Fumitory

Today’s herb is called Fumitory (Fumaria Officinalis) also known as ‘Smoke of the Earth’ or ’EarthSmoke’…..(hmmm…..sounds familiar….) due to its appearance, as it grows in a very random way, much like swirls of smoke moving along the ground.

Fumitory is member of the Papaveracae family (poppy) and has been considered an important medicinal herb since before the days of the Roman Empire. It has been on the approved list of herbs for use by British apothecaries since 1618. As with many of our herbs, Fumitory also has a reputation for being a powerful magical herb used to attract wealth, good luck and to expel evil spirits and repel black magic. Fumitory tea was traditionally sprinkled in the corners of every room in the house and on the front and back doorsteps. Medicinally, the above ground parts are used to make tinctures, infusions, extracts, eye lotions or it can be dried and put into capsules.

- It’s diuretic, diaphoretic and purifys the blood.

- Acts as a mild laxative.

- Lowers blood pressure.

- Stimulates and strengthens peristalsis.

- Its bitter qualities make it an excellent appetite stimulant and also acts as a remedy for intestinal parasites.

- Normalizes bile production and flow due to its antispasmodic effect on the sphincter of oddi (the valve which opens and closes off bile flow).

- Relieves the pain of biliary colic caused by gallstone blockage. It is still prescribed by doctors in Germany for this purpose.

- Detoxifys and purifys the liver and kidneys, which is often at the root of many conditions like acne, chronic eczema and psoriasis.

- Treats scabies.

- Fumitory is commonly used in conjunction with walnut leaves to treat external wounds.

- Putting a handful of the dried herb in your bath water is an effective remedy for haemorrhoids.

- When extracted into hot water it can used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis.

- Once dried it can be smoked as a tobacco substitute.