Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris

A legume rich in protein and fibre. Raw or undercooked beans contain the toxic phytohaemagglutinin; thorough cooking is needed. Beans are otherwise mainly food, not medicine.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of the Americas: Raw beans are poisonous.

Preparation

Soak dried beans and boil them vigorously for at least ten minutes; then eat as food.

Use in traditions

Beans were domesticated some 8,000 years ago in Mesoamerica and the Andes. With maize and squash they form the 'three sisters' of the milpa: the beans climb up the maize and enrich the soil with nitrogen. For the Maya, growing these three together is the basis of food and community. In herbal magic associated with love, family and protection.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Healing traditions of the Americas

Attributed effects

With maize and squash the basis of the milpa; in Mexican folk medicine the cooking water of black beans is used for diarrhoea and the leaf on rashes.

Preparation and amount

Soak dried beans and boil them vigorously for at least ten minutes.

Caution: Raw beans are poisonous.

Sources

All herbs from Central America and the Caribbean →