Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa)
Flowers: June to August. Height: Up to 90cm (36in).
Also known as Throatwort.
Medicinal: The plant was applied to dissolve clotted and congealed blood coming from wounds, bruises and falls or any other “knobs, kernels, bunches or wens” growing from the flesh. In the Middle Ages, the herb was thought to be one of the best medicinal plants to treat swellings and tumors. As a herbal tea it was often mixed with Echinacea, Lemon Balm or Peppermint to treat the common cold.
Doctrine of Signatures: The Latin name Scrophularia, comes from the plant’s traditional use as a remedy for scrofula, a tuberculous infection of the lymph nodes in the neck. This use was due to the resemblance of the bulbous shape of the plant’s rhizomes to swollen glands.
