth irritated tissues in the mouth, throat, stomach or intestines. It is also a source of inulin (fructosan), a carbohydrate-based fiber that breaks down and is absorbed in the colon rather than the upper digestive tract. This characteristic means it can be substituted for other carbs in food products for diabetics because it provides a sweet taste without drastically changing blood sugar levels. It may also lower blood sugar in general. It also protects beneficial bacteria in the colon while suppressing the harmful. All of this may make it a good treatment for irritable bowel syndrome as well as possibly colon cancer. However, insufficient research has been done in this area.
GROWING TIPS: Start inside 2-3 months before last frost. After a period of hardening off, it can be transplanted outside in the spring. Grows full sun/partial shade in neutral to slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. CHERRYGAL HEIRLOOM GARDEN SEEDS & PLANTS offer hundreds of heirloom and vintage open-pollinated varieties! Most have histories dating back centuries and are tried and true producers. Some are rare, or threatened with extinction. When you grow a plant from heirloom seed and save that seed, you are participating in a practice that goes back for generations. Our grandparents and their grandparents grew these varieties. Often the seeds were prized possessions carried to the New World when they emigrated.
Ever notice how most seed catalogs require you to buy (and pay for) much more seed than you could ever possibly use in a season? If you have a budget for garden seeds, this limits your choices! Although seeds can be viable for longer than one growing season, it requires that they be stored at a consistent temperature and humidity. Few of us do this. CherryGal sizes its seed packets for the home gardener, because we know you may want to grow 5 different lettuces, or three different corns, and don’t want to have to take out a second mortgage to do so! CHERRYGAL SEEDS ARE A TREMENDOUS BARGAIN!
All seeds offered are FRESH stock, with high germination rates. Varieties are specially selected for home gardeners. If you want the flavor you remember from grandma's kitchen garden or the beauty of her cottage flowers, choose CHERRYGAL HEIRLOOM SEEDS.
ABOUT OPEN-POLLINATED SEEDS . . . All CherryGal Heirloom Seeds are heirlooms (dating at least 100 years) or vintage (mid-20th Century or older) OPEN-POLLINATED varieties. This means saved seed will be true to the parent. Don't be dazzled by the never-ending array of hybrid seeds promoted by gardening suppliers. First, seeds from that produce will not grow true to the parent -- you have to keep buying hybrid seed. Second, most hybrids are developed for market – not home -- growers with an emphasis on extended shelf life, storage and shipping qualities -- NOT flavor, texture and all those other elements that home growers seek.
All CHERRYGAL HEIRLOOM SEEDS come from reputable growers (most of them small farms) and wherever possible ORGANIC suppliers (so noted). By buying CHERRYGAL SEEDS you are supporting the growing worldwide movement of SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE and with a little practice you will be able to save even more money in the future by growing open-pollinated varieties and saving seed for next year. All my seeds are DOUBLE GERMINATION TESTED: First by my growers and then by me. Please Note: CherryGal Heirloom Seeds are guaranteed to be fresh stock, but are not guaranteed as to results (sorry - we wish we could, but there are too many variables in gardening) so please do not ask to return. However, we think you will be pleased and would like to hear about your gardening success!
SHIPPING: I endeavor to ship my seeds as quickly as possible - usually within 24 - 48 hours. If there is a need for more time, you will be advised at time of purchase and shipped as soon as possible. In the event an item becomes unavailable or temporarily out of stock I will offer you a chance to substitute another selection or refund you immediately. I package my seeds for shipping in a manner appropriate to the amount and type of seed - larger orders and larger seeds require more packaging. I also combine multiple orders of the same seed variety, where practical, in one envelope unless you request otherwise. This is an ecological measure, not a cost-saving one. Whether you choose first class mail or priority shipping, your seeds will ship using a delivery confirmation number which will be supplied to you.
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