Witnessed by: Western
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), of the Polygonaceae family. Fast-growing erect annual with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small white to pink flowers; native range: native to central and eastern Asia, cultivated across the temperate world. Globally recognized as brank, beechwheat, Saracen corn in English. The part used is flowering herb (leaf and flower). Succulent green herb with a faintly sour, slightly astringent taste and honey-scented flowers.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BUCKWHEAT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- buckwheat
- Scientific name
- Fagopyrum esculentum Moench
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Form
- Part used
- flowering herb (leaf and flower)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- sweet · astringent
Temperature
- Western
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- circulation · blood · heart
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- vasoprotective, capillary tonic, mild hypotensive, anti-inflammatory
Cautions
Contraindications: none of note at therapeutic dose
Toxicity: the fagopyrin in the herb can cause photosensitivity if large amounts are taken with strong sun exposure
Interactions
- Western
- photosensitising drugs: fagopyrin may add to drug-induced light sensitivity of the skin
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