Herb & supplement monograph

Figwort Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated June 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Figwort interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Figwort is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Figwort is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Figwort Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Figwort drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and nearly all rest on theoretical reasoning rather than proof of harm in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that stands out most involves lithium, a medicine kept within a narrow blood-level range. Because figwort is thought to act as a mild diuretic, it might slow how the body clears lithium and raise its levels, and the evidence here is somewhat stronger than for other combinations. There is also a theoretical concern with potassium-depleting diuretics, where heavy figwort use could add to potassium loss.

What the rest of the list means

Although dozens of medications appear on the interaction list, that number mostly reflects figwort's possible diuretic effect being applied across many drugs in the same categories. These concerns come largely from what could happen in theory, not from documented problems in people, so most combinations are unlikely to cause a noticeable issue.

Check your medications against Figwort

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Figwort interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Figwort

76 medications have a known interaction with Figwort, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Figwort using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Figwort interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Figwort combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Figwort affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Figwort is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Figwort interacts with

Diuretic DrugsLithium

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, overuse of figwort might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. There is some concern that people taking figwort along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia. Initiation of potassium supplementation or an increase in potassium supplement dose may be necessary for some patients. Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lithium

Figwort is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, figwort might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Monograph

Figwort: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed June 2026 ·

The bottom line

Figwort is a traditional herb used mainly for skin problems and minor swelling, but solid human studies are lacking, so its benefits remain unproven. It is generally used short-term and topically, and people with heart conditions, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should avoid it until more is known.

Scientific name: Scrophularia nodosa
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Part used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) and sometimes the root
Common forms: Tea, tincture, capsules, dried herb, topical creams or ointments

People commonly use it for

Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Minor wounds and rashes
Swelling and inflammation
Mild constipation
Traditional 'detox' or lymphatic support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Limited safety data exist, so use with care and short-term only.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Figwort is a flowering plant in the Scrophulariaceae family. The most common species used in Western herbalism is Scrophularia nodosa, sometimes called common figwort or knotted figwort. It grows in damp woodlands, ditches, and hedgerows across Europe and parts of Asia, and similar related species are used in other traditions.

For centuries, herbalists have used figwort mainly for skin complaints. The leaves and flowering tops are dried for teas or made into tinctures and ointments. It has a long folk reputation as a 'cleansing' or lymphatic herb, though this idea comes from tradition rather than modern science.

Uses & effectiveness

People most often turn to figwort for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, and minor rashes, often using it as a tea, tincture, or topical preparation. It is also used traditionally for minor wounds, swelling, and as a mild laxative.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: there is very little high-quality human research on figwort. Most of what we know comes from traditional use and a small amount of laboratory or test-tube work. There are no large, well-designed clinical trials that prove figwort treats any condition. Because of this, figwort should not replace proven treatments for skin disease or any other health problem.

How it works

Figwort contains several plant compounds, including iridoid glycosides (such as harpagoside-type compounds), flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In laboratory studies, some of these compounds show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which is one reason the plant has been used for skin and swelling.

It is important to remember that these findings mostly come from test-tube and animal research. Showing an effect in a lab dish does not prove the herb will work the same way in the human body. The exact way figwort might act in people is not well understood.

Safety & precautions

Figwort has been used traditionally for a long time, but modern safety data are limited. It is generally used short-term. People with heart conditions should be especially careful, because figwort has been reported to contain compounds that may affect the heart, and traditional sources warn against its use in those with heart disease.

If you have a chronic illness, take regular medicines, or are scheduled for surgery, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using figwort. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it, as there is not enough information to know it is safe. Stop using it and seek care if you develop a rash, swelling, or other unexpected symptoms.

Side effects

Reliable side-effect data are scarce. Possible effects, based on traditional use and the herb's mild laxative reputation, include stomach upset, loose stools, or diarrhea. Topical use may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.

Because figwort may have effects on the heart, anyone who notices palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, or feeling faint should stop using it right away and seek medical attention. As with any herb, allergic reactions are possible.

Dosing

There is no established standardized dose for figwort. Traditional use varies by the form (tea, tincture, capsule, or ointment) and by the product maker. Because strength and quality differ between products, the safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label.

Before starting figwort, check with a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition. Avoid using more than the label suggests, and do not use it for long periods without professional advice.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Figwort & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Figwort & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Figwort monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Figwort

25 brands in our database make a supplement containing Figwort.

Botanic Choice 253 products Energetix 283 products Gaia Herbs 700 products Gaia Herbs SystemSupport 60 products Genestra Brands 998 products Guang Ci Tang 121 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Health Concerns 444 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Herbalist & Alchemist 613 products Indiana Botanic Gardens 941 products Merry Clinic 33 products Metagenics 1,072 products Min Shan 86 products New Sun 518 products Ormus Minerals 143 products Pacific BioLogic 95 products Plum Flower 573 products Plum Flower Brand 93 products Pure Herbs 634 products QES Formulas 5 products Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs 300 products TerraVita 2,475 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Figwort

147 products in our database contain Figwort. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Figwort: Common Questions

Does Figwort interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 76 medications with a known interaction with Figwort. Use the checker above to see how Figwort interacts with a specific drug.

How are Figwort interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Figwort with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Figwort interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Figwort used for?

It is used in traditional herbalism mainly for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, as well as minor wounds, swelling, and mild constipation. However, strong scientific proof that it works is lacking.

Is Figwort safe to take?

Safety data are limited. It is generally used short-term, but people with heart conditions should avoid it, and everyone should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Can I use Figwort while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. There is not enough reliable information to know it is safe, so it is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Figwort really cleanse or detox the body?

The idea that Figwort 'cleanses' or supports the lymphatic system comes from tradition, not from solid scientific evidence. Your liver and kidneys already handle detoxification.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Figwort

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Figwort — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 147 products with Figwort →

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Figwort Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Figwort Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Figwort

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Figwort affects

Figwort: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Uses & effectiveness

How it works

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Dosing

Figwort & Pregnancy

Figwort & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Figwort

Supplement products with Figwort

Figwort: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Figwort

Have a question about Figwort?