Also known as Scrophularia nodosa, carpenters square, escrophularia (Spanish), kernelwort, knoldbrunro (Danish), knotige braunwurz (German), knotted figwort, rosenoble, scrophula plant, scrophulaire noueuse (French), throatwort, woodland figwort and another related species Chinese figwort (Scrophularia ningpoensis).
Wort is an old English term given to plants that had medicinal properties or resembled parts of the human body. The botanical name for figwort, Scrophularia, comes from its traditional use as a remedy for scrofula, a tuberculosis infection of the lymph nodes in the neck.
The plant’s rhizomes resemble swollen glands and in the ‘Doctrine of signatures’, a philosophy that was shared by herbalists during the time of Galen (130 to 200 AD), a herb that resembles a specific body part could also be used to treat ailments afflicting it.
During the Middle Ages, figwort was thought to be one of the most effective medicinal plants to treat swellings and tumours.
Figwort is a good diuretic that also has mild laxative and analgesic properties and a stimulating effect on blood circulation, the heart, liver, and lymphatic system. It is also used externally for chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis and to treat itching and haemorrhoids.
The compounds harpagoside and harpagid found in figwort are thought to have the ability to soothe joint pain and they are also found in devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens).
Figwort can also be taken as a tea to treat the common cold and is often mixed with purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and/or peppermint (Mentha x piperita pipe).
The antibiotic properties of figwort come from its powerful components.
Beneficial compounds in figwort
- Asparagine
- Caffeic acid
- Cinnamic acid
- Fatty acids
- Ferulic acid
- Flavonoids
- Glycoside
- Harpagid
- Harpagoside
- Phytosterols
- Saponins
- Vanillic acid
WARNING: The figwort is closely related to foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and both plants contain glycosides that can adversely affect the heart. Although figwort contains far less of these compounds, caution should be taken when using it internally and it should be completely avoided by individuals any with heart problems as well as children and pregnant or lactating women.
Related subjects
- A-Z of natural foods and remedies
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Blood and vein disorders
- Bond and joint disorders
- Colds and coughs
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Heart disorders
- Liver disorders
- Neck, sinus and throat disorders
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Psoriasis
- Skin disorders
- Tuberculosis
- Virus infections
- Water retention
Join our mailing list to receive your monthly emailed newsletter with all the latest scientific findings for natural health remedies.