Common Fumitory

Other Names : Fumaria officinalis, Beggary, Earth Smoke, Fleur de Terre, Hedge Fumitory, Fumus, Wax Dolls, Vapor, Common fumitory, Drug fumitory, Earth smoke and Earth-smoke, Fumaria, conejitos, gitanillas, hierba de la culebra, fumeterre officinal, erva-moleirinha, Gemeiner Erdrauch, fumaria comune, gewone duivekervel, jordrök
low shrub with gray pointed leaves, and from a distance the plant can have the wispy appearance of smoke. Because of this, it received the name “earth smoke.” The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Special Precautions of Common Fumitory

• Howard (1987) warns that fumitory is poisonous and should only be used "under the direction of a medical herbalist", but in Europe, no safety problems with its use have been recorded as of 2011. Large doses of protopine in animal models causes excitation and convulsions. Thorough toxicological research on this plant has not been conducted as of 2011. There have been no studies on its safety or effect on pregnant woman, children or elderly
• Avoid its use during pregnant and also by lactating mothers.
• The epilepsy and fit patients should not use it.
• It increases the effect of allopathic medication used for high blood pressure.
• Use this herb under the supervision of a health practitioner.

Health Benefits and Uses of Common Fumitory

• The herb is useful for conjunctivitis, cutaneous eruptions and chronic eczema.
• Fumitory is effective for gallbladder and liver complaints.
• It is used for treating gallbladder, bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract.
• The herb is used in Folk medicine to cure skin problems, cystitis, constipation, rheumatism, infections, arthritis and arteriosclerosis.
• Also useful for the chronic and itching eczema resulted from liver disease.
• Prepare an infusion by pouring boiling water to 2-3 gm drug and strain it after 20 minutes.
• Before 30 minutes of meals, drink one cup of warm infusion to treat gallbladder complaints.
• It has valuable action on liver and effective for liver problems such as costiveness, jaundice, debility of stomach and scurvy.
• Fumitory is used for cleansing kidneys and conjunctivitis.
• It is used in Roman times for its blood cleansing activity.
• Being a diaphoretic, it is used to induce sweat.
• It stimulates muscles of intestines and also strengthens peristalsis.
• As a tea, it is an aid for eliminating intestinal parasites.
• This herb also promotes the function of gallbladder and liver.
• As it possesses antispasmodic effect, it helps to normalize bile flow.
• In Germany, this herb is used to treat biliary colic.
• Fumitory is used as a cure for psoriasis, eczema, rash, acne and scabies.
• Apply the mixture of fumitory and walnut leaves for cuts, wounds and scrapes.
• It is used as eyewash for treating conjunctivitis.