Medicinal Monday - Indian Buckwheat - Not of Pancake Fame!

Buckwheat or Fagopyrum tataricum is believed to be one of the world's first domesticated crops that spread from Central Asia, the Middle East, then to Europe, and finally to America in the 1600s. This variety of buckwheat is grown today in the US which is the 4th largest producer in the world. There is, however, buckwheat that is native to America's southwest, called Indian or Flat-top Buckwheat which was used for medicinal purposes by the Native American communities living in that area. Indian Buckwheat is not what pancakes are made from because it does not belong to the Fagopyrum tataricum genus.

About Indian Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum is an evergreen shrub found in California, the southwestern United States, and northwestern Mexico. It is in the Polygonaceae family that also includes rhubarb and sorrel. This low-spreading shrub bears clusters of frilly pink and white flowers in the summer months that turn a distinctive mahogany color in the fall. This plant, which is a prolific bloomer has small, narrow, rolled leaves that grow in profuse clusters along the branches and are leathery and wooly on the undersides. They resemble the leaves of rosemary. The fruit is a small one-seeded fruit that does not open to release the seed. This variety of Buckwheat (there are several others) grows primarily in the desert regions and in the coastal foothills. It is tough and easy to grow because it tolerates very dry conditions. 

Medicinal  & Practical Uses

Buckwheat was an important medicinal plant for Native Americans. Kumeyaay, who called it Hamill boiled flowers and leaves into a tea and used it as an eyewash, mouthwash, and a remedy for headaches, stomach aches, and bladder infections. The Coahuilla made a decoction of the leaves and took it for stomach pain and headache, and to treat urinary problems. The Diegueno made a decoction of flowers and gave it to babies to treat diarrhea. They also made a decoction of dried flowers and dried roots and used it to promote a healthy heart. The Navajo used a decoction of this plant as an anti-witchcraft medicine. The Omaha and Zuni made a poultice from the powdered root and applied it to cuts, and arrow or bullet wounds. The Tubatulabal made an infusion of the dried heads of the flowers and used it to treat stomach aches and diarrhea. The Zuni made a decoction of the root and took it to treat hoarseness and colds.

Many regional Native American Communities gathered the tiny seeds and ground them into flour that was used to thicken stews. The Kawaiisu used the leaves of this plant to line acorn granaries in order to prevent the nuts from getting wet. They also used the plant's wood-like stems to pierce their ears.

Did You Know...

This plant is attractive to honey bees and is a good source of nectar over many months, especially in dry areas. It is an important source of honey in California.

This plant is used for erosion control and post-fire mitigation.

It increases crop yields when planted in hedgerows.

Because it can tolerate dry, hot conditions it is a favorite ornamental plant in the desert and water-wise gardens.

This plant is a host to the parasitic plant called Cuscuta californica, a type of dodder that looks like strands of orange spaghetti.