Figwort
|
Botanical Name |
Scrophularia nodosa |
|
Family |
Scrophularia |
|
Other Names |
Carpenter’s square, heal all, pilewort, rosenoble, scrofula plant, throat-wort |
|
Habitat |
Wet places, ditches, woods |
|
Description |
Perennial, erect up to 1.2m Stems: rectangular, glandular hairs, quadrangular Leaves opposite, short stalked, oval, pointed, toothed, 10-12cm long, 3-5cm wide Flowers: green/brown June-July |
|
Native to |
Britain, Europe, Asia |
|
Parts used |
Aerial used |
|
Harvesting |
June –August |
|
Actions |
Alterative, anti-inflammatory, cardiac stimulant, diuretic, mild laxative, mild purgative, vulnerary |
|
Constituents |
Saponins, flavone glycosides, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides Iridoids –aucubin, harpagide, scrophuloside A4, scopolioside, scrovalentinoside, acetyl harpagide, hesperidin Phenolic acids –ferulic, isoferulic, p-coumaric, caffeic, vanillic, chlorogenic acids |
|
Combines with |
Yellow dock, burdock |
|
Skin |
Bruises, eczema, psoriasis |
|
Other Notes |
Figwort is derived from the Latin “ficus” -fig |
|
Caution |
Avoid in cases of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) Poisonous |