Camassia quamash vs Phaseolus lunatus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Camassia quamash

Nutritive

Nutritive

Description

Bulbous perennial of western North American meadows with blue flowers, major traditional food of many tribes.

American legume crop; seeds used in Latin American folk medicine for diabetes; high cyanogenic content when raw.

Active Compounds

starch, inulin, saponins, vitamins, minerals

linamarin (cyanogenic), protein, fiber, iron, potassium

Traditional Uses

Major traditional food of Nez Perce Cree and many western tribes, Caused conflicts historically due to its importance as food staple

diabetes, food source, constipation

Modern Uses

Nutritive traditional food plant, Prebiotic inulin, Blood sugar modulation, Energy food

nutritive food, anti-diabetic, digestive support

Adult Dosage

Bulbs as food after roasting or pit cooking

As food (fully cooked)

Contraindications

Confusion with toxic white death camas

raw consumption (cyanide risk), legume allergy, kidney disease

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal effects if raw or misidentified

cyanide toxicity if raw, bloating

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E