BIRD'S FOOT TREFOIL

                                                                                                                 Lotus corniculatus

All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing cyanogenic glycosides (hydrogen cyanide). 

The flowers of some forms of the plant contain traces of prussic acid & so the plants can become mildly toxic when flowering. They are completely harmless when dried.
In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration & improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer.
Bird's foot trefoil is  recommend for the treatment of problems such as heart palpitations, persistent & chronic nervousness, long term depression & sleep disorders such as insomnia.
The flowers are antispasmodic, cardiotonic & sedative.
The root is carminative, febrifuge, restorative & tonic. 
The plant is used externally as a local anti-inflammatory compress in all cases of skin inflammation.
The young seedpods are nibbled. Caution is advised.

PRECAUTIONS:

Be very careful when working with this herb.
In excess it can cause respiratory failure & even death.

MAGIC:

believed to be the incarnation of Tom Thumb, as the leaves look like the Devil's fingers of folk tradition. - See more at: http://yorkshirefilmarchive.com/film/plant-magic#sthash.ewu0eBTG.dpuf

Trefoil believed to be the incarnation of Tom Thumb as the leaves look like the Devil's fingers. In English folk tales, Tom Thumb is a tiny man. An old, childless couple wish for a son & are granted a thumb-sized boy. After many adventures he becomes a brave, miniature knight at the court of King Arthur.