Elecampane Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Elfwort, Elfdock, Horseheal
An elf-touched root for protection, love and opening the inner eye.
- Intentions
- Protection, Divination, Love
- Element
- Air
- Planet
- Mercury
- Zodiac
- Virgo
- Day
- Wednesday
- Moon phase
- Full Moon
- Parts used
- Root, flowers
How to use it
- Elfwort pouch
Carry a small piece of dried elecampane root in a pouch for protection, or to welcome friendly nature spirits when you walk in woods and fields. Leave a small offering in return.
- Scrying aid
Place a little dried root beside your scrying bowl or mirror at the full moon. Let its earthy scent signal your mind to slow down and look gently beneath the surface.
- Love charm
Sew dried elecampane flowers and rose petals into a small pink pouch. Folklore says it draws love, so carry it as a reminder that you are worth loving.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Elecampane is a tall plant with bright, ragged yellow flowers and a thick, fragrant root. Its scientific name, Inula helenium, links it to Helen of Troy, said in legend to have been holding it when she was carried away. The old English names elfwort and elfdock connect it to the fair folk, and in folklore it was thought to protect against elf-shot and to please the spirits of the land. Witches still use the root for protection, love and psychic work.
An elf-touched root for protection, love and opening the inner eye.
- Intentions: Protection, Divination, Love
- Element: Air
- Planet: Mercury
- Zodiac: Virgo
- Day: Wednesday
- Moon phase: Full Moon
- Parts used: Root, flowers
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Do not swallow it: large amounts can cause vomiting and other symptoms. It belongs to the daisy family, and handling the root or flowers can cause skin rashes in sensitive people or anyone allergic to ragweed. Keep it where cats, dogs and horses cannot chew it, since pets can react to plants that are not well studied. Ventilate if you burn it.
How to use it
- Elfwort pouch. Carry a small piece of dried elecampane root in a pouch for protection, or to welcome friendly nature spirits when you walk in woods and fields. Leave a small offering in return.
- Scrying aid. Place a little dried root beside your scrying bowl or mirror at the full moon. Let its earthy scent signal your mind to slow down and look gently beneath the surface.
- Love charm. Sew dried elecampane flowers and rose petals into a small pink pouch. Folklore says it draws love, so carry it as a reminder that you are worth loving.
Works well with: Yellow Candle, Labradorite, Full Moon, Litha, Wednesday
Folklore
Elecampane is a tall plant with bright, ragged yellow flowers and a thick, fragrant root. Its scientific name, Inula helenium, links it to Helen of Troy, said in legend to have been holding it when she was carried away. The old English names elfwort and elfdock connect it to the fair folk, and in folklore it was thought to protect against elf-shot and to please the spirits of the land. Witches still use the root for protection, love and psychic work.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.