bird's foot, Greek hay-seed
indigenous to most Eastern Mediterranean countries, but is cultivated in India, Africa and England.
the seeds
a preparation of the seeds soaked in water until they swell and form a thick paste is used to prevent fevers and to comfort the stomache. Alcoholic tinctures are employed to prepare emollient cream, ointments and plasters, while the mucilage is used externally as a poultice for skin infections such as abscesses, boils and carbuncles. It is also good for relieving rickets, anaemia and scrofula, while, combined with the normal dosage of conventional medicine, it is helpful in gout and nervous exhaustion. It is widely used as a flavouring for both human and cattle feed, and the aromatic seeds are also ground and used in curry powder.
poultice, ointment, infusion or tincture.