Bogbean, Menyanthes trifoliate, Moon flower, buckbean, Water Trefoil, Marsh Clover

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Bogbean facts in simple medical language.
This article explains Bogbean Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses and benefits of Bogbean in simple medical language.
This article explains Ayurvedic Health benefits of Bogbean in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Bogbean scientifically known as Menyanthes trifoliate belongs to the plant family Menyanthaceae. Other common names of Bogbean are Moon flower, buckbean, marsh trefoil, Water Trefoil, Marsh Clover, bean trefoil, bitterworm, bog nut, scarfano, vattenklover, bukkeblad, Horblaoka, treefold, bitterklee, bog Hop, Boonan, Raate, Sumpfflee, bitter trefoil, brook bean and water Shamrock. This rhizomatous emergent aquatic perennial plant is native to shallow water in pond/lake margins and in bogs of Europe and North America where it is found growing from Labrador to Alaska in the north and southwards to West Virginia and extending to Wyoming. In some states of the US, this species has become rare or turned into an endangered species. The generic name Menyanthes probably comes from the Greek menyein, meaning disclosing, and anthos, meaning flower.

Bogbean facts

Name	Bogbean
Scientific Name	Menyanthes trifoliata
Native	Europe and North America
Common Names	Bog bean, Moon flower, buckbean, or marsh trefoil, Water Trefoil, Marsh Clover, bean trefoil, bitterworm, bog nut, scarfano, vattenklover, bukkeblad, Horblaoka, treefold, bitterklee, bog Hop, Boonan, Raate, Sumpfflee, bitter trefoil, brook bean, water Shamrock
Name in Other Languages	Chinese: Shuì cài (睡菜) Danish: Bukkeblad Dutch: Waterdrieblad English: Bog Buckbean, bog-bean, buck-bean, common bogbean, Marsh Trefoil Finnish: Raate French: Trèfle d’eau, Ményanthe, trefle des marais German: Bitterklee, Fieberkle, Fieberklee Hungarian: Bolyhosvirág Icelandic: Reiðinglyng Norwegian: Bukkeblad Romanian: Bobul broaştei, plumînare, plumînea, trei fraţi, trifoi amar, trifoi de baltă, trifoişte, trifoişte de baltă Spanish: Trébol de agua Swedish: Vattenklöver Ukrainian: Vadeanei bobovnic
Plant Growth Habit	Rhizomatous emergent aquatic perennial plant
Growing Climate	Found in various wetland habitats such as fens, pools, marshes, older woods, ditches, bogs, lake shores, swampy prairies, particularly in acid or oligotrophic conditions.
Plant Size	Grow up to 15 to 30 cm in height (above water)
Root	Thick, creeping and can both be attached to the ground or may be free-floating in water.
Leaf	Alternate, long-stalked, usually only 2–3. Blade with 3 leaflets, leaflets is stalk less, elliptic–obovate, with entire margins, glabrous. Leaflets are 1½ to 2½ inches long and to 1 inch wide, becoming larger later in the season.
Flowering Periods	May to July
Flower	Star shaped, five-petalled and fringed with extravagant white, cottony hairs which have a pinkish flush on the outside of the petals
Fruit	Spherical, 1-parted, many-seeded capsule.
Seed	Numerous, 2-3 mm long, lens shaped, yellow
Flavor/Aroma	Odorless
Taste	Bitter
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Rhizomes and Aerial Parts

Bogbean Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Menyanthes trifoliata

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass	Asteridae
Order	Solanales
Family	Menyanthaceae (Buckbean family)
Genus	Menyanthes L. (buckbean)
Species	Menyanthes trifoliata L. (buckbean)
Synonyms	Menyanthes americana Sweet Menyanthes latifolia Rafin. Menyanthes palustris S.F.Gray Menyanthes paradoxa Fries Menyanthes tridentata Rafin. Menyanthes trifoliata f. brevistyla Menyanthes trifoliata subsp. verna (Raf.) Gervais & M.Parent Menyanthes trifoliata var. minor Fernald Menyanthes trifoliata var. minor Raf. Menyanthes trifoliata var. trifoliata Menyanthes trifolium Neck. Menyanthes verna Rafin.

Plant Description

Bogbean is a rhizomatous emergent aquatic perennial plant that grows up to 15 to 30 cm in height (above water). The plant is found growing in various wetland habitats such as fens, pools, marshes, older woods, ditches, bogs, lake shores, swampy prairies, particularly in acid or oligotrophic conditions. Roots are thick, creeping and can both be attached to the ground or may be free-floating in water. Flower stalks and leaves rise well above the water surface from thick creeping rhizomes that spread indefinitely. Trifoliate leaves are alternate, long-stalked and have three elliptic leaflets. Leaflets are stalk less, elliptic–obovate, with entire margins, glabrous. Leaflets are 1½ to 2½ inches long and to 1 inch wide, becoming larger later in the season. Flowers are star shaped, five-petaled and fringed with extravagant white, cottony hairs which have a pinkish flush on the outside of the petals. Flowering normally takes place from May to July. Fruit is spherical, 1-parted, many-seeded capsule which contains numerous 2-3 mm long, lens shaped, yellow seeds.

Traditional uses and benefits of Bogbean

Finely powdered Buckbean leaves have been used as a remedy for ague, being said to affect a cure when other means fail.
Juice of the fresh leaves has proved effective in dropsical cases, and mixed with whey has been known to cure gout.
Buckbean tea, taken alone or mixed with wormwood, centaury or sage, is said to cure dyspepsia and a torpid liver.
An infusion is given in the treatment of muscular weakness in M.E., chronic infections with debility and exhaustion, indigestion, anorexia and rheumatism.
Given in small doses of about 10 grains it imparts vigor to the stomach and aids digestion.
Using the plant helps a person to gain weight.
It is believed to be an effective remedy for pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis, especially when this condition is associated with weakness, weight loss and lack of vitality.
Leaves were used for tea to strengthen weak stomachs.
Plant was also used against tuberculosis, heart problems and asthma.
Bogbean was also used to treat pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis.
It is still used today in herbal medicine to treat various rheumatoid conditions.
An herbal tea made from the leaves has been used traditionally for irregular menstruation, to strengthen appetite, increase the secretion of digestive fluids, indigestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.
Ailments like dry cough, fever, pain, nausea, or light sensitivity. সহজ বাংলা: বারবার হওয়া বিশেষ ধরনের মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="migraine" data-rx-definition="Migraine is a recurring headache disorder often with throbbing pain, nausea, or light sensitivity. সহজ বাংলা: বারবার হওয়া বিশেষ ধরনের মাথাব্যথা।">migraine, gout, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis (autoimmune joint disease causing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis), rheumatism, heartburn and muscle weakness associated with chronic fatigue syndrome have also been treated with the herb.
It has been used as an external remedy for wounds, for skin rashes, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, itch, eczema and edema.
Tea made from the leaves, mixed with yarrow and peppermint is wonderful for common cold, flu, nausea and stomach flu.
Combine with celery seed and black cohosh to treat rheumatism. It has also been combined with bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa) or celery for joint and muscle pain.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Bogbean

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Take combined mixture of Black cohosh, Bogbean, white poplar and celery to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can be taken internally as an infusion. Prepare an infusion of the dried leaves. Let leaves steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink before taking meals. Take thrice a day.
Arthritis: Prepare a decoction of devil’s claw, celery seed and Bogbean leaves. Drink twice a day.

Dosage

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older and contemporary standard herbal reference texts are given below.

Dried leaf 1–2 g or by infusion three times daily.
Liquid extract 1–2mL (1: 1 in 25% alcohols) three times daily.
Tincture 1–3mL (1: 5 in 45% alcohols) three times daily.

Culinary Benefits

The leaves were used to flavor beer instead of hops in northern England and parts of Europe.
The powder can be used for making ‘missen bread’ (famine bread).
The root is an emergency food that is used when all else fails.
Bogbean is used as a flavoring in food manufacturing.
This herb can be eaten in sandwiches and salads.

Other Facts

The plant also contains a chemical compound which attracts cats.

Precautions

Large doses may cause abdominal pains, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
The fresh plant causes vomiting.
People suffering from diarrhea, dysentery, colitis or ulcers of the digestive system should avoid using the herb.
It is not recommended in case of acute intestinal inflammation.
The herb is not suitable for children.
Bogbean could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using Bogbean at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.