There are several types of scrophularia,
including the Iroquois medicinal plant species, marilandica,
specified by Dr. Jones. It is also known as carpenter's square.
Some of the other species are more readily available. These
include nodosa seen at the top as well as the exotic ningpoensis
from Japan. There are many more varieties. The plant obviously
gets its name from its use in treating scrofulous conditions,
but most people know the common varieties as figwort.
Though very few herbalists use the whole
herb, this is what Jones said should be used in his formula.
For the record, this is what Maude Grieve also says should
be used. Traditionally, it was applied externally on skin
disorders or taken internally to relieve everything from
eczema and psoriasis to mastitis and chronic lymphatic stagnation.
It is with this latter condition that we have had most cause
to celebrate. Scrophularia also appears to be an excellent parasiticide,
which could explain its effectiveness with cancer as well
as a host of other diseases.
Other traditional uses included syphilis,
ringworm, and inflammations of the mammary gland. It has
been generally believed that scrophularia acts somewhat more
slowly than many herbs, but my own experience suggests that
there is often truly significant relief in ten days. Dr.
John Scudder, 1870, wrote that it has a marked effect in
removing cacoplastic (abnormal) deposits.
Our Compound Syrup Scrophularia, called
Seneca Elixir, contains: scrophularia (figwort) leaves and
roots, phytolacca root, rumex crispus root, celastrus scandens
bark and root, podophyllum root, juniper berries, guaiacum
wood, and citrus essential oil for flavoring. It is available
as an alcohol extract or syrup (using honey rather than sugar.)
Being an ancient art and science, herbal
medicine often has names for plants that reflect the historic
usage. The common name of scrophularia is figwort, but scrophularia
itself refers to scrofula and the scrofulous conditions characterized
by swelling, especially swelling that in former times was
associated with tubercular nodules in the neck. We have not
been disappointed. We have found this product to be more
effective than Trifolium Compound where there is more swelling
and perhaps also therefore more infection but less toxicity.
Some people use both tonics because they or their practitioners
have deemed this to be suitable. Except for phytolacca,
an herb used extensively by Dr. Jones, this formula has very
little in common with Trifolium Compound. It is more subtle
in its action, and, in my opinion, much more elegant. I have
personally consumed countless bottles of it as have many
other practitioners who use it as protection against the
many conditions to which they are exposed on a daily basis.
Unlike the Hoxsey Elixirex, this tonic has not been the subject
of either avarice or controversy. It hence does not enjoy
either the reputation or research of its cousin. I think
of Trifolium Compound as
more yang and Compound Syrup Scrophularia as more yin,
definitely for those who seek relief that is gentle and unobtrusive.