Earth smoke

Of the Earth smoke is the eponymous plant of the earth smoke family, which belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) belong. The name is said to go back to a Greek doctor who described the sap of the plant as strongly irritating and tear-inducing. In addition to the smoky, gray-green color of the leaves, there are various other assumptions in the story that justify the naming of the plant.

Occurrence & cultivation of earth smoke

In earlier times, earth smoke was a sought-after medicinal plant, but it was forgotten after the Middle Ages.

Earth smoke (also: Ordinary earth smoke or Common earth smoke) grows mainly in nutrient-rich places such as fields, vineyards, gardens or paths. In doing so, it also fulfills the function of indicating the nutrient content of the soil. The plant does not survive on soil that is poor in lime. These are primarily weeds that bloom between May and October. The flowers of the plant are pink or purple and are reminiscent of lip flowers.

On the plant they are organized in the form of grapes. Their shape is asymmetrical and the entire plant can grow up to fifty centimeters. It is an annual herbaceous plant. Botanists use the Latin term “fumaria” to refer to earth smoke. The smoke metaphor is based on this name, which also led to the German name of the plant. The earth smoke is native to all of Europe and has spread from the Mediterranean area.

In earlier times, earth smoke was a sought-after medicinal plant, but it was forgotten after the Middle Ages. Today the reputation of the plant is controversial. The contained alkaloid fumarin is said to be slightly toxic, which is why the earth smoke is only used in small doses as a remedy.

Effect & application

The plant was already used by the Germans and Celts. They used the earth smoke as an incense, which could also have been eponymous. In addition, the plant was used for exorcisms in the Middle Ages. According to legend, witches used earth smoke to make themselves invisible. At the same time, the superstition arose about the use of earth smoke as a fate indicator for girls and women who wanted to get married.

According to the belief, said women should wear earth smoke near their breasts and then meet the man who would later take them to be a wife. This belief did not hold up into modern times, but the belief in the health-promoting effects of earth smoke did. It contains many flavonoids, choline, various alkaloids and fumaric acid. Since experts see some of the ingredients as problematic, earth smoke is mainly used in diluted form.

Therefore, the plant can only be found in mixed teas. Although an ingestion of up to six grams of earth smoke per day is considered harmless, these mixtures usually only contain amounts between ten and a hundred milligrams. It is therefore advisable to have the teas mixed by experts in the event of acute complaints.

Terrestrial smoke shows its mode of action especially in the case of biliary complaints and increases the production of bile. It is also antibacterial and has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. In doing so, it particularly alleviates the symptoms of various diseases, but does not fight the underlying disease in itself. Ground smoke is also known to prevent exaggerated immune system reactions.

Possible forms of application are on the one hand ingestion via teas or tinctures and on the other hand via dry extracts, tablets or dragees. But earth smoke is also used in baths and envelopes. Depending on the area of ​​application, there are various possible uses.

Importance for health, treatment & prevention

In alternative medicine, tea made from terrestrial herb is particularly recommended for digestive problems. As a herbal medicine, however, it is always the first remedy of choice, even with conservative medical professionals, before prescribing stronger drugs. We recommend between one and three cups a day for acute complaints. This should be taken in small sips.

Ground smoke also combats pain and cramps in the bile and the entire gastrointestinal tract. In addition, Arab doctors used earth smoke to purify the blood two thousand years ago. This tradition can also be found among the Romans, who also treated liver and spleen clogging with earth smoke. Ancient and medieval doctors also used earth smoke against jaundice.

In the Middle Ages, however, the plant was used as an effective remedy against skin diseases and constipation. The highly effective medicinal herb, used as a tincture or bath, can help against eczema or psoriasis, for example. In addition, it has a diuretic and sweat-inducing effect, which low doses of earth smoke attribute a positive effect on health. Nevertheless, experts recommend taking a break after six weeks of continuous use.

On the one hand, this serves to protect the body from undesirable long-term effects and, on the other hand, stopping it prevents getting used to it. If used excessively, ground smoke can act as a drug. In addition to its main area of ​​application in the field of bile, medical professionals also use the plant for worms and hemorrhoids. In addition, earth smoke is said to have a mood-enhancing effect, which is said to help against depression, hysteria and hypochondria.

From a disease-related point of view, terrestrial smoke is mainly used for liver hardening, gallbladder inflammation, as well as gallstones and stomach weakness. But earth smoke can also be used against bad breath. In conjunction with other medicinal plants, ground smoke can also help against stomach ulcers.

It is widely believed that almost all parts of the plant are processed. However, there are also voices calling for fresh or dried plants to be used without the roots. Conservative and alternative doctors are still fighting today about the use of terrestrial smoke for various diseases. Its effect on migraines, for example, has not been confirmed.