Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About
About
Buckwheat is a plant. People make flour from the leaves and flowers. This flour can be used either as food (usually in bread, pancakes, and noodles) or as medicine.
As medicine, buckwheat is used to improve blood flow by strengthening veins and small blood vessels; to treat varicose veins and poor circulation in the legs; and to prevent “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).
Buckwheat is also used to treat diabetes.
How does it work?
Buckwheat might help people with diabetes by improving how well the body deals with blood sugar.
Traditionally used for
Traditionally used for
Varicose veins and other circulatory problems (chronic venous insufficiency).
Diabetes.
Vision problems in people with diabetes.
Improving blood flow.
Preventing “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).
Dosage
Dosage
The appropriate dose of buckwheat for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for buckwheat. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Possible Side Effects
Possible Side Effects
Buckwheat is SAFE for adults when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. Some side effects, including increased risk of sunburn, do occur.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking buckwheat if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Buckwheat allergy: Some people who are exposed to buckwheat on the job develop buckwheat allergy. Other people can also become allergic to buckwheat. Re-exposure to buckwheat can lead to serious allergic reactions including skin rash; runny nose; asthma; and a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure, itching, swelling, and difficulty in breathing (anaphylactic shock).
Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity: Some researchers think that including buckwheat in a gluten-free diet might not be safe. However, buckwheat is considered an acceptable food by the Celiac Disease Foundation and the Gluten Intolerance Group. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can probably eat buckwheat safely.
Allergy to rice: Some people who are allergic to rice might also become allergic to buckwheat.
Diabetes: Buckwheat might lower blood sugar levels. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control in people with diabetes. The dose of diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Surgery: Buckwheat might lower blood sugar levels. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using large amounts of buckwheat at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.