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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


BLACK MEDIC
Leguminosae
(Medicago lupulina)
[lao wo sheng]
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CONTAINS: Seeds contain possible tryspin inhibitors.
Empty seed pods contain 10.65% moisture, 15.66% protein, 0.8%fat, about 25% fiber, 8.05% ash, and 40.2% soluble carbohydrates.
Plant contains 73% water, 3 to 4% fiber, 0.70% fat, about 3% ash.
As a forage plant, based on zero moisture: 16 to 27% crude protein, about 3% fat, 25% crude fiber, about 10% ash, 38% nitrogen free extract, 0.5 to 1.3% calcium, 0.2 to 0.4% phosphorus, 2.28% potassium, and 0.45% magnesium.

A common, but little known Eurasian native of lawns, roadsides, and fields throughout the United States. A low, cloverlike, inconspicuous plant which is related to Alfalfa and has value as a forage plant and cover crop. Prostrate branches are 2 to 3 inches and bearing 3-foliate leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers that produce 1-seeded pods.

RELATED SPECIES:
SPOTTED MEDIC (Medicago arabica): Has a dark spot in the middle of each leaf and seeds are separated from each other in the pod by a partition.


USES

MEDICINAL:
Water extracts (infusions) have shown antibacterial properties against mycobacteria; considered a soothing herb.

AGRICULTURE:
A useful forage plant for livestock as well as a good cover crop.



©2004 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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