Caprifoliaceae
Devils Bit Scabious
Succisa pratensis
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Also known as: Devil's Bit, Devil's Bit Scabious, Ofbit, Premorse Scabiosa
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory catarrh, coughs, skin conditions (scabies — traditional), fevers, wounds, urinary complaints. Traditional European herb for skin and respiratory conditions.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, antimicrobial, fever-reducing
Active Constituents
Iridoids (scabioside, swertiamarin), caffeic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), tannins, saponins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Traditional skin herb for scabies (hence 'scabious'). Combine with cleavers and burdock for chronic skin conditions. Limited modern research but long European tradition. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid large doses in pregnancy. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset. Generally very well tolerated.