Medicinal Monday - Beneficial Buckwheat

Despite its name, Buckwheat is not related to wheat and, it isn't a grass! Buckwheat is cultivated for its grain-like seeds and, as a cover crop.  Interestingly, buckwheat is related to sorrel, knotweed, and rhubarb.  The seeds of the buckwheat plant are made of complex carbohydrates and can be used the same way cereals are used.  Native Americans make flour from these seeds and use this plant medicinally as well.

About Buckwheat

Buckwheat was a fairly common crop in the northeastern U.S. in the 18th and 19th century. This plant is a short season crop that reaches maturity in just 70 to 90 days. It thrives in cool, moist conditions, but does not tolerate frost.  Adaptable to a variety of environments, this plant has a branching root system that reaches deep into the soil. The triangular seeds of the buckwheat plant have flowers that are usually white but can also be pink or yellow.  It is an amazing weed suppressor that develops quickly creating a dense, soil shading canopy.  Buckwheat is good for crop production because its' roots take up phosphorus that is unavailable to surrounding crops and then releases these nutrients back into the soil for future crops to benefit from.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
As one of the native American healing plants, buckwheat is rich in vitamin B, plus essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 as well as minerals.  It is also a great source of protein and fiber.  Many Native American communities from California to Connecticut use this plant as a food crop and for medicinal purposes. Some eat the seeds raw or grind them into a flour to use porridges and baked goods.

A wide variety of ailments were treated with buckwheat including headache, diarrhea, and wounds.  The Zuni use a poultice of the powdered root and applied it to cuts, arrow, or bullet wounds.  A decoction was also taken for sore throats.  The Iroquois use a decoction of this plant as a pediatric aide for a baby when "the baby is sick because of the mother's adultery."  The Iroquois also use a decoction as a witchcraft medicine to treat a mother that was running around making the baby sick.

Did You Know...

The name buckwheat comes from its triangular seeds that look like the seeds of the much larger beech nut from the beechnut tree.  The name is thought to be derived from the Dutch word for beech.

Buckwheat was first cultivated in China and Japan and dates to 2600 BCE.

Buckwheat's shallow white blossoms attract insects as a source of nectar.

The nectar from the buckwheat flower makes dark-colored honey.

Buckwheat noodles play a major role in Japanese cuisine and are known as soba.

Historically, the Russian Empire was the world's leader in buckwheat production.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.