Evidence supporting the use of: Figwort
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Figwort (Scrophularia species) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. It has been applied externally to minor skin conditions, including scratches, abrasions, eczema, and wounds. Historical herbal texts, such as those from the European Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, mention the use of figwort poultices and washes for "cleansing the skin" and promoting healing of minor injuries. The rationale was often based on the herb’s purported "blood cleansing" properties and its ability to "draw out impurities" from the skin.
Despite its traditional use, there is limited scientific validation for figwort in the treatment of scratches and abrasions. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds within figwort species, such as iridoid glycosides and phenolic acids, but robust clinical trials or modern pharmacological studies on its efficacy for wound healing are lacking. Thus, the evidence largely remains anecdotal or based on historical practice rather than scientific proof. Modern herbal references may still list figwort for minor wounds, but such recommendations are primarily rooted in tradition rather than contemporary clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Figwort
AbscessesBoils
Bruises (healing)
Cuts
Infection
Inflammation
Lesions
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores