Fumitory Profile
Also known as
Fumaria officinalis, Earthsmoke, and Fumaria.
Introduction
Fumitory is a small climbing herb with weak stems, deeply indented leaves, and spikes of small flowers of a pinkish hue, topped with purple or, white. It is native to Europe and North Africa, but grows quite well all over the planet. The ancient Romans, according to the historian Pliny, named this useful plant Kapnos, which means smoke, because the juice of the plant brings on such a flow of tears that the sight becomes dim as with smoke. It was also said that the plant did not grow from a seed, but from the fumes rising up from the underground. Fumitory was used in Roman medicine to treat problems of the eyes, and also a smoke for expelling evil spirits. Nicholas Culpepper, in his work The Complete Herbal (1652) wrote that it was good for all types of afflictions of the skin, and suggested using the whole plant, although modern thought is that only the leaves may be necessary. As late as the early twentieth century, fumitory was a primary herb for treating the "leprous afflictions" described the great herbalist M. Grieve and also for liver disease. The modern uses of fumitory in herbal medicine are less dramatic. Fumitory is taken internally to treat acne, eczema, and indigestion, and used in eyewashes to treat conjunctivitis.
Constituents
Flavonoid glycosides, isoquinolones.
Parts Used
The above-ground parts of the herb, dried and cut.
Typical Preparations
Infusions and teas, and can be used in capsule or extract form. A water infusion of this herb is used as a pack or compress for skin problems.
Summary
Fumitory was once used as the "hiccup" herb. It has a gentle, anti-spasmodic effect on the upper digestive tract that relieves hiccups, belches, and burps. It is especially useful for relieving minor pain caused by gallstones. For maximum effect, use with celandine and peppermint for gallbladder spasms or with angelica, boldo, chamomile, cinnamon, or licorice for indigestion. There is a German E commission monograph for fumitory that lists its uses for spastic discomfort of the gallstones, the bile ducts, and the gastrointestinal tracts.
Precautions
Like many other herbs, a little fumitory is a stimulant and a lot of fumitory is sedative so avoid excessive use.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
