Black Medick - Medicago lupulina

Black Medick - Medicago lupulina, is also commonly known as black medick, nonesuch, trefoil, or hop clover. It is native to Asia but has spread throughout North America and grows in sunny, disturbed, alkaline soil and acts as a good nitrogen fixer. It may be annual, or perennial, depending on your microclimate. It is edible raw or cooked but is somewhat bitter.

In herbalism it is traditionally used as an antibacterial and styptic wound dressing. Studies have shown that it is active against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as some fungal infections.¹

It is used as a very mild laxative due to its high fiber and mildly stimulating properties. It has been used to treat respiratory infections due its expectorant, anti-spasmodic, and antiseptic actions. It contains mucilage, which is used to loosen phlegm. It is thought that the anti-spasmodic qualities help with asthma and respiratory tightness.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 1 ml 2 times a day. May be used directly on minor wounds but will sting. May be diluted in a small glass of water and used as a gargle.

Possible side effects: This herb is in the same family as alfalfa and cross-allergy may occur.

Contraindications: It may aggravate lupus and should not be used by people with autoimmune diseases due to one of its amino acids, L-Canavanine. It may interact with blood thinning and diabetes medications. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

¹ In vitro Antimicrobial, Insecticidal, Antitumor Activities and Their Phytochemical Estimation of Methanolic Extract and its Fractions of Medicago lupulina Leaves Nizam Baloch, Sajid Nabi and Yasser M.S.A. Al-Kahraman Institute of Biochemistry, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.