Common fumitory

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Traditional fumitory tea to increase bile flow for indigestion such as fullness, flatulence and slow digestion.

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour about 250 ml of boiling water over 1.5 to 2 g of comminuted herb, cover and steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink several times a day before meals.

  Dry amount

  1.5–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  Sources: [1] [2] [4]

• TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Fumitory tincture as a convenient form for the traditional stimulation of bile flow in dyspeptic complaints.

  Preparation & dosage

  Tincture (1:5, ethanol 45% V/V): 0.5 to 1 ml as a single dose, 1 to 4 ml in total per day, taken before meals in a little water.

  Liquid amount

  0.5–1 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is not recommended due to lack of data.

  Sources: [1] [2]

• TeaAerial partsInternalCommission E

  Commission E recommends fumitory herb for crampy complaints of the gallbladder, bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract; the alkaloids have a mild spasmolytic effect.

  Preparation & dosage

  Prepared as an infusion, as described by Commission E for crampy complaints of the gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract; drink freshly prepared several times a day.

  Dry amount

  1.5–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  Sources: [3] [4]

• SalveAerial partsExternalClinical trial

  In a randomised double-blind trial a cream containing Fumaria officinalis and silymarin showed improvement of the SCORAD score in mild to moderate eczema comparable to mometasone.

  Preparation & dosage

  Apply externally as a cream or salve to affected skin; in one trial a standardised cream was used twice daily for two weeks. Use home-made preparations externally only and on intact skin.

  Dry amount

  5–10 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  Sources: [5] [6]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  In folk medicine fumitory is regarded as a blood-purifying remedy taken internally for skin impurities and chronic skin conditions; this use is not scientifically substantiated.

  Preparation & dosage

  Prepared as an infusion and drunk as a course; used in folk tradition as a 'blood-cleansing' spring tea for impure skin. Use only briefly and moderately because evidence is lacking.

  Dry amount

  1.5–2 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  Sources: [6] [7]

• TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Traditional use of the tincture to support liver and bile; the alkaloids are said to stimulate bile flow.

  Preparation & dosage

  Tincture diluted in water before meals; traditionally used to support liver and bile activity. Seek medical advice if complaints persist.

  Liquid amount

  0.5–1 ml

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years.

  Sources: [2] [3]

Fumitory should not be used in high doses or over long periods, as large amounts of the alkaloids (especially protopine) caused excitation and convulsions in animal studies. Seek medical advice for persistent digestive complaints or jaundice.

⏱ Max continuous use: 2 weeks