Plantaginaceae
Toadflax
Linaria vulgaris
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia
Also known as: Common Toadflax, Wild Snapdragon, Butter and Eggs, Flaxweed
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
FlowerLeaf
Therapeutic Uses
Constipation (stimulant laxative), haemorrhoids, urinary tract disorders, dropsy (traditional diuretic), eczema (topical). Traditional European folk herb.
Herbal Actions
Astringent, laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
Active Constituents
Flavonoids (linarin, pectolinarin, acacetin), iridoids (antirrhinoside), alkaloids (peganine), aucubin, phenolic acids
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–3 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Traditional use — limited modern clinical research. Use cautiously. Combine with gentler herbs for digestive conditions. Short-term use only for constipation. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (alkaloids). Liver concern (alkaloids). Short-term use only. Limited safety data.
Side Effects: GI irritation. Liver toxicity possible (alkaloids). Skin sensitization.