Onobrychis Viciifolia (Onobrychis viciifolia)

Onobrychis Viciifolia (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Central Asia, Southwest Asia, and Southeast Europe. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Onobrychis Viciifolia (Onobrychis viciifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Onobrychis Viciifolia (Onobrychis viciifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Onobrychis Viciifolia
Scientific Name	Onobrychis viciifolia
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Onobrychis
Species	viciifolia
Native Range	Central Asia, Southwest Asia, Southeast Europe
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Onobrychis viciifolia
Common Name: Onobrychis Viciifolia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Crimson Clover, Red Clover, Sicklepod
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Onobrychis

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Laminae with reticulate venation, upper surface glabrous, lower surface with prominent stomatal bands and glandular dots.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical flowers with yellow petals and a prominent violet-blue keel, arranged in dense racemes, featuring five petals with a distinctive spurred standard petal and a fused keel.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, glabrous surface, and presence of prominent, longitudinal ridges.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a cooling diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, for foundational support.
Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing astringent, in structural-support contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.