Menyanthes trifoliata

Common name: Bogbean, Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil.

Family: Menyanthaceae

Botany: A perennial native water plant. The leaves are held above the surface of the water and are divided into 3 obovate leaflets (hence trifoliate) on a long petiole. The flowers are white and are really pretty – they are held in spikes and have five fringed white and pink petals.

Part used: Dried leaves father after flowering.

Habitat, harvesting and cultivation: Native to Asia, America and Europe. It grows in shallow fresh water. It may be propagated from stem cuttings.

History /Folklore/Taste/Energetics: Bitter. Moves stagnation

Constituents: Iriodoid glycosides, Flavonol glycosides, Coumarins, Phenolic acids, Sterols, Triterpenoids, Tannin, Minute amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Actions: Alterative, Bitter, Aperitif

Traditional and current uses

• Rheumatism and arthritis

• Improves appetite and digestion

• Abdominal discomfort

• To assist weight gain

• Loss of vitality

• Bronchitis

• Piles

• Cold abdomen and extremities

• Intermittent fevers

• Dry flaky skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis

• Also herpes and shingles

Contraindications: Diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis. Large doses may cause vomiting.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.