June 28, 2002

FIGWORT

Latin Name: Scrophularia nodosa

Alternate Names: Knotted Figwort, Throatwort, Scrofula Plant, Rosenoble, Bunny In The Grass, Carpenter's Square, Xuan Shen

Family: SCROPHULARIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion, root.

Properties: Alterative, Anodyne, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Deobstruent, Depurative, Diuretic, Heart Stimulant, Laxative, Vulnerary, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Acne, Arthritis, Constipation, Eczema, Gangrene, Gout, Mastitis, Psoriasis, Rash, Rheumatism, Scabies, Scrofula, Tumors, Worms

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Topical Uses: Athlete's Foot, Boils, Burns, Cradle Cap, Eczema, Hemorrhoids, Lymphatic Congestion, Ringworm, Sprains, Wounds

Topical Applications: Poultice for eczema, athletes foot, sprains, burns, hemorrhoids, cradle cap, swollen lymph nodes, boils, ringworm and wounds.

Energetics: Bitter, Cold, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Iridoids (aucubin, harpagide), cardioactive glycosides, flavonoids (diosmin, herperidin), phenolic acid, acetic acid, ferulic, caffeic acid, palmitic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid.

Contraindications: This herb is not for those with tachycardia, as Figwort can be stimulating to the heart.

Comments: The Latin name Scrophularia is from an ancient word, scrophula, meaning 'goitre and tuberculosis of the lymph nodes'. As the protuberances on the root of Figwort resembled swollen lymph nodes affected by scrofula, this herb was used to treat abscesses, tumors, wounds and skin ailments. At one time, this herb was known as L'herbe du siège, because when the French city, La Rochelle, was under siege for fourteen months in the 1600's, the residents ate this plant in order to survive.

In China, Scrophularia ningoensis is used and called Xuan Shen.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), June 28, 2002

Answers

Here's a picture:

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 28, 2002.