Naturopathy

Earth smoke

Latin name: Fumaria officinalis
Genus: Poppies
Common names: Field herb, bluish spur, smoke herb

Plant description Erdrauch

Plant description: Annual, graceful in flower and leaves. The stem is heavily branched, the leaves gray-green and delicately pinnate. The flowers are spurred, arranged in loose clusters, pink to dark red in color, with a dark red spot at the top.
Flowering time: June to July
Origin: Commonly found as weeds on debris and fields.

Plant parts used medicinally

The herb without the roots.

ingredients

Several alkaloids (protopin, cryptocavin), bitter substances, resins, flavonoids, mucilages.

Medicinal effect and application of earth smoke

Earth smoke has a similar effect to celandine antispasmodic and regulating at Biliary tract disease. Earth smoke also has a light effect laxative and diuretic and is therefore often part of so-called Blood purification teas as they are used in the context of spring cures.

Preparation of earth smoke

Pour ¼ l of water over 1 teaspoon of smoky herb, heat to the boil, let steep for 10 minutes, strain. Drink three cups a day.

Combination with other medicinal plants

Earth smoke is mainly used as a component of Tea blends used. You mix in earth smoke Celandine, peppermint, chamomile, Centaury, Mugwort.

Tea blend (as blood purification tea for example as Spring cure):
Smoky herb, birch leaves, Nettle leaves, Pansy, Melissa leaves are mixed in equal parts. Pour ¼ l of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of this mixture and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2 cups a day.
Applied as a cure, this tea has a slightly laxative and dehydrating effect, stimulates the metabolism and improves the complexion.