Carolina vetch
StarVicia caroliniana
Synonyms: Ervum carolinianum, Vicia hexameri, Ervum hugeri, Cracca caroliniana, Vicia hugeri, Vicia craccoides
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
The Cherokee made extensive medicinal use of Carolina vetch. An infusion of the plant was rubbed into scratches made over the location of muscle pain and was applied for back pains, local pains, and stomach cramps (Taylor, 1940; Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975). The same compound was used internally for rheumatism, dyspepsia, and other miscellaneous complaints, as a respiratory aid taken by ball players to bolster wind during games, and as an emetic. The Cherokee also used the plant as an orthopedic aid to relieve back pains, to toughen muscles, and for muscular cramps and twitching (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975; Taylor, 1940).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Vicia caroliniana, the Carolina vetch or wood vetch, is a slender perennial climbing or trailing herb in the Fabaceae family native to eastern and central North America. It grows from a slim rhizome and produces several delicate, finely angled stems 30 to 100 centimetres long that scramble over other vegetation, supported by branched tendrils at the tips of the leaves. The leaves are pinnately compound with five to ten pairs of small, oblong to elliptic, thin-textured leaflets, the rachis terminating in a tendril; small narrow stipules clasp the stem at each node. Loose, one-sided axillary racemes of 7 to 20 small, white to pale lavender pea flowers with a faintly purplish keel are produced in spring and early summer. The fruit is a small, flat, glabrous legume 2 to 3 centimetres long containing several smooth seeds. Vicia caroliniana grows in open deciduous woodlands, rocky slopes, stream banks, and meadow edges, often on calcareous or rich soils.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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