Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a fantastic phlebotonic (vein tonic) due to high content of rutin.

Family

Polygonaceae

Other names

Fagopyrum

Botanic characteristics

It grows from 15 to 60 cm tall (6 to 23 inches).

Cultivation

A very easy to grow medicinal plant, buckwheat grows well is poor soils, especially sandy soils. Seed directly on a sunny area and make sure no other plants will shade it during the growing season. It needs as much sun as it can get to develop enough rutin.

Harvest

For medicinal purposes, harvest buckwheat herb 8 weeks after germination in the afternoon when the flowers begin to bloom. The seeds (fruits) are ripe 2-3 months after germination and not all ripen at the same time. So, plan for several harvests.

Drying

Spread the herb on a flat surface and dry it fast. I use a dehydrator. Store it in an air-tight container.

Constituents

4-8% flavonoids (90% rutin but also hyperoside), quercitrin, phenolic carboxylic acid (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid), traces of the photo-toxic napthodianthrone fagopyrin and small amounts of fagopyrin, anthocyanins and plant acids.

Note: Fagopyrin can cause photosensitivity but since it isn’t water or fat soluble (it doesn’t release into water or fat), it very safe to consume as infusion.

Properties

Phlebotonic, anti-sclerotic, anti-hemorrhagic, antioxidant

Energetics

Hot, astringent, sweet

Medicinal use of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a wonderful herb for chronic venous insufficiency. It helps to strengthen the capillaries and other blood vessels and improves microcirculation.

Take buckwheat herb internally:

• to strengthen the blood vessels
• to increase capillary strength
• to improve microcirculation
• to prevent the hardening of the vessels (arteriosclerosis)
• to prevent diabetes (seeds)
• for hemorrhoids
• for microcirculatory ailments
• for dizziness
• for weak memory
• for retinal hemorrhage

Topic application:

• to soften and moisturize the skin

Recommended daily dosage:

5-6 g herb

Homemade preparations

• infusion
• soups
• facial masks
• flour

Side effects

Rarely headaches, contact dermatitis after long exposure to the sun.

Contra-indications

None known. To be on the safe side, pregnant women should avoid it during the first trimester.

References
Bühring, U. 2015. Alles über Heilpflanzen. 3rd ed. Stuttgart: Ulmer.
Wichtl M. 2004. Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals – A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. 3rd ed. Stuttgart: medpharm Scientific Publishers