The Fumitory Plant: Discover the hidden health powers

The name of the fumitory plant could be derived from either of two facts. First, when the plant is cut or mashed, it makes anyone shed tears like smoke. Second, its sterling-grey leaves resemble the smoke of a fire, while the flowers seem like the fire itself. It has been successfully used since Dioscorides (1^st century A.D.).

Fumitory Plant Scientific Facts

1. Scientific Name: Fumaria officinalis L.
2. Other Names: Hedge fumitory, earth smoke.
3. French: Fumeterre.
4. Spanish: Fumaria.
5. Environment: Common along roadsides, on unfarmed lands, and near farmed fields. Native to Europe, nowadays spread all over the world.
6. Description: This annual plant of the Fumariaceae family grows from 20 to 70 cm high. It has greyish-green leaves and pink or red flowers. It has an acrid smell and a sour taste.
7. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The whole plant, except its root.

Fumitory Benefits

The whole fumitory plant contains flavonic substances with antispasmodic and choleretic properties; potassium salts, to which it owes its diuretic and depurative properties; and several alkaloids derived from the isoquinoline (fumarine), which give the plant antihistaminic (histamines play an essential role in allergic reactions) and anti-inflammatory properties.

Moreover, the fumitory contains bitter principles and mucilage. It has the following indications:

• Skin eczemas and rashes are caused by autointoxication (internal toxicity), intestinal putrefaction, kidney and liver insufficiency, or allergies.
• Hepatic affections: Congestion and liver dysfunctions or chronic hepatitis because of its choleretic effect (stimulating bile secretion).
• Arterial hypertension, given its diuretic, antispasmodic, depurative, and blood-thinning properties.

How to use Fumitory

1. Infusion with fifty grams of plant per liter of water. Drink a cup before every meal.
2. Juice of the fresh plant, sweetened with honey. Half a glass before every meal.
3. Dry extract: One gram before every meal.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 389. Print. [fumitory plant]
2. RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/fumitory.htm
3. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-451/fumitory
4. https://www.drugs.com/npc/fumitory.html

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API