What is fumitory?
Fumitory(Fumaria officinalis) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Papaveraceae family. Known since Antiquity for its depurative and digestive properties, it grows spontaneously in meadows, gardens and wastelands across Europe. Used in phytotherapy and traditional medicine, fumitory is appreciated for its action on the liver, digestion and skin disorders.
What are the benefits of fumitory?
Fumitory has many therapeutic virtues, including
- Natural liver drainer: Stimulates biliary function, helping toeliminate toxins and improve fat digestion.
- Liver regulator: balances bile production, whether excess or deficient.
- Depurative and detoxifying: Helps purify blood and skin, ideal foreczema, psoriasis or acne.
- Digestive antispasmodic: soothes intestinal cramps, bloating and digestive disorders.
- Mild diuretic effect: Promotesrenal elimination of toxins, contributing to gentle drainage.
- Allergy relief: Thanks to its natural antihistaminic properties, it helps calm allergic reactions.
How is fumitory used in phytotherapy?
Fumitory can be used in a variety of ways:
- In infusion: For liver detoxification and easier digestion.
- As a decoction: Ideal for purifying the skin and soothing skin disorders.
- Capsules or liquid extracts: Convenient for a more concentrated depurative cure.
- As a poultice: To soothe itching and skin disorders.
Tip: For an infusion of fumitory, infuse 1 tablespoon of dried plant in 250 ml of hot water for 10 minutes.
Why is fumitory good for the liver?
Fumitory is renowned for its bile-regulating action, making it an excellent remedy for :
- Biliary insufficiency (slow digestion, nausea after a fatty meal).
- Excess bile (bloating, diarrhea after a heavy meal).
- Hepatic overload (fatigue linked to an excessively rich diet).
It is often recommended for detox cures and to support a tired liver.
Is fumitory effective against digestive disorders?
Yes, fumitory is a digestive plant with multiple benefits:
- Soothes intestinal spasms and reduces bloating.
- Promotes smooth digestion by stimulating bile production.
- Combats mild constipation thanks to its transit-regulating effect.
It is particularly indicated in cases of difficult digestion, dyspepsia or abdominal discomfort.
Is fumitory good for the skin?
Yes, thanks to its depurative effect, fumitory is ideal for skin prone to :
- Acne and excess sebum.
- Eczema and itching.
- Psoriasis and skin eruptions.
It works both internally (infusion or supplement) and externally (poultice or lotion).
How to use fumitory for the skin?
- As an infusion: regular consumption helpseliminate toxins responsible for skin problems.
- As a decoction applied to the skin: to relieve redness and inflammation.
- As a facial steam bath: to purify pores and rebalance oily skin.
Can fumitory help relieve allergies?
Yes, fumitory is recognized for its natural antihistaminic properties, helping to reduce :
- Seasonal allergic reactions.
- Allergy-related skin rashes.
- Itching and redness.
It is often recommended as a spring cure to support the body in the face of allergens.
Does fumitory have any contraindications?
Although natural, fumitory must be used with caution:
- Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
- Do not use in cases of gallstones without medical advice.
- Avoid in cases of hypotension, as it may have a slightly hypotensive effect.
- Do not prolong the cure beyond 3 weeks, to avoid liver overload.
How long does a course of fumitory last?
A fumitory cure generally lasts 2 to 3 weeks, and can be repeated after a break of a few weeks to avoid addiction.
Can fumitory be combined with other plants?
Yes, fumitory is often combined with other plants to reinforce its effects:
- With dandelion and black radish: For a complete liver detox.
- With milk thistle: To protect and regenerate the liver.
- With burdock: For purifying and anti-acne action.
- With rosemary: For a stronger digestive and tonic effect.
What's the best way to use fumitory?
- As a daily infusion for a gentle detoxifying effect.
- In capsules or extracts for a more concentrated, targeted treatment.
- Externally, to relieve skin disorders.
