- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Bogs and fens of Europe, northern Asia and North America. Menyanthes trifoliata
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine, Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
Europe · Herb · № 106
Menyanthes trifoliata
Herb · Europe
Bogbean
Menyanthes trifoliata
A strong bitter traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion and for rheumatic complaints. Clinical evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Large amounts may cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Avoid with diarrhoea or bowel inflammation.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine: Very bitter; emetic in large amounts. Not in pregnancy or with diarrhoea.
Preparation
The leaf in small amounts as tea or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In Scandinavia the leaf was once used instead of hops in beer. Ody calls it a bitter of European folk medicine.
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.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antirheumatic, bitter, tonic.
Preparation and amount
Leaves.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Tonic, laxative, decongestant, fever-reducing, bitter; cleanses the lymphatic system, for rheumatism and skin conditions, shingles, cleanses liver and gallbladder, hormone regulation, chronic lung complaints.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day; syrup 1 tsp for respiratory complaints; compress externally.
Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
Attributed effects
For long-lasting pain in the pit of the stomach.
Preparation and amount
Pull the long rhizomes from a pond, boil them for a very long time and drink the decoction instead of water.
Caution: Very bitter; emetic in large amounts. Not in pregnancy or with diarrhoea.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTinctureCompress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymel