Field Scabious

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Bluebuttons, Escabiosa, Gypsy's-Rose, Knautia arvensis, Knautie des Champs, Langue de Vache, Lengua de Vaca, Oreille d'Âne, Oreille de Lapin, Scabieuse des Champs, Scabiosa arvensis, Viuda Silvestre.

Overview

Field scabious is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

People take field scabious for cough and sore throat.

Field scabious is sometimes applied directly to the skin for treating skin conditions such as scabies, eczema, rashes, cracked skin around the anus (anal fissures) and anal itching. It is also applied to the skin for treating roundworm infections, bruises, and swelling (inflammation), and for cleansing and healing ulcers.

How does it work?

Field scabious has chemicals that help to break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up. It also has a drying effect on the skin.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

TAKEN BY MOUTH

APPLIED TO THE SKIN More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of field scabious for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

There isn't enough information to know if field scabious is safe for use as medicine or what the possible side effects might be.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of field scabious during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of field scabious 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 field scabious. 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.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.