What is the fig tree bud?
The fig tree (Ficus carica) is a fruit tree originating from the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin. Like the mulberry, it belongs to the Moraceae family. It can reach up to 10 m in height and live up to 300 years.
We are mostly familiar with its fruits, called “figs,” which are consumed fresh or dried. It is also a key tree in gemmotherapy, a branch of herbal medicine that uses buds and young shoots.
In the renewal of growth during spring, the first fig tree buds appear. It’s at this time that harvesting takes place because they contain a maximum amount of active compounds.
In gemmotherapy, they are indicated for relieving digestive disorders (gastric acidity, gastritis, bloating, colitis…) and reducing intestinal inflammation.
In phytotherapy, it is also recognized for its benefits on the nervous system. Thus, it balances emotions, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It is often considered the Yin bud because it calms the body and mind.
Nutritional composition
- Amino acids
- Vitamins: B
- Minerals and trace elements: magnesium, potassium
- Antioxidant actives: flavonoids
- Organic acids: glutamic acid
- Latex
- Furanocoumarins
The benefits of fig tree bud
Relieves digestive disorders ♻️
The fig tree bud is a valuable ally of the gastric tract. It is indicated for various disorders to improve digestive comfort.
On one hand, it has a draining, cleansing, and regenerating action on the stomach. It helps relieve gastritis, hiatal hernia, and even ulcers. It is recommended for dyspepsia: bloating, abdominal pain, aerophagia…
On the other hand, it treats hyperacidity, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux. By promoting esophageal motility, it prevents esophageal spasms.
This review highlights its beneficial effects particularly on the digestive and gastrointestinal tract.
Reduces intestinal inflammation 🔥
The fig tree bud is also a natural anti-inflammatory. As such, it reduces inflammation at the level of intestinal mucous membranes.
It is useful in cases of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It also relieves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Finally, as a healing agent, it helps regenerate damaged stomach and intestinal mucous membranes.
Further studies are needed to confirm its anti-inflammatory action.
Regulates the nervous system 🧘🏻♀️
To regulate the nervous system and calm the mind, it mainly targets the axis between the cerebral cortex and the hypothalamus (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). It acts on the endocrine glands that secrete hormones and function as chemical messengers.
The fig tree bud would help relieve anxiety, mood disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Tics (OCTs), nervousness, and anxiety. It would also be of interest in cases of neuroses, addictions, and various obsessions.
Moreover, it would stimulate the action of serotonin, the happiness hormone. It is indicated in cases of low mood, depression, or mental fatigue.
Additional studies are necessary to confirm its benefits on the nervous system.
Read also | The best anti-stress foods
How to consume it?
In glycerine macerate
The glycerine macerate is used to extract active compounds from radicels, young shoots, and plant buds. Therefore, it is a very common format in gemmotherapy.
Once harvested, the fresh buds are left to macerate for 21 days in a mixture of alcohol, water, and vegetable glycerine.
After filtration, a liquid solution is obtained, called “mother macerate,” with a golden/amber color.
The macerate is available in dropper bottles or ampoules. You can then combine the fig bud with other plants in the form of aqueous extracts or glycerin macerates: linden buds, juniper, rosemary…
There is also 1DH glycerin macerate. In this case, the mother macerate is diluted 10 times in a water/alcohol/glycerin mixture. Much less concentrated, it is mainly prescribed in homeopathy.
In capsules
The capsules contain a dry form of glycerin macerate.
They are convenient to take and do not have the alcoholic taste of the mother macerate.
However, they may contain additives and excipients.
Opt for organic fig buds
If you can, opt for fresh and certified organic agriculture buds. This guarantees a product free of pesticide residues and a culture that respects the environment.
Also prefer hand-picked buds sourced from French supply chains and sustainable, ethical harvesting.
Dosage
The average recommended dosage is 5 to 15 drops/day or 1 to 3 capsules/day.
The fig bud is taken as a cure for 3 weeks.
Contraindications and side effects of fig bud
Its consumption presents certain contraindications:
- As a precaution, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children;
- The fig bud may interact with certain medications such as anticoagulants or aspirin. Consult your doctor if you are undergoing treatment.
Its consumption presents few undesirable effects. However, it contains furocoumarins, which are photosensitizing agents.
A skin reaction (phytophotodermatitis) is possible in case of sun exposure.
If you experience side effects, stop your consumption and consult a doctor.
Sources and scientific studies
Shamkant B Badgujar, Vainav V Patel, Atmaram H Bandivdekar, Raghunath T Mahajan, 2014. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ficus carica: a review.
