Buckbean
(Menvanthes trifoliata L., Menvanthaceae- previously classified as Gentianaceae)
Also called: Bog-bean, Marsh trefoil, Water shamrock, Water Trefoil.
Description: Growing on marsh ground and on the margins
of woodlands it is a perennial aquatic or bog plant with thick creeping rhizome,
forming leaves and flowering stems up to 30cm (12in) high.
The leaves grow alternately on stalks with long petioles, ternate; each leaflet
obovate with large, prominent midrib, margin sinuous or shallowly dentate.
The leaflets are three equal inversely egg-shaped and wavelike.
Inflorescence a many-flowered pyramidal scape at the apex of the stem.
The flower stalk supports a stalked cluster of pink flowers, fringed within
the corolla.
It creeps in every direcilion as it has long rooting stems.
Flowers pinkish-white, with 5 petals covered with long hairs.
Flowering: April-May.
Part Used, Dried leaflets.
Habitat and Collection: In marshes, beside ponds and lakes,
preferring environments in which the rhizome is in water.
Throughout Europe; rather common in Britain, sometimes locally dominant
in shallow water.
Leaves are collected in May-July and are dried either in the shade or in sunlight.
Constituents and Action: A bitter principle, possibly also
a saponin.
Buckbean stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, particularly those of
the stomach.
Its supposed febrifuge action is uncertain and requires verification.
This herb is a somewhat bitter tonic which is excellent for skin diseases,
especially for those that have a rheumatic foundation.
Usage:An infusion is made by pouring 1 pint of boiling water
on to 1 oz. of the herb; this should be strained when cold and a wineglassful
taken frequently.
Or more generally as a decoction (pour cold water on 2-3 tablespoonfuls of
chopped drug, raise to the boil, allow to stand) for stomach disorders, lack
of appetite and poor digestion;
It must be stated that for these purposes centuary, gentian root and wormwood
are much more effective.
The drug is rarely taken in powder form (a knife-pointful 3-5 times daily).
Its action as a febrifuge for influenza, etc. is in doubt; for this purpose
lime and meadowsweet are preferred.
An old botanist said this herb was equal in beauty to the kalmias, rhododendrons and exotic heaths on which so much money is expended, whilst buckbean is disregarded.
'The root of the buckbean, or more properly it's creeping rhizomes, contain a large amount of farinaceous matter resembling starch. In Lapland and Finland these rhizomes are washed to free them from the bitter principle, powdered and made into bread. It is described as not being very palatable but possessed of considerable nutritive qualities.' - From Useful Plants of Great Britain'.
