Fumitory

Fumaria officinalis

Other names: common fumitory, earth smoke, Fumariae herba, shahtra/shatra (Persian/Unani)

European

Photo credit: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons

Safety information

Toxicity: Low at traditional doses; alkaloid-containing, so high doses are discouraged. Possible mild GI effects.

Contraindications: Bile-duct obstruction, gallstones, severe liver disease - do not use without medical advice. Pregnancy/lactation: not recommended. Not recommended in children/adolescents under 18.

Interactions: Limited documentation; theoretical caution with other biliary/antispasmodic or sedative agents.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: not recommended in pregnancy/lactation

Evidence level

Traditional (systematized)

Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.

Preparations

infusion · aerial parts

Part used: aerial parts

Traditional use: increase bile flow, indigestion, biliary/GI cramp-like complaints

Proposed mechanism: isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine) - amphocholeretic, antispasmodic

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Indigestion / dyspepsia bile flow biliary cramp gallbladder complaints skin complaints

Nutritional notes

not a nutritional source

Healing traditions

European

Sources (2)

EMA - draft/assessment report on Fumaria officinalis L., herba (EMA/HMPC)
ESCOP - Fumariae herba (Fumitory) monograph 2018

All sources →