Fumitory has been known since antiquity, where it was recommended for liver ailments by Dioscorides and Galen. It is found in Asia, Europe, and even in the temperate zones of North Africa. It is an annual herbaceous plant, meaning it only lives for one season.
Fumitory has been considered a digestive plant since antiquity. Its nickname "Jaundice Herb" comes from the fact that it is traditionally used to normalize bile secretion and promote digestive and urinary elimination functions, thanks to an alkaloid called fumarin, or protopine.
Fumitory
The name "Fumaria" comes from the Latin "fumus," meaning "smoke." The reason? When fumitory is crushed, it releases a smoky scent. Its blue-grey hue and the wispy shape of its flowers also evoke smoke.
Nom :
Fumitory
Nom latin : Fumaria officinalis L.
Type : Fumariaceae
Origine : Europe, Western Asia
The benefits of fumitory
An ancient medicinal plant, fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) supports liver function, improves digestion, and soothes certain skin conditions. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, this digestive tonic with liver and gallbladder properties is renowned for its ability to stimulate bile production and relieve digestive disorders. Discover in detail its main benefits, precautions for use, and its place in natural medicine.
What is fumitory?
Before exploring its virtues, discover its origin, its components and the properties that make it a prized natural remedy.
Botanical description and origin
Common fumitory, or Fumaria officinalis, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). It grows wild in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is often found in fields, hedgerows, or wastelands.
This medicinal plant grows wild in calcareous soils, in hedgerows or fallow fields. It is also called earth smoke or jaundice herb because of its traditional use in treating liver disorders. Its Latin name, Fumaria officinalis, comes from the Latin fumus terrae, "earth smoke," referring to the odor given off by the plant when crushed.
Composition and pharmacological properties
Fumitory is a plant rich in alkaloids (notably fumarin and protopine), flavonoids, mineral salts, fumaric acid, and other active compounds. The flowering aerial parts are primarily used, either dried or in the form of an aqueous dry extract, fumitory nebulized powder, mother tincture, or even capsules or ampoules.
The health benefits of fumitory
Its medicinal properties make it a plant of choice for detox, digestion, skin and even weight control.
Liver detoxification and wellness
Fumitory is used to support hepatobiliary function. Its beneficial action on the gallbladder and bile flow makes it a helpful ally in cases of liver congestion. It also contributes to the body's natural detoxification by promoting the elimination of toxins.
It is particularly recommended as a seasonal detox treatment, combined with other plants such as burdock or dandelion in herbal supplements.
Improved digestion and intestinal transit
Fumitory is traditionally used as an herbal tea to aid digestion. Thanks to its spasmolytic and antispasmodic properties, it relieves bile spasms, bloating, stomach aches, and constipation. By promoting bile flow and stimulating bile secretion, it improves indigestion, particularly after heavy meals.
Effects on skin and allergies
Proper liver function directly influences skin quality. When this organ is congested, toxins can be eliminated through the skin, causing imperfections.
Fumitory helps purify the skin from within. It is traditionally used to relieve certain skin problems of hepatic or allergic origin: eczema, acne, hives, and itching. Its mild antihistamine action can also soothe seasonal allergies.
A natural slimming aid
By aiding digestion and detoxifying the body, fumitory can support a weight-loss program. It reduces bloating, stimulates liver metabolism, and allows for better nutrient absorption.
It is not a fat burner per se, but an effective support plant, particularly in detox programs or dietary rebalancing.
★★★★★ - Camille Organic Liver Wellness
"I love these ampoules, my digestion is much better when I take them and I feel lighter. Perfect after a period of overindulgence or after eating too much. I highly recommend them, they're my favorite formula, I always keep a box on hand at home!"
