BEGONIA INTRODUCTION
THE BEGONIA
With 1,839 species, it is the fifth-largest angiosperm genus. You’ve probably seen her at your grandparents house, as it was a popular traditional houseplant back in the day thanks to ornate foliage and little to no maintenance required. Unfortunately, because she is considered old-fashioned you do not see her much in the home these days. But in the wild, she is still thriving across various continents.
The Begonia is monoecious, meaning that it has separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The distinctive asymmetrical leaves and ornamental foliage are its trademark and makes her easy to identify.
MEDICINAL USES
Every part of the plant is medicinal and has been used for centuries to help alleviate various ailments. Taken in small doses she is considered safe. However, some of her compounds, notably oxalic acid and cucurbitacin, make her toxic in large quantities, and those with rheumatism, gout or kidney disease tend to stay away. For everyone else, she is a wonderful healing plant.
Starting at the root, an infusion is taken orally to cure constipation. The juice of the root is also diluted with water to form an eyewash to help heal conjunctivitis.
Children in northern Mexico chew the stems for its refreshing sour flavour and as a liver tonic to support cleansing the blood.
The flowers are often steeped in water and sipped to relieve headaches and fever. She also aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
In Nepal, the plant is used as a treatment to cure toe wounds caused by standing long periods of time. In other parts of the world, by crushing the leaves and using as a poultice you can soothe chapped skin, especially sore nipples!
In Paraguay, the leaves of the Begonia are eaten while the sap is used to treat sore throats.
Keep in mind if you do come across the houseplant variety, please do not consume as it may have pesticides and other nasties. But if you happen to be lucky enough to find her in the wild, she is considered one of the more medicinal plants and a true plant ally.
