I am a knobby plant that untangles painful joints. Though not one of those common garden beauties, I am highly valued by pollinators and hummingbirds for the enormous amount of nectar I produce!
Who am I?
Woodland Figwort
Also called knotted figwort. From the Latin scrofulae (meaning “scrofula”) and nodosa (referring to the nodular shape of its rhizome). Its name comes from its traditional use in the Middle Ages to treat scrofula, a chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes affected by tuberculosis, which resembled the bulbous form of its rhizomes.
Today, figwort is gaining attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds similar to those found in devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), making it an interesting alternative for pain relief.
Why an alternative to devil’s claw?
Widely used to relieve arthritis and rheumatism, devil’s claw comes from Southern Africa, with Namibia as its main exporter. However, the massive use of its root due to its therapeutic benefits is threatening its survival. Fortunately, nature has given us a lesser-known but equally effective counterpart: woodland figwort!
Figwort and joint pain
Studies show that the concentration of harpagoside (the main active compound of devil’s claw) in figwort leaves is similar to that found in devil’s claw roots. Combined with aucubin and phenolic acids (other figwort compounds), figwort helps reduce toxicity and provides strong anti-inflammatory effects, making it a major plant in treating arthritic conditions.
Figwort and the lymphatic system
Above all, figwort is a cleansing herb. This means it stimulates detoxifying organs to purify the blood and the body in general. Unlike some plants that mainly act on the liver and kidneys, figwort has a specific affinity: it works on congested lymphatic centers. Taken over long periods, it helps reduce swollen lymph nodes and may even relieve edema in people who have had lymph nodes removed.
It is particularly helpful in reducing congestion in the breast and underarm area—whether related to PMS, mastitis, or even cyst formation.
Figwort and skin health
Skin health depends on well-nourished blood and proper lymphatic drainage. When lymph circulation is inefficient, waste elimination is impaired, which can contribute to acne or other skin issues such as eczema.
Figwort has a special affinity for the lymphatic system of the head and neck, making it useful for eczema on the face, ears, or scalp, as well as for hives or breakouts on the chest or back.
Because figwort is particularly suited to conditions marked by inflammation and congestion, it can be valuable in psoriatic arthritis—helping the lymphatic system manage the excess immune waste produced by this autoimmune condition.
Historically, people even believed that “simply hanging figwort around one’s neck was enough to preserve health.” Whether used internally or externally, alone or combined with other herbs, woodland figwort seems to have more than one trick up its sleeve!
Discover woodland figwort in Dissurol
References
(1) Sesterhenn, K., Distl, M. & Wink, M. (2007). Occurrence of iridoid glycosides in in vitro cultures and intact plants of Scrophularia nodosa L. Plant Cell Rep; 26(3):365-71.
(2) Tobyn, G., Denham, A., Whitelegg, M. & Rowling, M. (2010). The Western Herbal Tradition: 2000 years of medicinal plant knowledge. Singing Dragon, London, 392 pages.
