Evidence supporting the use of: Figwort
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Figwort (Scrophularia species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, for the treatment of abscesses, swellings, and skin infections. The use of figwort for abscesses is documented in several classical herbal texts, such as those by Nicholas Culpeper and in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is valued for its purported "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" properties. Historically, figwort poultices and decoctions were applied externally or ingested to "draw out" pus and reduce inflammation associated with abscesses. The rationale was based on humoral theories and empirical observation rather than scientific understanding.
Modern scientific research on figwort’s efficacy for abscesses is limited. Phytochemical analyses have identified iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds in figwort with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in vitro, but there are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews confirming its effectiveness for human abscesses. Thus, while the traditional use is well-documented and there is some preliminary pharmacological plausibility, the evidence base remains weak by contemporary standards.
In summary, figwort’s use for abscesses is justified primarily by tradition, with a low level of supporting evidence from modern scientific studies.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Figwort
AbscessesBoils
Bruises (healing)
Cuts
Infection
Inflammation
Lesions
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores