Figwort
Scientific names: Scrophularia marilandica, Scrophularia nodosa, Scrophularia species
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Alternate names: Carpenter's Square, Common Figwort, Escrofularia, Grande Scrofulaire, Heal-all, Herbe aux Écrouelles, Herbe au Siège, Rosenoble, Scrofulaire, Scrofulaire des Bois, Scrofulaire Noueuse, Scrophula Plant, Scrophularia, Scrophularia Radix, Throatwort, Xuan Shen
Background
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 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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
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.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- 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.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Figwort 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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Figwort 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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Figwort contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections, and help wounds heal.
Products
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Per serve:
- Scrophularia nodosa
- Equisetum hyemale
- Levothyroxine sodium
- Myosotis arvensis
- Pinus sylvestris (Pine)
- Sarsaparilla
- Nasturtium aquaticum
- Aranea diadema
- Calcium phosphate (Calc phos)
- Ferrum iodatum
- Fumaria officinalis
- Gentiana lutea
- Geranium robertianum
- Teucrium scorodonia
- Veronica officinalis
- Sodium sulphate anhydrous
- Juglans regia (Walnut)
Practitioner product
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This monograph was last reviewed on 18/09/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 13/08/2020 19:45:25. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
