Figwort
Scrophularia nodosa
Scrophulariaceae

Names: Rosenoble, Throatwort, Carpenters Square, Scrofula Plant.

Habitat: A European and British wild plant.

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

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Iridoids, e.g. aucubin, harpagide, acetyl harpagide and 6 a-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol
• Flavonoids; diosmin and hesperidin
• Phenolic acids; ferulic, isoferulic, p-coumaric, caffeic, vanillic & chlorogenic acids.

Actions: Alterative, diuretic,laxative, heart stimulant.

Indications: Figwort finds most use in the treatment of skin problems. It acts in a broad way to help the body function well, bringing about a state of inner cleanliness. It may be used for eczema, psoriasis and any skin condition where there is itching and irritation.

Part of the cleansing occurs due to the purgative and diuretic actions. It may be used as a mild laxative in constipation. As a heart stimulant, Figwort should be avoided where there is any abnormally rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a gently stimulating and relaxing alterative with lower abdominal and pelvic emphasis. Deobstruent to enlarged and engorged lymph glands. They give the following specific indications : chronic skin disease, eczema and psoriasis. Mammary tumors and nodosities. Haemorrhoids.

Ellingwood considered it specific for marked evidences of cachexia. Depraved blood from any cause; glandular disorders of a chronic character, accompanied with disease of the skin. Ulcerations, eczema, excoriations from chronic skin disease.

Combinations: It will combine well with Yellow Dock and Burdock Root in the treatment of skin problems.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.