Papaveraceae
Fumitory
Fumaria officinalis
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Also known as: Common Fumitory, Earth Smoke, Drug Fumitory
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Biliary dyskinesia, gallbladder spasm, chronic liver congestion, digestive sluggishness, skin conditions (chronic eczema — liver-related), IBS with biliary component.
Herbal Actions
Cholagogue, antispasmodic (biliary), hepatic tonic, diuretic, mild laxative
Active Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (fumarine, protopine, fumaricine), flavonoids, fumeric acid, hydroxycinnamic acids
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 | Normalizes bile production (increases if low, decreases if excessive) — amphoteric action. Combine with dandelion root and burdock for chronic skin conditions linked to liver congestion. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (alkaloids). Avoid in biliary obstruction. No significant drug interactions at therapeutic doses.
Side Effects: Mild GI discomfort. Large doses may cause sedation (alkaloids). Generally well tolerated.