Foxwort (Senecio Fuchsii) is an ancient medicinal plant of folk medicine, which was used for healing in the Middle Ages. At that time, it was called a wound herb because of its hemorrhage-stopping effect. In modern times, the naturopathic use of the ancient health-promoting plant is considered problematic, as it can easily be confused with some other plants of its genus.
Occurrence and cultivation of the foxtail ragwort.
Senecio fuchsii reproduces underground through runners. The medicinal plant prefers lime and nutrient-rich forest soils. Fox’s ragwort is a member of the composite family (Asteraceae) and is also called fox’s ragwort, greiseweed or simply ragwort. The plant is named after its discoverer, the 16th century German physician and botanist Leonard Fuchs. The perennial plant grows 0.80 to 1.40 m tall and has stems that branch only higher up. The narrow lance-shaped leaves are toothed on the outside and taper into a point. The hairless leaves sit directly on the stem. Native to Europe, the ragwort blooms from late June to September, when it displays dark yellow to brownish cylindrical flowers. They are clustered together and have 5 to 7 pale yellow narrow ray florets arranged around the edge of the tubular florets. Senecio fuchsii reproduces underground by runners. The medicinal plant prefers lime and nutrient rich forest soils. Therefore, it is mostly found in semi-shaded sites in the mountain forests of the low mountain ranges and Alpine region. However, it is not only found in mixed and coniferous forests: growing on higher pastures, it is feared by dairy farmers and cattle breeders. In the Black Forest, it is more common in some places than other plant species.
Effect and use
Unlike its toxic relatives Senecio nemorensis and ragwort, true ragwort Senecio fuchsii contains only 0.01% pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The alkaloids and senecionine contained in it are completely non-toxic. Collectors pick the plant in the period from June to September and prepare from it ragwort tea and tincture. Only the herb of the plant is used for natural medicine. In addition, it is still used as a rinse and very diluted in homeopathic preparations. Foxwort tea and tincture are intended for internal and external use. Rinses are used externally only. Processed as an admixture in homeopathic remedies, it is administered orally. The exact effect of the ragwort is proven only by its use in naturopathic folk medicine. Scientific studies on the mode of action of Senecio Fuchsii are not available or scientifically inconclusive. Through countless applications, its blood-stopping and cramp-relieving effect is considered proven. It is also said to lower blood sugar, normalize abnormally elevated blood pressure levels, and relieve menopausal symptoms. However, these effects have not been confirmed by studies or observational studies. What is certain, however, is that confusion with the toxically acting relatives of the ragwort can lead to hepatic vein occlusion disease (VOD) and the development of cancer. The prerequisite is that the dangerous pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in them are consumed in high doses over a long period of time. They are also suspected of causing genetic damage to the unborn child in pregnant women. To rule out adverse health effects, it is recommended to avoid the use of foxtail alkaloids altogether. Interactions of ragwort with other remedies are not known. Pregnant and lactating women and children under twelve years of age should not use the herbal preparation.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
To make foxtail tea, the user infuses 1 teaspoon of herb with a cup of hot water and allows the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes before straining. Foxwort tincture is administered 3 times a day in the form of 10 to 50 drops. Both products should be taken only for acute symptoms and for a short period of time. They help to quickly stop mucosal bleeding in women and men. Thus, gum and nose bleeding are stopped within a very short time by external application of foxtail tincture.In traditional natural medicine, ragwort is also considered a typical women’s herb: its blood flow-inhibiting properties ensure that excessive menstrual bleeding is attenuated. Intermittent bleeding is even completely prevented. In addition, folk medicine used to treat amenorrhea with Foxwort: irregular menstrual bleeding occurred at regular intervals after administration of the herbal remedy. The cramp-relieving and pain-relieving properties of the ancient medicinal plant ensure that female menstruation proceeds without abdominal cramps and pain. Even on menopausal symptoms, the ancient medicinal herb is said to have a positive influence. How the herbal remedy, which was already used in the Middle Ages, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar has not yet been clarified. But some application observations let the conclusion that it affects them actually positively. However, the ragwort remedy would then have to be taken over a longer period of time. However, the harmlessness of the plant can only be guaranteed if it is consumed in low doses over a shorter period of time. If the user does not adhere to this precaution, symptoms of poisoning will occur weeks to months after the initial ingestion of the Foxwort product. They can lead to convulsions, atypical reactions and even death of the individual, depending on the type and concentration of toxins contained in it and due to their accumulation in the liver.
