Fumaria officinalis, commonly known as fumitory or "moth", is an annual herbaceous plant widely distributed in Europe, North Africa and temperate zones of America. Its fascinating history and therapeutic uses date back to ancient times, when it was already appreciated by prominent classical physicians such as Galen for its positive effects on the liver and skin. Over time, fumitory has established itself as one of the most widely used natural remedies in phytotherapy thanks to its enormous versatility and the variety of bioactive compounds that give it its well-known medicinal properties.
What is Fumaria officinalis?
La would smoke It is an annual plant that rarely exceeds 60 cm in height, with branched stems and green leaves divided into triangular segments. Its small, tubular, wine-pink or burgundy-red flowers are grouped in clusters and display a purple spot at the tip, a feature that inspires many of its popular names, such as "blood of Christ." After flowering, it produces a small fruit with a single seed. It thrives especially in wastelands, fields, roadsides, and abandoned crops. Its hardiness allows it to thrive in inhospitable environments, which has facilitated its spread across various regions.
Active ingredients and chemical composition of fumitory
The rich phytochemical profile of fumitory is due to the presence of:
- Isoquinoline alkaloids: Notable among these are fumarin, protopine, fumariline, stylopine, canadine and fumaricin, with important spasmolytic, choleretic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Phenolic acids: Caffeic acid, ferulic acid, fumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and protocatechuic acid, which provide antioxidant and purifying properties.
- Flavonoids: Rutin, quercetol and kenferol, known for their antioxidant and vasoprotective benefits.
- Mucilages and heterogeneous polysaccharides, with emollient and protective effects on the digestive tract.
- Tannins: Responsible for the bitter taste and part of the astringent effect.
- Mineral salts: Mainly potassium, which enhances its diuretic activity.
- Phytosterols and choline: That contribute to metabolic and hepatic regulation.
Medicinal properties of Fumaria officinalis
Fumaria officinalis It has been traditionally used as a digestive, cleansing, hepatoprotective, and dermoprotective remedy. These properties are supported by its active ingredients and its effects after oral and topical administration.
- Choleretic and cholagogue: It stimulates the production and improves bile flow, facilitating the digestion of fats and preventing liver and biliary disorders.
- Purifying: It promotes the elimination of toxins through urine and skin, and improves skin conditions.
- Mild diuretic: Due to its potassium salt content, it helps eliminate fluids and combat edema.
- Antispasmodic and digestive: It relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, relieving discomfort, colic, and heavy digestion.
- Mild laxative: Promotes regular bowel movements without causing significant irritation.
- Antihistamine, antiserotonergic and anti-inflammatory: Beneficial in the treatment of skin allergies, eczema and other inflammatory processes.
- Antibacterial and antifungal: Its action helps reduce the bacterial load on the skin and mucous membranes.
- Cardiotonic and antiarrhythmic: Studies suggest a regulatory effect on heart rate and blood pressure.
- Hypotensive: It can help regulate blood pressure, especially in combination with its diuretic effect.
Main therapeutic uses of fumitory
The therapeutic versatility of the would smoke covers the treatment of different conditions:
- Liver and gallbladder diseases: Support in cases of mild liver failure, hepatitis, fatty liver, biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, and the presence of gallstones.
- Digestive disorders: Dyspepsia, slow digestion, gastric pain and heaviness, flatulence, colic, indigestion and loss of appetite.
- Migraines and headaches: Especially useful in headaches of hepatic and digestive origin.
- Skin conditions: Eczema, dermatitis, boils, acne, psoriasis, hives and other skin manifestations linked to toxic overload or other internal causes.
- Fluid retention and edema: Supports the elimination of water and toxins, improves the appearance of the skin.
- Menstrual disorders and menopause: It can help with associated migraines and symptoms linked to hormonal changes.
- Infection prevention: Antibacterial and fungicidal effect in topical use.
How to take Fumaria officinalis
There are various presentations and modes of use to take advantage of the medicinal properties of fumitory:
- Infusion or herbal tea: This is the most popular traditional method. One tablespoon of the dried plant (approximately 2 grams) is recommended per cup of water. Boil for 2 to 5 minutes and let it steep for about 10 minutes before straining. It is suggested to drink 2 or 3 cups daily, preferably before meals. In blends, it can be combined with dandelion, milk thistle, boldo, agrimony, and mint to enhance its effects on the liver, gallbladder, and digestion.
In specific formulas: the infusion can be used as a base for cleansing treatments, for migraines, and as a liver-protective herbal tea.
- Fresh plant juice: It is used to a lesser extent, but traditionally, about 40 grams of fresh plant have been recommended three times a day before meals to take advantage of its digestive and purifying effect.
- Fluid extract (drops): 15 to 20 drops diluted in half a glass of water before main meals.
- Capsules and tablets: Standardized formulations are available commercially to facilitate safe dosing. Always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional.
- External applications: The concentrated infusion is used in the form of compresses to treat eczema, boils, acne, or superficial wounds. Crushing a handful of fresh flowers and applying the paste to the affected area for 20 minutes is also a traditional remedy.
Examples of herbal teas and mixtures with fumitory
Liver-protecting herbal tea: A combination of fumitory, milk thistle, boldo, turmeric, chicory, and mint. Boil one tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water, let it steep for 10 minutes, and drink it twice a day.
Depurative herbal tea: A mixture of fumitory, boldo, agrimony, dandelion, barberry, and mint. Boil 5 grams of the mixture per cup of water, let it sit, and strain.
Herbal tea for migraines: Fumitory, hops, betony, boldo, lemon verbena, and mint. One tablespoon per cup, let it steep for 10 minutes.
Indications and applications in phytotherapy
- Hepatobiliary disorders: Dyskinesias, biliary colic, liver failure, gallbladder disorders, prevention and complementary treatment of gallstones.
- Dermatoses and skin conditions: Eczema, rashes, boils, acne, hives, psoriasis and other manifestations of internal origin.
- Digestive problems: Dyspepsia, slow and heavy digestion, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, loss of appetite.
- Headaches and migraines of digestive or hepatic origin.
- Fluid retention, edema and mild cardiovascular conditions: For its mild diuretic and cardiotonic effect.
Contraindications, precautions and side effects
Fumaria officinalis It is a safe plant when used in the recommended doses and for short periods of time. However, due to its alkaloid content, it is important to keep in mind:
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Lack of data on safety and possible risk from the alkaloids present.
- Do not use in children under 6 years of age.
- Hypersensitivity: May cause mild digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Biliary obstruction, cholelithiasis or severe liver disease: Its choleretic and cholagogue action could aggravate biliary colic, so it should be avoided without medical supervision.
- Hypertension or heart disease: Alkaloids can exert a hypotensive effect that, in high doses, can be excessive; in low doses, it can cause hypertension.
- Do not combine with antihypertensive medications, anticoagulants, or plants rich in tannins/iron salts.
- Avoid prolonged treatments without breaks: It is recommended to take fumitory in short cycles (no more than 10 to 15 consecutive days) with pause periods.
- Caution in patients with glaucoma: Contraindicated.
- In excessive doses: May cause sedation, nervousness, hypotension, seizures or adverse reactions.
Scientific studies and references on Fumaria officinalis
The traditional effectiveness of the would smoke It is based on extensive empirical use supported by phytotherapists and pharmacognostic documentation, as well as approval for certain uses in countries such as Germany.
- Preclinical studies and clinical cases have demonstrated its value as a regulator of biliary, digestive and liver cleansing flow.
- Research on fumitory extracts in animal models suggests positive effects in preventing gallstones, reducing liver-related migraines, and protecting liver tissue.
- The scientific community emphasizes the need for more controlled clinical trials to further investigate long-term efficacy and safety.
important treaties of phytotherapy and European pharmacopoeias, as well as studies published in scientific journals, validate its traditional use for indications such as biliary colic, digestive disorders and dermatoses.
Various names and ethnobotanical curiosities
La would smoke It has numerous popular names: "moth," "blood of Christ," "tears of Christ," "little shoes of the Virgin," and "shirt of the baby Jesus," among others. The term "fumaria" comes from the Latin "fumus" (smoke), either because of its aroma, because when rubbed it irritates the eyes like smoke, or because of the vaporous appearance of its leaves when seen from a distance.
Collection and preservation methods
The part used is the flowering top (flowering stems), harvested at the beginning of flowering in spring. After harvesting, it must be dried quickly in the shade to preserve its color and active ingredients. The fresh plant can also be used externally.
Practical tips and recommendations for safe use
- Always consult a healthcare professional before starting treatments, especially if you suffer from chronic diseases, are taking other drugs, or are looking for long-term use.
- Follow the recommended doses and guidelines to avoid risks arising from excess alkaloids.
- Do not exceed treatment periods (10 to 15 days) and alternate with breaks.
- Observe possible adverse reactions and, if you experience any unwanted symptoms, discontinue use and consult a specialist.
La would smoke It is one of the most versatile and appreciated medicinal plants in traditional European herbal medicine, especially for its ability to balance the hepatobiliary system and improve overall skin health and digestion. Its richness in alkaloids, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds makes it a valuable natural ally, although it is essential to use it responsibly, with supervision, and within the established guidelines to enjoy its benefits and minimize health risks.
