Phaseolus vulgaris
Also known as kidney bean, common bean,
green bean, navy bean, pinto bean, snap bean, string bean and wax bean.
The
kidney bean is an annual plant which is said to have originated in South
America. It is a twining plant, and is the bean most commonly grown in both
Americas. It has alternate leaves, each consisting of three broad leaflets.
Sparse clusters of white, yellow or purple flowers bloom before the fruit
grows. The colour of the seeds (beans) depends on the variety, but they
always grow in yellow or green pods.
Beans have diuretic properties. The
pods can lower blood sugar levels and for this reason may be used for mild
cases of diabetes. (Medical advice should be sought first). Bean pods are
most effective medically before they are ripe, and fresh pods are better
than dry. The dried pods, however, can be useful when mixed with other
effacious herbs (eg. bilberry, milfoil, dandelion, juniper) and made into a
tea. Bean pod tea is also good for dropsy, sciatica, chronic rheumatism,
kidney and bladder problems. Prolonged use of a bean decoction can be used
for severe cases of acne. Bean meal is good externally on ezcema, skin
eruptions and itching.