Also Known As:
Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil, Menyanthes, Water Shamrock.
Scientific Name:
Menyanthes trifoliata.
Family: Menyanthaceae.
People Use This For:
Bogbean is used for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, loss of appetite, and
dyspepsia.
In food manufacturing, bogbean is used as a flavoring agent.
Safety:
No concerns regarding safety when used orally in amounts commonly found in
foods.1
No concerns regarding safety when used orally in medicinal amounts,2 no clinical
reports of problems.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.
Effectiveness:
There is insufficient scientific information available to comment.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable part of bogbean is the leaf. The bitter principles, or iridoids, can
stimulate saliva and gastric juices (3,1). Bogbean can have purgative actions (1).
Adverse Reactions:
None reported for normal dosage.
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
None reported
Interactions with Drugs:
None reported.
Interactions with Foods:
None known.
Interactions with Lab Tests:
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:
Dosage/Administration:
Dr Clare’s Blends:1gm per day
Oral: The typical dose of bogbean is 1-3 grams of the dried leaf three times daily
or as a tea three times daily.
Specific References: BOGBEAN
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare
1.
Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
2.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's
Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
3. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to
Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
» Dr Clare Materia Medica