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| Lotus corniculatus |
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.
