Overview

Figwort is an herb. The whole plant is used to make medicine.

Figwort is most commonly used for skin conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), itching, hemorrhoids, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Some people use figwort as a substitute for devil's claw, because the two herbs contain similar chemicals.

How does it work ?

Figwort contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections, and help wounds heal.

Figwort contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections, and help wounds heal.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of figwort for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if figwort is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Figwort might affect blood sugar control. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully if you have diabetes and use figwort.

A heart condition called ventricular tachycardia: Don't use figwort if you have this condition.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with FIGWORT

    Figwort might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking figwort might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with FIGWORT

    Figwort seems to work like "water pills." Figwort and "water pills" might cause the body to get rid of potassium along with water. Taking figwort along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.

    Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of figwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for figwort. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Next
View References

You Might Also Like

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works
Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage
Navigating Life With Migraine
Alternative Treatments for Migraines
View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.