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