Bogbean, Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil,

Menyanthes trifoliata

Physical Characteristics

Menyanthes trifoliata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, N. and C. Asia, Morocco.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Condiment Root - cooked[2, 55]. It must be treated to get rid of an acrid taste[115, 172]. This can be done by drying the root, grinding it into a powder and then washing it in running water[2]. Unfortunately, this treatment will also get rid of many of the vitamins and minerals contained in the root[K]. The powder can be used for making 'missen bread' (famine bread)[183]. The root is an emergency food that is used when all else fails[177]. The intensely bitter leaves are used as a substitute for hops in making beer[2, 7, 13, 145, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Appetizer Astringent Carminative Cathartic Deobstruent Digestive Diuretic Dysentery Emetic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Hypnotic Stomachic Tonic Bogbean is closely related to the gentians, which are famous bitter herbs used as a digestive and general body tonic[238]. This plant can be used similarly, but it can irritate the digestive system of patients with gastric inflammation or infection[238]. The plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, cathartic, deobstruent, digestive, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypnotic, stomachic, tonic[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 165, 172, 174, 207, 222, 238]. All parts of the plant are medically active, but the leaves are the part most commonly used[4, 213]. The leaves are best harvested in late spring or early summer and dried before use[9, 222], the fresh plant causes vomiting[222]. An infusion is given in the treatment of muscular weakness in M.E., chronic infections with debility and exhaustion, indigestion, anorexia and rheumatism[238]. Given in small doses of about 10 grains it imparts vigour to the stomach and aids digestion[207, 222]. Using the plant helps a person to gain weight[254]. It s also believed to be an effective remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, especially when this condition is associated with weakness, weight loss and lack of vitality[254]. Bogbean is usually prescribed in combination with other herbs such as celery seed (Apium graveolens) and white willow (Salix alba)[254]. This plant should not be prescribed for patients with diarrhoea, dysentery or colitis[238]. Excess doses cause vomiting[238].

Known Hazards

Large doses may cause abdominal pains, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Reports of red cell damage (haemolysis). Effects may be due to the salicylic acid constituent [301].