Fumitory - a very handy little 'weed'!

You have likely seen this herb in your garden, thought it a happily-growing weed and pulled it out!

It pops up in spring around the edges of gardens, under trees and hedges, and grows throughout summer. The best time to harvest is when it is flowering.

It has been used for many years medicinally, highly valued by traditional cultures, for it's help in treating the liver, digestion and skin. Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) also has great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with essential fatty acids great for the skin.

It can help cleanse & detoxify the liver, kidneys and blood, so has been used as a tonic, also for any ailments of the liver. It is said to prevent the accumulation of fat around the liver and prevent kidney stones. Few herbs can excel Fumitory for treating jaundice!

It has been used for general stomach disorders, to soothe and ease indigestion, flatulence, constipation, slow digestion or spasmodic pain.

Fumitory can be used to ease and heal skin complaints like eczema, dermatitis, herpes, acne and heat rash.

Mixed with the juice of dock & vinegar, it has been used to treat pimples, blotches, freckles and scabs.

A water solution of Fumitory is said to heal the milk-crust on the head of babies and when gargled, can help heal sores in the mouth and throat.

You may be pleased to hear that Fumitory is often recommended to be taken infused in wine! Adding a heaped tspn to a wineglass of wine or vinegar overnight and then drink a half glass 2-3 times a day.

The flowers are used to make a yellow dye for wool also and the entire plant is well loved by stock.

Use all the flowering tops of the herb when in flower, either as an infusion, in wine or tincture.

Next time you see it growing in the maara (garden), leave some to grow, just in case it's needed along the way!

(not to be used in high doses)