Kidney Vetch

Parts Usually Used

Flowering tops

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.

Where Found

Found in limestone soils, dry meadows, hills, and railroad embankments.

Medicinal Properties

Astringent

Uses

Historically, herbalists prepared a warm infusion of kidney vetch as a wash for wounds, followed by the application of a poultice. In traditional practice, the tea was also administered to children as a mild purgative and was believed to help calm vomiting.

Bibliography

The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Chinese Medicinal Herbs , compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023