Scrophularia nodosa (also called figwort, woodland figwort, and common figwort) is a perennial herbaceous plant found in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere except western North America. It grows in moist and cultivated waste ground.
Contents
Uses
The herb was and is still used in salves and poultices to soothe inflamed skin in cases of psoriasis and eczema, and to heal burns. Herbalists today consider figwort as a cleansing herb that supports the detoxification of the body.
Benefits
In the treatment of skin disorders the herb is often used in combination with yellow dock (Rumex crispus).
The herb can be used as a gentle laxative to treat constipation. Common figwort contains the substance aucubin, an iridoid glycoside, which has a mild laxative effect and increases the renal excretion of uric acid.
The compounds harpagoside and harpagid found in the herb are thought to have the ability to soothe joint pain. The same compounds can be found in devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens).
Common figwort has sometimes been used traditionally as an herbal tea to treat the common cold and is often mixed with purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), or peppermint (Mentha x piperita pipe).
There is some indication that common figwort could be effective against some types of cancers. Whether this is the case is too early to say and more research is needed to confirm this.
Cautions
When ingested in large amounts it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Until more research has been done on the safety of common figwort, the herb should not be used by pregnant or nursing women and should not be given to children.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
figwort, woodland figwort, and common figwort
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrophularia_nodosa
Annies remedy, http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail478.php
Herbal supplement, http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/common-figwort.html