ΚΥΤΙΣΟΣ
Medicago arborea
(Moon trefoil)
Botanical info:
Moon trefoil is an evergreen shrub that usually grows around 1 - 2 m tall, but can reach 4 m. It grows naturally in scrub and rocky hillsides, dry soils, steep cliffs, and seashore rocks. It is native to the northern coasts of Mediterranean Sea. Flowering from early spring to early summer.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Regimen 2:
a. Moon trefoil sap is diuretic.
b. In Nature of Women:
a. In the case of breast milk stoppage boil moon trefoil leaves and drink the juice.
c. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. For breast milk flow enhancement.
d. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. For groin irritation use moon trefoil fruit or leaves for fumigation.
Other uses:
The plant is grown in agroforestry to prevent soil erosion. Leaves are eaten raw or cooked. Young shoots, when the plant is growing vigorously, have a slightly sweet, grass-like flavour but a rather chewy texture. Older leaves, and younger leaves if the plant is not growing vigorously, have a distinct bitterness and are rather unpleasant.