Bogbean extract comes from the leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata, a plant native to European and North American swamps, marshes, and bogs. The fruit of M. trifoliata looks like a small bean; hence the name “bogbean.” Europeans use bogbean small amounts as a natural food flavoring.
Common doses of Bogbean
Bogbean comes as dried leaf, liquid extract, and tincture. Some experts recommend the following doses:
- As dried leaf, 1 to 2 grams in a tea taken orally three times a day.
- As extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol), 1 to 2 milliliters taken orally three times a day at mealtimes with plenty of juice or water.
Why people use Bogbean herb
- Constipation
- Fluid retention
- Fever
- Rheumatism
- Scurvy
Side effects of Bogbean
Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of bog bean:
- bleeding
- nausea
- vomiting
Bogbean also can cause red blood cell destruction.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don’t use bogbean when taking:
- blood thinners, such as heparin and Coumadin
- antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, Plavix, or Ticlid.
Important points to remember
- Don’t use bogbean if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Call your health care practitioner promptly if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal pain, vomiting, or dizziness when using bogbean. Discontinue the herb if these symptoms persist.
- Be aware that ingesting bogbean may cause severe, prolonged nausea and vomiting.
- Keep bogbean fluid extract away from children to avoid poisoning.
What the research shows
Although animal studies indicate a few therapeutic uses for bogbbean, results from human studies aren’t available to justify its medicinal use. Also, questions about bogbean’s safety remain unanswered.
Other names for Bogbean : –
Other names for bogbean include buckbean, marsh trefoil, and water shamrock.
No known products containing bodbean are available commercially.