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.
Is It Effective?
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.
- 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.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of figwort for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Figwort contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections, and help wounds heal.
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.
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.
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.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
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.
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