Buckwheat: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Buckwheat is a valuable food, but despite the irritating name, it is not one of the cereals. Because it is gluten and lectin free, it is a healthy grain alternative. What effects is it said to have and what risks should be considered when consuming it?

Occurrence and cultivation of buckwheat

Native to Mongolia, buckwheat has spread throughout much of Europe. Although the name may lead one to believe that it is a cereal, this assertion is false. Buckwheat belongs to the plant genus of the knotweed family and its name refers to the beech-shaped fruits. Buckwheat is native to Mongolia and has spread throughout much of Europe. Although the name may lead one to believe that it is a cereal, this assertion is incorrect. The herbaceous plant is mostly annual and grows between 15 and 70 centimeters high. The stem of buckwheat is glabrous to finely hairy and forms a taproot into the soil. Its color changes from green to a bright red. The stem leaves are stalked and alternate and have a pointed or flattened leaf tip. The flowers of buckwheat are white-pink and can be admired between June and October in fields, roadsides and soils poor in lime. In late fall, the flowers develop into the triangular nut fruits. The seeds, which are brown-gray, are similar to beechnuts and are collected from September to November. The herb, on the other hand, is already harvested between June and August. The seed of buckwheat can be sown from the end of April to May. The plant is very rare to find in the wild, so it is usually homegrown. It needs a sunny location and does not tolerate frost. At the beginning of the flowering period, the seeds of buckwheat are harvested and stored in a dark place after air-drying.

Effect and application

Since the fruits of buckwheat are gluten-free, the plant takes an important role in the diet of people suffering from celiac disease (gluten intolerance). Buckwheat is used in herbal medicine, folk medicine and also in homeopathy. Buckwheat contains high-quality nutrients and vital substances and contains less protein. It provides all eight essential amino acids and covers protein needs better than any cereal. It has been proven to have an antihypertensive effect. Rutin, also known as vitamin P, found in buckwheat, works wonders. It has been proven that it can reduce oxidative damage to blood vessel walls and the result of this is the decrease in high blood pressure. Buckwheat is a particularly valuable food for diabetics. It contains the substance chiro-inositol, which can regulate blood sugar levels. A regular diet of buckwheat can reduce the risk of secondary diabetes diseases such as heart problems. People suffering from weak veins will find in the superfood buckwheat a plant that provides relief. Rutin strengthens the blood vessel walls and capillary walls. The elasticity and resilience of the veins are increased. This counteracts the formation of varicose veins and also hemorrhoids. The antioxidant property has an additional positive effect on the vascular system. This means that vascular damaging oxygen compounds can be intercepted and neutralized. In addition to protein, fats and vitamins, buckwheat also contains fiber and large amounts of lecithin. These two ingredients are helpers in the regulation of cholesterol levels. Lecithin inhibits the mechanism of cholesterol absorption by the intestinal mucosa. As a result, the cholesterol is excreted and the increase of the cholesterol level is not favored. Buckwheat is also valuable for the liver. Lecithin helps the liver cells in their work and so no mistake can happen in the main task, detoxification of the body.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

To be taken buckwheat is in the form of tea. One tablespoon of the buckwheat herb is poured over 250 milliliters of boiling water. The tea should steep for 15 minutes and then be strained. Up to three cups of tea can be drunk daily. A four- to eight-week course of treatment strengthens the veins and capillaries and promotes blood circulation. The first effect starts about two weeks after the beginning of the cure. In addition to drinking buckwheat tea, capsules or tablets containing powdered buckwheat can also be taken.This cure also has a positive effect on our brain and performance increases. People who eat buckwheat are also less likely to get depressed and suffer from anxiety. A porridge of buckwheat strengthens the body and helps in suffering from mucous diarrhea. In case of impure skin, the porridge is applied to the affected areas. The intake of buckwheat has taken a high place in naturopathy. Nevertheless, it should be noted that allergies can also occur. Thus, allergic skin reactions may occur when touching the fresh parts of the plant. If dry parts of the plant are used, inhaling the dust can cause asthma attacks and promote inflammation of the nasal mucosa. In rare cases, regular ingestion may cause headaches. This depends on the harvest time of buckwheat, as the plant may contain traces of FAGO-pyrin. This substance also makes the skin more sensitive to light. Buckwheat can be bought as food in the form of seeds, flour or porridge in organic food stores, health food stores and selected supermarkets. Tablets and capsules are sold in pharmacies and drugstores. The exact application and dosage can be found in the package insert. For specific problems, a pharmacist should provide information or a doctor should be consulted.