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:

None known.

Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:

None reported.

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.