Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp, F. esculentum)
Folk Names: Boek-weit (“Beech-wheat” Dutch), Brank, Buchweizen (German), French Wheat, Groats, Heidekorm, Indian Wheat, Kasha, la Ble` Noir, Rasha, Saracen Corn, Soba (Japan)
Description: Buckwheat is a native of north and central Asia. It is an herbaceous plant with a knotted stem one to two feet high. The stem is hollow and round; generally green though sometimes tinged with red. Lateral branches alternate from the joints. The leaves are heart to arrow shaped. From July to September, the plant produces numerous sweet-scented flowers. There are two types of flower, one with long styles and short stamens, and one with short styles and long stamens. A tough, dark-brown rind surrounds the sharply triangular nut or seed.
Effects: gentle
Planet: Venus, Mercury, Pluto
Element: Earth
Associated Deities:
Traditions:
Buckwheat is one of a few foods that may be eaten on Hindu fasting days. Buckwheat was first brought to Europe from Asia by the Crusaders, hence its nickname of Saracen Corn in France.
Magic:
Grind the seeds to flour and sprinkle around your house in a circle to keep evil out. You can also use powdered seeds to form a magic circle.
Add a few grains to any money incense, and keep some in the kitchen to guard against poverty. Buckwheat grains can be used in any money spells.
Known Combinations:
none noted
Medical Indications: (Caution: eating too much may cause dermatitis) Parts used:
Buckwheat is a source of phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A. The stems and leaves are used in a tea for bladder trouble, and the roots and tops have been recommended as a tea for TB, colds, and diarrhea.
Nutrition:
Though buckwheat flower is occasionally used for bread, it is more often used for cakes. They make a quite popular pancake with maple syrup. Dutch children are fond of Buckwheat crumpets. The Japanese make a variety of buckwheat foods. In addition to a variety of pastas, they may steam and dry the grains and eat them boiled or make them into bread or cake called manju. They also eat the young leaves as a vegetable.
The Russian army uses buckwheat as part of the rations. The grains are cooked with butter or oil. In Germany, buckwheat is an ingredient in pottage, puddings, and other foods. I like to add the grains to my bean soup.
Beer is also brewed from the grains.
Buckwheat is comparable to wheat, but it is safe for those who suffer from wheat allergies.
Mercantile Uses:
Buckwheat is largely cultivated in the central United States, China, Russia, and Eastern countries for bees as well as for food. Bees like the flowers, and you can find buckwheat honey in most stores. Pheasants are also fond of buckwheat grains, and it is grown in preserves for them.
The flowers may be used to produce a brown dye. The stalks make a blue dye, but are also used to feed cattle. While green, buckwheat is a fit food for sheep, oxen, and horses.