Fumaria officinalis
Latin Name: Fumaria officinalis
Common name: Fumitory, Earth Smoke
Family: Fumariaceae
Parts used: Aerial
Constituents: Isoquinoline alkaloid (canadine, dicentrine, fumaricine/fumarine, sanguinarine) as well as protopine, and berberine-like alkaloids, rutin and quercitin.
Medicinal actions: Depurative, antispasmodic, hypotensive, diuretic, cholagogue, mild sedative, vulnerary, diuretic, alterative, laxative, anti-itching, anti-bacterial, vasodilator.
Medicinal use: chronic conditions and a variety of skin disorders including scabies, leprosy, eczema, and general itching, sores, and abscesses. Also used in digestive weaknesses (constipation), gastrointestinal disorders, gallbladder disorders and liver insufficiency.
Pharmacology:
- Reports of protopine’s antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus and Bacillus Anthracis have been noted.
Pharmacy:
- Infusion: 1-2 tsp/1 cup of water TID
- Dried herb: 2-4 g orally or in hot water TID
- Tincture: 1-4 ml (1:5, 45%) TID, or 1-2 ml (1:5, 25%) TID
Toxicity: Can be toxic in high doses due to the presence of Protopine, should be used under professional advice in this manner.
Contraindications: Do not use in pregnancy or breast feeding, use with caution if elderly.
Interactions: May interact with cardiac mediations and anti-hypertensives.