BEAN, COMMON
Phaseolus vulgaris
Common name: Bean, Common
Latin name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Other names: Green Bean, String Bean, Field Bean, Haricot, Kidney Bean
Family: Fabaceae
Habitat: Common Bean is native to ancient Mesoamerica. Now the plant is grown all around the world.
Description: Common Bean is an annual, herbaceous plant. It has a fibrous root system, and an erect, twining stem with small side branches. Leaves are large and trifoliate. Flowers are arranged in racemes, with long pods. They vary in color: white, pink or yellow. Pods also vary in color, but also in size and form. They grow from successfully pollinated flowers.
Parts used: Green pods
Useful components: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, silicium, nickel, copper, and cobalt, vitamins A1, B1, B2, B5, B6, C, E, and P1, soluble and insoluble fibers, salicylic acid
Medicinal use: Common Bean is an excellent remedy against hydropsy, diseases concerning heart, kidney and bladder dysfunctions. Bean pod tea can help in cases of spasms, difficulty with urination, and can help body remove the harmful toxins. It is useful as remedy against uric acid accumulation and loss of albumin in the urine during pregnancy. Consumption of tea made from the bean pods can provide considerable help for those who suffer from hyperglycemia. In addition, it can act as prevention against diabetes. Used externally, Bean flour can be beneficial in treatment of various skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, sores and ulcers.
Safety: Some herbs could react with certain medication. Therefore it is advisable to contact your doctor/herbalist before consumption of any herb.