Figwort

Scrophularia nodosa

COMMON NAMES

• Carpenter's-square
• Figwort
• Rose-noble
• Scrofula Plant
• Square Stalk
• Stinking Christopher
• Throatwort

In both eastern and western traditions, figwort (S. nodosa) is a very cleansing herb. In the past, figwort was known as the scrofula plant (hence the botanical name), and used to treat abscesses, purulent wounds, and the "King's Evil" or scrofula (tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck). Culpeper calls the herb throatwort because of its use in treating this disease. The Chinese use xuan shen, the root of a related species, S. ningpoensis, as a prime remedy for "fire poisons," the kind of purulent conditions associated with the herb in the West.

Although figwort has a taste and smell that are notably unpleasant, history records that when Cardinal Richelieu laid siege to the French city of La Rochelle for 14 months in 1627-1628, the Protestant garrison within was reduced to eating figwort. The French subsequently called it l'herbe du siege.

Figwort is an old medicinal herb, some of whose constituents are only now being identified through biochemical analysis. Ancient pharmacists knew figwort as ficaria major and recommended it for treating hemorrhoids. Herbalists also called figwort scrophularia, after its use as a remedy for "scrofulous ailments," such as tuberculosis of the lymph glands and other diseases characterized by swellings and eruptions.

Like its close relative foxglove, figwort contains a cardio active substance that strengthens the heart and slows its beat. Thus, its use as an internal medicine by other than a trained practitioner risks dangerous complications. Figwort also has strong, potentially injurious purgative and emetic properties.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts, root.

USES

Figwort is an herb that supports detoxification of the body and may be used as a treatment for various types of skin conditions. Taken internally as an infusion or applied externally, figwort is of value in treating chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Applied externally, figwort will also help speed the healing of burns, wounds, hemorrhoids, and ulcers. Figwort's traditional use as a treatment for swellings and tumors continues in Europe to this day. Figwort is also mildly diuretic, and it is reputed to be effective when used to expel worms.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Figwort is native to Europe, Central Asia, and North America; figwort thrives in wet or damp places, in open woodland, on riverbanks" and along ditches. Figwort is gathered in the summer while in flower.

CONSTITUENTS

Figwort contains saponins, cardioactive glycosides, flavonoids, resin, sugar, organic acids.

USUAL DOSAGE

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 - 3 teaspoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for 10 -15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 2 - 4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

APPLICATIONS

AERIAL PARTS:

INFUSION - Use whenever there is a buildup of toxins to cleanse: for rheumatic conditions, lymphatic disorders, or skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

TINCTURE - Take in combination with other digestive herbs such as dandelion, barberry, or rhubarb root for constipation and sluggishness, or with herbs such as yellow dock, bittersweet, or burdock for skin conditions.

COMPRESS - Soak a pad in the infusion and apply to painful swellings, wounds, and ulcers.

WASH - Use the infusion for eczema, skin inflammations, and fungal infections.

ROOT:

DECOCTION - Use for throat problems, including swollen glands and tonsillitis. Prescribed for deep-seated abscesses and lymphatic swellings. As a yin tonic, it is taken with salt in China.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

The stalks and leaves are gathered during flowering between June and August.

COMBINATIONS

Figwort will combine well with yellow dock and burdock root in the treatment of skin problems.

ANTISCROFULOUS OINTMENT

• 1/3 oz (10 g) fresh figwort leaves
• 1/3 oz (10 g) beef tallow or fat
• 2/3 oz (20 g) lard or pork fat
• 1 Glass jar, about 2 oz (50 ml)

Dry the shredded leaves in a frying pan until they become powdery. Add the two types of fat. Gently stir until this mixture is completely blended. Pour into jar. Let cool. Can be refrigerated for 3 months.
Despite its greenish color and unpleasant smell, this ointment is very effective against adenitis, cysts, abnormal indurations, fungal ailments and weeping eczema.

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