Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Fig tree

Fig tree (Ficus carica Moraceae)


Other Names: Common Fig, Fig

Often referenced in the Bible, fig trees are prevalent in the Mediterranean region. Ancient Greek athletes consumed figs to boost speed, strength, and endurance. This deciduous tree, reaching up to 12 meters, has large lobed leaves and small, nearly imperceptible flowers that develop into the familiar green, fleshy fig fruits.


Parts for Use

Fruits, Leaves, and Juice

  1. Fruits and leaves are used in tinctures and decoctions.
  2. Fruits are consumed raw or dried.
  3. Fig syrup is used as a laxative.

Ingredients

Fresh ripe figs contain up to 50% sugar. They also include flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties and coumarins (bergapten and psoralen) in the leaves, which aid digestion, have antiseptic effects, and exhibit photosensitive properties.


Use in Treatment

Figs, rich in sugar and fiber, have a well-known laxative effect and aid digestion due to their flavonoids and coumarins. They help treat inflammation of the nasal and throat mucous membranes, relieve coughs, sore throats, and pain from inflammatory processes, and assist in toxin removal. A 1998 Spanish clinical trial showed that fig leaf extract lowered post-meal blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes patients. In traditional medicine, fig tree milky juice is used externally to relieve mild pain, itching, insect bites, and to remove warts, though it may cause skin burns or blisters if not used cautiously.


Cultivation

Fig trees thrive along south-facing walls. Plant young trees or grow from cuttings in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Nasal Congestion, Bronchial Wheezing, Shortness of Breath)

  1. Infusion: Place 80 to 100 grams of dried figs in a liter of boiling water, let stand for 20 minutes, strain, and drink within the same day.
  2. Tincture: Take 50 drops in a glass of water twice daily.

For Constipation

  1. Fig Syrup: Take as directed, suitable for children.

For External Use (Cough)

  1. Decoction: Prepare a decoction and gargle twice daily.

Warnings

  1. No significant side effects have been reported.
  2. Store fig preparations away from sunlight due to coumarins' photosensitivity risks.
  3. Do not use fig juice internally.
  4. Be aware that figs have a laxative effect.