Bean pods

Bean pods, also known as pods of the garden bean or Phaseoli pericarpium, are the dried husks of the common garden bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). While the bean itself is popular as a vegetable, the pods are traditionally used in herbal medicine – especially for metabolic and kidney complaints. Their use goes back to centuries of experience in folk medicine, particularly in the European and Central American regions.

What benefits do bean pods offer?

Bean pods are considered a well-established natural remedy for supporting metabolic processes. However, most studies are conducted with other parts of the beans or with the bean as a whole, which is why conclusions about an effect of the bean pod would be difficult to classify as valid. The following therefore includes only the applications from naturopathy.

  • Blood sugar reduction: Bean pods are traditionally used as a mild antidiabetic. Certain ingredients are said to contribute to regulating blood sugar levels.
  • Diuretic effect: The pods are said to promote urine production and are therefore used to support kidney function and to eliminate metabolic waste products.
  • Mild detoxification: In naturopathy, bean pod teas are considered “relief teas” for the entire metabolism.

How do bean pods work?

Exactly how the medicinal effects of bean pods might unfold has not yet been sufficiently researched; however, it can be assumed that the effects go back to certain active compounds of the plant such as chromium compounds, amino acids, flavonoids, silicic acid, and minerals.

Side effects and risks

Bean pods are generally considered well tolerated; nevertheless, a few points should be kept in mind:

  • Allergies: In rare cases, people with a legume allergy may react sensitively.
  • Blood sugar monitoring: If taken at the same time as blood-sugar-lowering medications, the effect should be monitored by a physician.
  • Do not consume raw: Fresh, raw bean pods contain lectins and must not be consumed uncooked.

Conclusion

Bean pods are an old and well-established natural remedy that was, and still is, used to support metabolism, kidney function, and blood sugar control. More research is, however, necessary, conducted only with the pods, in order to verify that these effects can actually be demonstrated. It should also be noted that many of the otherwise reputed effects suggested by studies are not attributable exclusively to the pods of the plant, but often to the bean as a whole.