Edible Parts: Leaves  Oil  Oil  Seed  Seedpod
Edible Uses: Coffee  Milk  Oil  Oil

Mature seed - cooked[2, 33]. Very rich in protein, the seeds can be eaten as they are in soups, stews etc[183], though they are very commonly used in the preparation of various meat substitutes[34, 46]. The dried seed can be ground into a flour and added to cereal flours or used for making noodles etc[183]. The Japanese make a powder from the roasted and ground seed, it is called 'Kinako' and has a nutty flavour and fragrance - it is used in many popular confections[183]. The sprouted seed is eaten raw or added to cooked dishes. The toasted seeds can be eaten as a peanut-like snack[183]. The seed is also made into numerous fermented foods such as miso and tempeh[183] and is also used to make soya milk, used in place of cow's milk. The seed contains 20% oil and 30 - 45% protein[100]. The immature seed is cooked and used like peas or eaten raw in salads[105, 183]. The strongly roasted and ground seeds are used as a coffee substitute[183]. The young seedpods are cooked and used like French beans[116, 183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is cooked or used as a dressing in salads etc[34, 183]. Young leaves - raw or cooked[179, 183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antidote  Astringent  Diaphoretic  Laxative  Ophthalmic  Resolvent  Stomachic

The fermented seed is weakly diaphoretic and stomachic[176]. It is used in the treatment of colds, fevers and headaches, insomnia, irritability and a stuffy sensation in the chest[176]. The bruised leaves are applied to snakebite[218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of blindness and opacity of the cornea[218]. The ashes of the stems are applied to granular haemorrhoids or fungus growths on the anus[218]. The immature seedpods are chewed to a pulp and applied to corneal and smallpox ulcers[218]. The seed is antidote[218]. It is considered to be specific for the healthy functioning of bowels, heart, kidney, liver and stomach[218]. The seed sprouts are constructive, laxative and resolvent[218]. They are used in the treatment of oedema, dysuria, chest fullness, decreased perspiration, the initial stages of flu and arthralgia[176]. A decoction of the bark is astringent[240]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Glycine soja Wild Soya Bean for raised blood levels & cholesterol (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Oil  Oil

The seed contains up to 20% of an edible semi-drying oil[171]. It is non-drying according to another report[57]. This oil has a very wide range of applications and is commonly used in the chemical industry[171, 206]. It is used in making soap, plastics, paints etc[34, 46, 100].

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer