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Fumitory
also called Earth Smoke (fumaria officinalis)
Fumitory
grows in fields, wasteland and on old walls. It has climbing stems
with grow to 10-12 inches. The leaves are a silvery gray-green with small
pinkish white flowers with purple tips flowering from April to
October. It is a native to Europe, North America, Australia and
South Africa. It was called Earth Smoke because it was born of the
"vapors of the earth", although it may have been given its name
because from a distance it is like a field on fire, or because the juice
would clear the eyesight by bringing tears to the eyes like smoke does.
Herbal
doctors and practioners since Roman times have valued fumitory for its
purifying properties. It has been used internally as a treatment for
jaundice, arthritis and arteriosclerosis. Externally is has been made into
a lotion to fade freckles, treat eczema and for cradle-cap in
babies. Collect fumitory for drying from the wild in late
spring to autumn. |