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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




BEAN
LEGUMINOSAE
aka Bohnenhülsen (Ger), Common bean, Green bean, Haricots blanc (Fr), Kidney bean,
Navy bean, Pinto bean, Snap bean, String bean, Wax bean

(Phaseolus vulgaris)
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Annual plants common to gardens everywhere in vine and bush form. Fruits are green or yellow pods containing the seeds which vary in color according to variety.

HARVEST: Pods before beans are ripe; dry beans when mature.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Diuretic.
Pods effective (at the rate of 9 to 16 lbs per week!) for lowering blood sugar levels in cases of mild diabetes (with doctor's knowledge).
Pods said to be useful for dropsy, sciatica, chronic rheumatism, kidney and bladder problems, gravel, uric acid accumulation (gout), loss of albumin in urine during pregnancy.
Pods can be used dry, but are not as effective as the fresh.
Decoction made from the beans has been used over a long period of time for difficult cases of acne.
Bean meal has been applied directly to the skin for itching, eczema, and eruptions with the skin being washed every 2 to 3 hours with chamomile tea and fresh meal applied.

DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
DECOCTION = 2 to 3 handfuls of dried pods (cut small), with 1 quart of water; boil 3 hours; 1/2 to 3/4 quart taken per day.

CULINARY:
See: Bean Recipes





©2002 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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