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Health benefits of Little Medick

Little medick Quick Facts
Name: Little medick
Scientific Name: Medicago minima
Origin Native to Europe and Western Asia. Its natural range includes France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon
Colors Initially green turning to light to dark brown or tan
Shapes Spirally coiled or contorted legume with hooked bristles or prickles containing one or two seeds
Taste Mild and slightly sweet, nutty, or grassy flavor
Major nutrients • Protein
• Fiber
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Phytonutrients
• Carbohydrates
Health benefits Digestive Health, Immune Support, Weight Management, Skin Health, Cardiovascular Health, Blood Sugar Regulation, Bone Health, Respiratory Health, Gut Health, Menopausal Support
Medicago minima, also called “little medick” or “small bur clover,” is a small annual plant in the family Fabaceae, which is also called the pea or legume family. The plant is from Europe and western Asia. It lives in the wild in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. It has grown wild in some parts of North America and other places, and in some places it is called an invasive weed. It lives in harmony with the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti, which is able to fix nitrogen. Some popular common names include Common little medick, Burr medic, Small burr medic, Lesser medick, Little burclover, Small hop clover, black medic, low burr medic, slender yellow medick, little trefoil, bur-clover, lesser burr medic, burry medic, slender medick, tiny burr medic, slender bur-clover, small yellow trefoil, small medick, little medick and woolly bur medick.

The name “Medicago” comes from the Latin word “medica,” which means “alfalfa.” Alfalfa is a type of plant in the Medicago group. It has been grown for food and feed for hundreds of years. Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist and philosopher, first used the name “Medicago” for a plant with medicinal qualities. Later, the name came to be used for alfalfa. “Minima” is a Latin word that means “small” or “minimal.” It is used as a specific name. Botanical nomenclature uses this word to talk about plants or species that are smaller than others in the same genus or family. In the case of “Medicago minima,” the name suggests that this species of Medicago isn’t as tall as some of its other relatives. Even though it isn’t used as much as some other Medicago species for animal feed or as a food crop, it has been used as animal feed in some areas. Some people have also used the leaves in soups or as a potherb in the past.

Little Medick Facts

Name Little medick
Scientific Name Medicago minima
Native Native to Europe and Western Asia. Its natural range includes France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon
Common Names Burr medic, Little burclover, Small burr medic, Lesser medick, Low burr medic, Small hop clover, Black medic, Little trefoil, burry medic, Common little medick, Tiny burr medic, Bur-clover, Lesser burr medic, Small medick, Slender medick, Slender bur-clover, Small yellow trefoil, Slender yellow medick
Name in Other Languages Albanian: Jonxha e vogël, jonxhë            
Arabic: Atfalat alsaghira (الطفلة الصغيرة), Al-Tib Al-Sagheer (الطب الصغير), qisat qasira (فصة صغيرة)
Assamese: Soru Medick (সৰু মেডিক)
Bengali: Chhoto Medik (ছোট মেডিক), Little Medik (লিটল মেডিক)
Bulgarian: Drebnoplodna lyutserna (дребноплодна люцерна), drebna lyutserna (дребна люцерна)  
Catalan: Melgó mínim
Chinese: Xiǎo mùxù (小苜蓿), Xiǎo Yīyòng Mùxu (小醫用苜蓿), Tiānlán mùxu (天蓝苜蓿)
Croatian: Sićušna vija
Czech: Malý Luzerne, Malý jetel, tolice nejmenší
Danish: Lille Lucerne, Lille Medicago, Liden sneglebælg
Dutch: Kleine Medicago, Kleine rupsklaver  
English: Little Medick, Little bur-clover, Bur medick, Goldfields medic, Little medic, Small medic, Woolly trefoil
Estonian: Väike lutsern
Finnish: Pieni Apila, Pikkumailanen
French: Petite luzerne, Luzerne naine
Georgian: P’at’ara ionja (პატარა იონჯა)
German: Kleiner Klee, Zwerg-Schneckenklee, Zwergschneckenklee, kleiner Schneckenklee, Zwergluzerne
Greek: Mikrí Trifýlli (Μικρή Τριφύλλι), Mikró Loúzern (Μικρό Λούζερν), Mikrí fragká (Μικρή φραγκά)
Gujarati: Nanu Methi (નાનું મેથી)
Hebrew: Luzeran Katan (לוזרן קטן), aspeset ketannah
Hindi: Chhota Medik (छोटा मेडिक), Chhoti Medik (छोटी मेडिक), Chhota Methi
Hungarian: Kis Lucerna, apró lucerna
Indonesian: Medick Kecil
Italian: Medica minore , Erba medica minima
Japanese: Ritoru medikku (リトルメディック), Ko umagoyashi (コウマゴヤシ), Medikago minima (メディカゴ・ミニマ)
Kannada: Litil Medik (ಲಿಟಿಲ್ ಮೆಡಿಕ್), Sana Menthe (ಸಣ ಮೆಂತೆ)
Kazakh: Qırımoşağan (Қырымошаған)
Korean: Jageun Medik (작은 메딕), Meok i gae ja ri, jom gae ja ri (좀개자리), teol kkot ja ri pul (털꽃자리풀)
Malay: Medick Kecil
Malayalam: Little Medik (ലിറ്റിൽ മെഡിക്), Chinna Ventayam (ചിന്ന വെന്തയം)
Marathi: Lahan Methi (लहान मेथी)
Norwegian: Liten Lusern, Liten søtvepse, Småsnigleskolm
Odia: Chhota Methi (ଛୋଟ ମେଥୀ)
Persian: یونجه صغیر
Polish: Mała Lucerna, Medycyka drobna, Lucerna kolczastostrąkowa
Portuguese: Trevo-anão , Småsnigleskolm, luzerna-pequena
Punjabi: Chhote Methi (ਛੋਟੇ ਮੇਥੀ)
Romanian: Lucernă Mică, Mic lucernă
Russian: Medik malyy (Медик малый), Malen’kaya lyutserna (Маленькая люцерна), Malen’kaya lyutserna (Маленькая люцерна), Liutserna khmelevaia,  Liutserna malen’kaia, lyutserna malaya (люцерна малая), lyutserna malen’kaya (люцерна маленькая)
Serbian: Mala vija (мала вија), majušna dunjica (мајушна дуњица)
Slovak: Lucerna najmenšia, tolica najmenšia                      
Slovenian: Drobna meteljka
Spanish: Trébol enano , Carretilla menor, Carretón chico, Carretones, Melgó mínim, Mielga, Userda borda, carretilla, medicago minimo
Swahili: Medick Ndogo
Swedish: Liten snärjmara , Liten Lusern, Liten sötväppling, Sandlusern, Sandlucern, Sandluzern,
Tamil: Siriya Medik (சிறிய மெடிக்), Siriyavendayam (சிறிய வெந்தயம்)
Telugu: Litil Medik (లిటిల్ మెడిక్), Chinna Mentulu (చిన్న మెంతులు)
Thai: Mīdik Lęk (มีดิกเล็ก)
Turkish: Küçük Yonca, Küçük Ebegümeci, gurnik
Ukrainian: Malyy Lyutsern (Малий Люцерн), lyutserna malenʹka (люцерна маленька)
Upper Sorbian: Drobna šlinčina
Urdu: Chhota Medick (چھوٹا میڈک)
Vietnamese: Cỏ Rừng Nhỏ, Linh lăng nhỏ
Welsh: Maglys Bach
Plant Growth Habit Small, sprawling annual herb with a prostrate or ascending growth habit
Growing Climates Low roadsides, disturbed shores, waste lots, sandy slopes, waste fields, stream banks, fields, meadows, disturbed areas, and other moist open habitats. It is usually found in non-wetlands, but occasionally in wetland areas
Soil It can grow in different kinds of soil, but it does best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Good fertility in the soil is best
Plant Size 10-30 cm (4-12 inches)
Root Taproot system that is typically thicker and longer than the lateral roots
Stem Stems are solid, sparsely to densely hairy and less than 1 m tall
Leaf Leaves are alternate and petiolate, stipules conspicuous. The stipules are green, triangulate to lanceolate or foliaceous. Leaves are hairy on one or both sides
Flowering season Start as early as March or April and may extend into June or July
Flower Flowers are orange or yellow, zygomorphic. Petals are separate and clawed, calyx hairy. There are 9- 10 stamens with 9 united, 1 free (diadelphous)
Fruit Shape & Size Fruit is spirally coiled or contorted legume with hooked bristles or prickles containing one or two seeds
Fruit Color Initially green turning to light to dark brown or tan
Seed Seeds are olive, brown, or black with a smooth surface
Flavor/Aroma Mild and grassy aroma
Taste Mild and slightly sweet, nutty, or grassy flavor
Varieties
  • Medicago minima subsp. minima
  • Medicago minima subsp. maritima
  • Medicago minima subsp. neglecta
  • Medicago minima subsp. intertexta
  • Medicago minima var. truncatula
  • Medicago minima subsp. caput-medusae
  • Medicago minima subsp. dalmatica
  • Medicago minima subsp. michalkovae
  • Medicago minima subsp. tenuifolia
  • Medicago minima subsp. sativa
  • Medicago minima subsp. pontica
  • Medicago minima subsp. pygmaea
Plant Parts Used Leaves, seeds and roots
Propagation By seed, division, cuttings, layering
Lifespan Approximately one year
Season May, June till July
Major Nutrition
  • Protein
  • Fiber
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Phytonutrients
  • Carbohydrates
Available Forms
  • Herbal Infusion or Tea
  • Tincture
  • Salve or Ointment
  • Powdered Herb
  • Poultice
  • Capsules or Tablets
  • Infused Oil
  • Salve or Cream
Health benefits
  • Digestive Health
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties
  • Antioxidant Effects
  • Diuretic Action
  • Immune Support
  • Weight Management
  • Skin Health
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Blood Sugar Regulation
  • Bone Health
  • Respiratory Health
  • Nutrient Density
  • Gut Health
  • Detoxification
  • Anti-Aging Properties
  • Menopausal Support

Plant Description

Little medick is a small annual herb that spreads out and grows in a prostrate or rising way. It usually grows between 10 and 30 cm (4 to 12 inches) tall. The plant grows along low roadsides, disturbed shores, waste lots, sandy slopes, waste fields, stream banks, fields, grasslands, disturbed areas, and other moist, open places. It usually lives in places that aren’t wetland, but sometimes it can be found in marsh areas. It can grow in different kinds of soil, but it does best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Good fertility in the soil is best, but little medick is known for its ability to take nitrogen from the air, which can help the soil get better over time.

In the past, some Medicago species, like M. minima, have been used in traditional medicine because they might have healing qualities, like helping with digestive problems. But there isn’t much evidence that these plants are used as medicine or that many people do so. In some places, Medicago minima are used as feed for animals because it tastes good to them and gives them energy. It can be thought of as an invasive species because it can adapt to many different kinds of environments and outcompete local plants.

Appropriate growing environment for little medick

Little medick also known as small medick is a low-growing annual plant that belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae). It is often used as a forage crop, a cover crop, or as part of a wildlife habitat. To successfully grow little medick, you should consider the following appropriate growing conditions:

Roots

Little Medick has a taproot system, like many other plants. This means that it has one main root in the middle, from which smaller roots grow out in all directions. Most of the time, the taproot is larger and longer than the side roots. The immature root of the seed grows into the main root of Little Medick, which is also called the primary root. It is the first root to grow from a seed, and it keeps growing as the plant gets bigger.

Stem

Little Medick is a herbaceous plant, which means that its roots are soft, green, and not woody. Herbaceous plants don’t have woody stems like trees and bushes do. Instead, their stems are bendy and die back at the end of the growing season. Little Medick usually grows low to the ground and has a prostrate or spreading growing habit. It has stems that often branch out, giving it a thick, mat-like look. The stems can be anywhere from a few inches to about a foot long, based on the weather and other conditions. The stems of little medick are covered with small, fine hairs that make them feel a little soft or velvety. These hairs can help the plant lose less water through transpiration and keep predators away.

Leaves

The leaves of Little Medick are arranged alternately along the stem. This means that the leaves are connected at different points along the stem and move from one side to the other as they go up the stem. Each leaf is a complex leaf, which means it has more than one leaflet. Usually, each leaf has three leaflets, giving it a shape called “compound trifoliate.” Most of the time, the leaves are oval or elliptical and have rounded ends. In general, they are small, with lengths of about 0.5 to 1.5 centimetres (0.2 to 0.6 inches). The sides of leaflets are smooth and whole, which means they don’t have serrations or teeth.

Leaflets have fine, soft hairs all over them, which makes them feel a little fuzzy or pubescent. These hairs can help the plant lose less water through perspiration and may protect it from animals. Most Little Medick leaves have pinnate venation, which means that the veins run parallel to each other along the leaf’s length. The veins spread out from a midrib in the middle. A stalk called a petiole holds each leaflet together. The leaflet is connected to the stem by the petiole. In the case of Little Medick, the petioles of the three leaflets on a compound leaf come from a single point. This makes them palmately compound. Most leaflets are bright green, which shows that they have enough chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Stipules are small structures that look like leaves and are at the base of the petioles, where they join the stem. Some stipules change into small, pointed structures called spines or become very small scales. Different plants can have different numbers of stipules and different kinds of stipules.

Flower

The flowers of Little Medick grow in groups called racemes. These racemes are long and have a center stalk with several flowers on it. The flowers have bilateral symmetry, which means that they can be split into two halves that are the same in every way along a single line. This is something that many leguminous plants have in common. Flowers are usually less than one centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter. Each flower has five petals that are grouped in the shape of a butterfly or a pea. The top petal is called the “standard” or “banner.” The two side petals are called the “wings,” and the two bottom petals are joined together to make the “keel.”

In most cases, the petals of flowers are bright yellow, but in some cases, they may be more orange or cream-colored. The green structure that looks like a leaf and wraps around the flower bud before it opens is called the calyx. The calyx is made up of five sepals that cover the flower as it grows. The ten stamens on a flower are the male reproductive parts. Most of the time, these stamens join together to form a tube around the pistil. The pistil is the female part of the flower that makes seeds. It has three parts: the ovary, the style, and the stigma. The ovary is at the bottom of the flower and holds the ovules, which could become seeds. The style is a thin tube that connects the ovary to the stigma, which is where pollen sticks. Flowers, like bees and butterflies, draw pollinators like bees and butterflies with nectar. Most of the time, the nectar is at the bottom of the flower, where these insects can reach it. Little Medick is pollinated by different insects, especially bees. These insects visit the flowers to get nectar and, by accident, move pollen from one flower to another. This makes it easier for the flowers to get fertilized.

Fruits

The fruit is a legume, which is a type of dry, splitting fruit that is typical of the legume family (Fabaceae). Pods are another name for legumes. Most legumes are small and long, often looking like tiny, skinny spheres. They can be between 0.4 and 0.8 inches (about 1 to 2 centimetres) long or a little longer. When they are fully grown, most beans are light to dark brown or tan. Legumes are dehiscent, which means that when they get old and dry out, they naturally split open along lines or joints. This makes it possible for the seeds to fall out and spread.

Seeds

Most of the time, the seeds of little medick are small, oval, or kidney-shaped. The size can change, but they are usually very small, with a length of less than 2 mm (0.08 in). Seeds can be different colors, but most of the time they are shades of brown, from light tan to dark brown or even black. Each seed has a seed coat, which is a shell of protection around it. The seed coat helps keep the embryo and endosperm inside the seed safe from damage from the surroundings and from being hurt physically. Depending on the type of plant and the climate, the seed coat can be smooth or have a little texture. The hilum is a small scar on the seed coat that shows where the seed was connected to the fruit or pod. It gives the seed a place to hold on to as it grows.

Varieties of Little medick plant

Medicago minima, commonly known as Little Medick or Small Medick, are a species of plant within the Medicago genus. While it may not have as many cultivated varieties as some other plants, there can still be regional variations and adaptations. Here are a few related species and subspecies that are sometimes referred to as varieties:

Health benefits of little medick

Little Medick, scientifically known as Medicago minima, is a lesser-known herb with several potential health benefits. Here’s a more detailed look at these benefits:

1. Digestive Health

Little Medick has been used for a long time to help with digestion. It has chemicals in it like saponins and flavonoids that may help digestion by making stomach enzymes work better. This can help ease stomach problems like pain, bloating, and gas.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Some studies show that the bioactive chemicals in Little Medick may have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health problems, like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Little Medick may help avoid or take care of these conditions by reducing inflammation.

3. Antioxidant Effects

Antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols are in Little Medick. These help get rid of dangerous free radicals in the body. These antioxidants protect cells from reactive stress and may help the health and well-being of the body as a whole.

4. Diuretic Action

Little Medick is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more. This can help when there is too much fluid in the body and it needs to be drained, like in light cases of high blood pressure or edema.

5. Immune Support

This plant has vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc, which are important for a healthy immune system. Adding Little Medick to your food may help your immune system work well and protect you from getting sick.

6. Weight Management

Little Medick is low in calories and fat, so it can be part of a healthy diet for people who are trying to lose weight or keep it off. Also, its ability to help intestines can help people who are trying to lose weight.

7. Skin Health

Little Medick is used to treat skin problems in some old-fashioned ways. When put on the skin or used in skin care products, it may have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, which could help with acne or other small skin problems.

8. Cardiovascular Health

Little Medick might be good for the health of your heart. Its fibre content can help lower cholesterol by binding to excess cholesterol in the digestive system and making it easier to get rid of. By making it harder for the body to absorb cholesterol, it may help lower the chance of heart attacks and strokes.

9. Blood Sugar Regulation

Some study shows that Little Medick may help control how much sugar is in the blood. Some of the chemicals in Little Medick, like fibre and certain phytonutrients, may slow down the rate at which sugars are absorbed in the digestive system. This could help control blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for people who already have diabetes or are at risk of getting it.

10. Bone Health

Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are found in Little Medick, are important for keeping bones strong and healthy. These chemicals help keep bones strong and may help keep diseases like osteoporosis from happening.

11. Respiratory Health

Little Medick has been used for a long time to treat lung problems like coughs and asthma. It might help relieve respiratory pain and help keep the lungs healthy if it has anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities.

12. Nutrient Density

Little Medick is a good source of vitamins (A, C, and K) and minerals (iron and potassium), which are all important for health. Adding it to your diet can help you get a wide range of nutrients that are important for your health as a whole.

13. Gut Health

The fibre in Little Medick can help keep your gut healthy. Fibre feeds the good bacteria in the gut by acting as a prebiotic. A healthy gut micro biome is linked to better digestion, a stronger immune system, and a better sense of well-being all around.

14. Detoxification

Some parts of Little Medick may help the body’s natural ways of getting rid of toxins. For example, it may help the liver break down toxins and get rid of them from the body.

15. Anti-Aging Properties

Antioxidants in Little Medick can help protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to skin that ages faster than it should. Including it in your diet might help you look younger.

16. Menopausal Support

Little Medick has phytoestrogens in it, which are plant chemicals that can act like estrogen in the body. Some women may find that this helps with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.

Culinary Uses of Little medick

Little Medick may not be as commonly used in culinary applications as some other herbs and greens, but it can still be incorporated into various dishes. Here are some culinary uses and ideas for using Little Medick:

Different uses of little medick

Little Medick has various uses beyond culinary and potential health benefits. Here are different uses for Little Medick:

Side effects of Little Medick

Little Medick is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, and it is not associated with severe side effects for most people. However, as with any plant or herb, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=503722#null

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=23621

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.33035

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/MEDMI

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-31590

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicago_minima

https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Little%20Bur%20Clover.html

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MEMI

https://texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=MEMI

https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Medicago%20minima

https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q144139

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