Summary

Bogbean or buckbean grows in shallow water in ponds, lakes and bogs in both North America and Europe. The rhizome and leaves contain secoiridoids and iridoids that are primarily respnosbile for it's bitter taste. Historically it was used stimulate digestion to improve apetitie and relieve indigestion as well as treat liver and gallbladder diseases. It possess some antiinflammatory properies making it usefful for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

Indications

Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestive complaints
• dyspepsia
• hypochlorhydria
• pancreatic insufficiency
• colic
• gastroparesis
• gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD)†

Hepatobiliary
• biliary insufficiency
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• jaundice
• biliary dyskinesia

Musculoskeletal
• arthritis
• rheumatic disease

Actions

• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Hepatic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Sialogogue
• Antimicrobial
• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Laxative (Mild)
• Emmenagogue
• Emetic (High dose )

Constituents

• SecoIridoid (Sweroside) & Iridoid (Loganin)
• Penolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid)
• Triterpenoids (23-O-trans-feruloylcylicodiscic acid )

Posology

• Infusion (dried leaf): 1-2 tsp/cup tid before meals
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% EtOH): 1-4 ml tid before meals

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation (uterine stimulant).

†Caution: Gastritis, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcers. May aggravate as bitters increase gastric secretions; however, may also benefit patients with GERD where LES tone is the cause, not hyperacidity. Discontinue use if if pain is burning in epigastric region.

Note: Concomitant ingestion of demulcent herbs can help prevent an aggravation.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002