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Ficaria ranunculoides/Ranunculus ficaria (Ranunculaceae) PILEWORT, SMALL CELANDINE, FIGWORT
The common name of pilewort reflects both the shape of its tubers, which look like piles, and its use in herbalism. It is given internally as tablets and externally as a cream for piles.
Pilewort's Latin names come from rana, meaning frog, because plants of this species grow in damp and waterlogged places. It is a classic example of the ancient Doctrine of Signatures (using plants medicinally for conditions they resemble). Pilewort has small fat tubers that look like piles and, indeed, it has been used for piles since the middle ages. Native to Europe and western Asia, it is one of the first spring flowers. It is perennial with creeping stems, dark-green, heart-shaped leaves, and yellow flowers that open only in bright sunlight.
PARTS USED Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS Saponins; protoanaemonin and anemonin; tannins.
ACTIONS Astringent; constricts blood vessels.
MEDICINAL USE Used both externally and internally for piles.
PREPARATIONS Cream, suppositories, tablets. |
