Bogbean Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses
Scientific Name: Menyanthes trifoliata
Properties: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Carminative, Expectorant, Analgesic, Diaphoretic, Anti-coagulant
What is Bogbean?
Bogbean is a plant that goes by many names, including brook bean, marsh trefoil, moonflower, and water shamrock.1 It’s a semi-aquatic plant that grows throughout areas of Europe in marshes, bogs, and other shallow waters.1,2 Bogbean features glossy leaves, each split into three leaflets, and fluffy flowers that look like stars.1 The leaves of the bogbean plant, though bitter, can be used in a variety of herbal medicines.1 Bogbean can be applied topically or taken orally as a tincture or infusion, and it’s often taken with other herbs like celery seed.1
Bogbean Uses and Health Benefits
Bogbean uses are vast. It has historically been made into a tonic to help treat conditions like scurvy, rheumatism, and skin diseases.2 It’s also said to promote appetite and weight gain, which can be beneficial in patients with anorexia.1 Other bogbean uses include for:
- Eczema (Dermatitis) - Eczema is a skin condition that results in itchy, scaly patches of skin. Among bogbean benefits, it contains anti-inflammatory properties,1 which may help it ease eczema symptoms when applied topically.
- Gout - Gout is a condition that affects your joints, most commonly in your toes and feet.3 Gout symptoms include inflammation, redness, and reduce range of motion in affected areas.3 With bogbean’s anti-inflammatory properties, it could help reduce gout symptoms when taken orally.
- Heartburn - Bogbean uses include promoting digestive health.1 Heartburn is a condition that affects the stomach and esophagus--not the heart as the name suggests. Taking a bogbean herbal remedy may help reduce or prevent heartburn.
- Indigestion - Bogbean benefits the digestive system and has long been used to treat indigestion.1 Take an infusion orally to help improve digestion.
- Menstrual Problems - Menstrual problems involve a wide variety of symptoms associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle. It’s believed that bogbean can help ease some of these symptoms when taken orally.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Bogbean can also be taken to help combat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and does this through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Bogbean Side Effects and Precautions
A bogbean diet is considered safe in normal amounts, but taking too much orally can result in vomiting.1 Individuals with colitis, dysentery, or diarrhea should not take a bogbean home remedy.1 Talk to your doctor about other herbs, medications, or supplements you’re currently taking to avoid possible interactions with bogbean. Do not substitute bogbean for other prescription medications you’re taking without first consulting with your physician.