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 marilandica, Scrophularia nodosa, Scrophularia Radix, Throatwort, Xuan Shen.
Figwort is an herb. The whole plant is used to make medicine.
People take figwort as a “water pill” to relieve bloating by increasing urine production.
Figwort is sometimes applied directly to the skin for skin conditions such as eczema, itching, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, swelling, and rash.
Some people use figwort as a substitute for devil's claw, because the two herbs contain similar chemicals.
How does it work?
Figwort might contain substances that decrease swelling (inflammation).
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Eczema.
- Itching.
- Psoriasis.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Swollen skin.
- Rash.
- Other conditions.
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).
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowDiabetes: 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.
LithiumInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
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.Talk with your health provider.
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.
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.
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.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.