What is the fig tree bud?
The fig tree (Ficus carica) is a fruit tree native to 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.
It is best known for its fruits, called « figs », which are eaten fresh or dried. It is also a flagship tree of the gemmotherapy, a branch of phytotherapy that uses buds and young shoots.
At the start of the growing season in spring, the first fig tree buds appear. It is during this period that harvesting takes place because they concentrate a high level of active compounds.
In gemmotherapy, they are indicated to relieve digestive disorders (stomach acidity, gastritis, bloating, colitis…) and reduce intestinal inflammation.
In herbal medicine, it is also recognized for benefits to the nervous system. Thus, it would balance emotions, reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It is often considered the Yin bud because it soothes the body and mind.
Nutritional composition
- Amino acids
- Vitamins : B
- Minerals and trace elements : magnesium, potassium
- Antioxidant compounds : flavonoids
- Organic acids : glutamic acid
- Latex
- Furanocoumarins
The benefits of the fig tree bud
Relieves digestive disorders ♻️
The fig tree bud is a valuable ally of the digestive system. It is indicated for many disorders to help restore better digestive comfort.
On the one hand, it exerts a draining action, cleansing and regenerating effects on the stomach. It helps relieve gastritis, hiatal hernia and even ulcers. It is recommended in cases of dyspepsia: bloating, abdominal pain, aerophagia…
On the other hand, it treats hyperacidity, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux. By promoting the motility of the esophagus, it prevents esophageal spasms.
This review reports its beneficial effects, particularly on the digestive and gastrointestinal systems.
Reduces intestinal inflammation 🔥
The fig tree bud is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Thus, it reduces inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.
It is useful in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It also relieves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Finally, as a wound-healing agent, it helps regenerate damaged mucous membranes of the stomach and intestine.
Further studies are needed to confirm its anti-inflammatory action.
Regulates the nervous system 🧘🏻♀️
To regulate the nervous system and calm the mind, it would primarily target the axis between the cerebral cortex and the hypothalamus (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis). It would act on the endocrine glands that secrete hormones and function as chemical messengers.
The fig tree bud could alleviate distress, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive tics (OCTs), nervousness and anxiety. It would also be of interest in cases of neuroses, addictions and various obsessions.
Additionally, it would stimulate the action of serotonin, the happiness hormone. It is indicated in cases of low mood, depression or mental fatigue.
Further studies are still needed to confirm its benefits on the nervous system.
Read also | The best anti-stress foods
How to consume it?
As a glycerinated macerate
Glycerinated macerate is used to extract active ingredients from rootlets, young shoots and plant buds. It is therefore a very common form in gemmotherapy.
Once harvested, the fresh buds are left to macerate for 21 days in a mixture of alcohol, water and vegetable glycerin.
After filtration, a liquid solution is obtained, called « mother macerate », with a golden yellow/amber color.
The macerate is available in dropper bottles or ampoules. The fig tree bud can then be combined with other plants as aqueous extracts or glycerinated macerates : linden buds, juniper, rosemary…
There is also 1DH glycerinated 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 glycerinated macerate.
They are convenient to take and do not have the alcoholic taste of the mother macerate.
However, they may contain additives and excipients.
Prefer organic fig tree buds
If you can, choose fresh buds certified as organic. This guarantees a product free of pesticide residues and farming that respects the environment.
Also favor buds harvested by hand, from French supply chains and sustainable, ethical harvests.
Dosage
The average recommended dose is 5 to 15 drops/day or 1 to 3 capsules/day.
The fig tree bud is taken as a 3-week course.
Contraindications and side effects of the fig tree bud
Its consumption has certain contraindications:
- As a precautionary measure, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children ;
- The fig tree bud may interact with certain medications such as anticoagulants or aspirin. Ask your doctor if you are taking any medication.
Its consumption causes few side effects. However, it contains furocoumarins, photosensitizing agents.
A skin reaction (phytophotodermatitis) is possible with sun exposure.
If you experience side effects, stop taking it 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.
