Description

Figwort (Scrophularia Nodosa) Cut & Sifted Herb

HERB COMMON NAME :  Figwort

HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Scrophularia Nodosa

OTHER NAMES :  Knotted Figwort, Carpenter’s Square

FAMILY :  Scrophulariaceae

ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :

• Element: Water
• Planet: Venus
• Direction:  West
• Zodiac Sign:  Taurus
• Chakra:  2nd Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
• Energy:  Yin
• Gender: Feminine
• Sabbat & Holiday: Litha / Midsummer, the Summer Solstice (btw. June 19-24)

Parts Used:  Aerial

Description:  The heart-shaped leaves of figwort dot the English landscape wherever other water-loving plants are found. Both the roots and aerial parts of the plant are harvested in mid-summer for the purpose of making decoctions, ointments, salves and poultices. Its reputation for its many topical applications is demonstrated by the Welsh name for the plant — Deilen Ddu, which translates to “good leaf.”

Figwort is used for skin conditions like eczema and/or psoriasis, but can be used both internally and topically for any chronic skin condition (especially those accompanied by eruptions, itchiness and irritation).

Figwort will promote whole body detoxification and improve metabolic functions, which can be of benefit in rheumatism and gout.

Figwort can be used in lymphatic conditions, swellings, swollen lymph nodes and tumors. It is also used as a topical application for inflammation, infected wounds, blisters, boils and bruises.

Historical Uses:  eczema, psoriasis, itching, skin irritation, inflammation, wounds, boils, bruises, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, detoxifier, weight loss, rheumatism, gout, swelling, cancer, alterative, circulatory stimulant, cardio-active (inotropic), hepatic stimulant, laxative, constipation, mild diuretic, vulnerary, anti-rhuematic

Mystical Attributes:  Hung from the neck, Figwort keeps the wearer healthy and protects against the evil eye.

Figwort is smoked over Midsummer fires and then hung in the home for its protective powers.

Mystical Intentions:  protection of the home, protection from the evil eye, health and healing, herbs for Midsummer, herbs for Litha

Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Figwort is native to Europe and also grows in Asia and North America. It grows upright, with thick, sharply square, succulent stems up to 150 cm tall from a horizontal rootstock.

Its leaves are opposite, ovate at the base and lanceolate at the tip, all having toothed margins.

The flowers are in loose cymes in oblong or pyramidal panicles. The individual flowers are globular, with five green sepals encircling green or purple petals, giving way to an egg-shaped seed capsule.

Figwort grows in damp ground in woods, stream banks, and occasionally as a garden weed. It grows best in full sun or partial shade, in moist to wet soils.

Sow seeds in spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, it can be sown outdoors in the autumn or the spring. You can also propagate by division in spring.

Harvest figwort in April or at the time of flowering. Hang the plant upside down to dry and then cut into smaller pieces.

Store dried pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Contraindications & Toxicity:

• Best to avoid in pregnancy & lactation.
• Caution with heart conditions and tachycardia.
• High doses can be poisonous.
• Caution with cardiac glycosides.

Constituents: 

• Amino acids (alanine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tyrosine, valine)
• Iridoids: aucubin and catapol are purgative, harpagosides and harpagide are anti-inflammatory and will increase myocardial contractions
• Flavonoids
• Phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, vanillic) are anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anthelmintic

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

**IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product.

PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

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