Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Bibliography
Scientific Names
- Anthyllis vulneraria L.
- Pea family
Common Names
- Ladies’ fingers
- Lamb’s toes
- Staunchwort
Parts Usually Used
Flowering tops
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Kidney vetch is a European perennial plant; the procumbent or erect stem grows from a strong taproot to a length of 8-16 inches. The basal leaves are petioled and simple or pinnate; the stem leaves are odd-pinnate, the leaflets lanceolate with the odd leaflet larger than the others. The yellow flowers are arranged in ovoid or subglobose, clover-like heads, appearing from May to September.
Another variety: The Chinese use a plant they call vetch (Vicia hirsuta), the Chinese name is Ch’iao-yao. Recommended for chronic malarial difficulties.
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Where Found
Found in limestone soils, dry meadows, hills, and railroad embankments.
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Medicinal Properties
Astringent
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Uses
A warm infusion of kidney vetch can be used to wash wounds, which are then covered with a poultice which is renewed every hour. The tea is often given to children as a mild purgative, and it sometimes helps to allay vomiting in children.
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Formulas or Dosages
Kidney vetch can be used fresh or dried.
Infusion: steep 1 tsp. flower heads in 1/2 cup water. Take 1 cup per day, sweetened with honey.
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Bibliography
The Herb Book
Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Webster’s New World Dictionary
