Fumitory
Fumitory

Background

Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) is a low shrub with gray pointed leaves that is native to the Mediterranean. The plant can look like smoke from afar.

The above ground parts of fumitory contain chemicals that might reduce spasms in the stomach. It might also have antibacterial effects.

People use fumitory for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, breast cancer-related hot flashes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Fumitory extract is possibly safe when used in doses up to 500 mg three times daily for up to 18 weeks. But using large amounts of fumitory is possibly unsafe. It contains chemicals that might cause serious side effects in high doses, including trembling, convulsions, and death.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fumitory is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
  • A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Taking fumitory by mouth for 18 weeks doesn't seem to improve symptoms of IBS.
There is interest in using fumitory for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of fumitory might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Fumitory interacts with any medicines. Before taking Fumitory, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 29/12/2022 18:31:43 and last updated on 05/12/2014 17:48:03. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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