Figwort
OTHER NAME(S): Carpenter's Square, Common Figwort, Grande Scrofulaire, Heal-all, Herbe aux Écrouelles, Herbe au Siège, Rosenoble, Scrofulaire des Bois, Scrofulaire Noueuse, Scrophula Plant, Scrophularia, Scrophularia Radix, Throatwort, Xuan Shen, Scrophularia marilandica, Scrophularia nodosa, Scrophularia species, Fig Wort, Escrofularia, Scrofulaire
Overview
Figwort is an herb. The whole plant is used to make medicine.
Figwort is most commonly used for skin conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), itching, hemorrhoids, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Some people use figwort as a substitute for devil's claw, because the two herbs contain similar chemicals.
Figwort contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections, and help wounds heal.
Figwort contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections, and help wounds heal.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Acne.
- Burns.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
- Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF).
- Hemorrhoids.
- High blood pressure.
- Itching.
- Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis).
- Skin rash caused by sun exposure (polymorphous light eruption or PMLE).
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of figwort for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes: Figwort might affect blood sugar control. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully if you have diabetes and use figwort.
A heart condition called ventricular tachycardia: Don't use figwort if you have this condition.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with FigwortFigwort might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking figwort might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with FigwortFigwort seems to work like "water pills." Figwort and "water pills" might cause the body to get rid of potassium along with water. Taking figwort along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much. Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of figwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for figwort. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Ahmad M, Muhammad N, Mehjabeen, et al. Biological screening of Scrophularia nodosa extract and its fractions. Pak J Pharm Sci 2012;25(2):307-13.
- Stevenson PC, Simmonds MS, Sampson J, Houghton PJ, Grice P. Wound healing activity of acylated iridoid glycosides from Scrophularia nodosa. Phytother Res 2002;16(1):33-5.
- Scrophularia marilandica L. U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. Available at: https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=316821. Accessed September 11, 2019.
- Scrophularia nodosa L. U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. Available at: https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=33421. Accessed September 11, 2019.