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 | Figwort Other Names: Throatwort. Carpenter's Square. Kernelwort.
Botanical Name: Scrophularia nodosa
Family: N.O. Scrophulariaceae |
Description: |
The Knotted Figwort, common throughout England, is similar in general habit to the Water Figwort, but differs both in the form of its root and in having more acutely heartshaped leaves. The stem, too, is without the projections or wings at its angles, and the lobes of the calyx have only a very narrow membraneous margin. The plant, also, though found in rather moist, bushy places, either in cultivated or waste ground, and in damp woods, is not distinctly an aquatic, like the Water Figwort.
The flowers, which resemble in appearance and character the Water Figwort, are in bloom during July and are specially visited by wasps.
During the thirteen months' siege of Rochelle by the army of Richelieu in 1628, the tuberous roots of this Figwort yielded support to the garrison for a considerable period, from which circumstance the French still call it Herbe du siège. The taste and smell of the tubers are unpleasant, and they would never be resorted to for food except in times of famine. |
Medicinal Usage: |
It has been called the Scrofula Plant, on account of its value in all cutaneous eruptions, abscesses, wounds, etc., the name of the genus being derived from that of the disease for which it was formerly considered a specific.
It has diuretic and anodyne properties.
The whole herb is used, collected in June and July and dried. A decoction is made of it for external use and the fresh leaves are also made into an ointment.
Of the different kinds of Figwort used, this species is most employed, principally as a fomentation for sprains, swellings, inflammations, wounds and diseased parts, especially in scrofulous sores and gangrene.
The leaves simply bruised are employed by the peasantry in some districts as an application to burns and swellings.
The Welsh so highly esteem the plant that they call it Deilen Ddu ('good leaf'). In Ireland, it is known as Rose Noble and as Kernelwort. Gerard tells us, referring to what he evidently considered an exaggerated estimate of its worth: 'Divers do rashly teach that if it be hanged about the necke or else carried about one, it keepeth a man in health.'
The herb was said to be curative of hydrophobia, by taking
'every morning while fasting a slice of bread and butter on which the powdered knots of the roots had been spread and eating it up with two tumblers of fresh spring water. Then let the patient be well clad in woollen garments and made to take a long, fast walk until in a profuse perspiration, the treatment being continued for seven days.'
A decoction of the herb has been successfully used as a cure for the scab in swine. Cattle, as a rule, will refuse to eat the leaves, as they are bitter, acrid and nauseating, producing purging and vomiting if chewed. |
Ancient Lore: |
FIGWORT SCROPHULARIA NODOSA
A better remedy cannot be for the king's-evil, because the Moon that rules the disease is exalted there.
A perennial woodland plant with square stems, oval leaves and purple flowers. Also known as Throatwort.
Where to find it: Moist and shadowy woods and in the lower parts of fields and meadows. Flowering time: Midsummer.
Astrology: Venus owns the herb.
Medicinal virtues: The decoction of the herb taken inwardly, and the bruised herb applied outwardly, dissolved clotted and congealed blood coming from wounds, bruises and fails; and is no less effectual for the king's-evil, or any other knobs, kernels, bunches or wens growing in the flesh. It is also useful for haemorrhoids.
Modem uses: An important remedy in modern herbal practice, its main action is diuretic. The whole herb is used as a tonic for the kidneys and pelvic organs. Large doses are purgative and emetic. An infusion can be used as a fornentation for sprains, swellings, and abscesses, such as boils and carbuncles. An ointment made by digesting the herb in hot wax and straining is excellent for skin eruptions and irritating conditions such as eczema, piles and pruritus vulvae. Taken internally the infusion - 1 oz (28 g) of the herb to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water - or tincture purifies the blood and regulates, menstruation. It is a rich source of manganese. Dose of the infusion is 1 fl oz (28 ml) two or three times a day. The fresh plant tincture used by homoeopaths is recommended for conjunctivitis, mastitis and piles. Use of this remedy is contraindicated in certain heart conditions and it is, therefore, best used under professional guidance. |
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