MEDICINAL USES:
The
leaves are high in vitamin C, iron and iodine.
When fresh, however, they are emetic, so not of much use for anything
else. The dried leaves contain a
bitter glycoside that helps to stimulate appetite and digestion by promoting the
flow of digestive juices. This
makes them useful for conditions where the proper digestion is suppressed, but
not for acid indigestion or other inflamed conditions that are indicated by a
red throat or tongue and plenty of saliva.
Taking Buckbean may exacerbate these symptoms. Its appropriate use is for conditions signalled by a heavy
sensation in the gut and a dry mouth.
Take
the leaves as a tonic to help strengthen and tone the organs, and as a mild
diuretic and laxative. Buckbean
also has properties that make it useful in the treatment of arthritis and
rheumatism.