Bird's Foot Trefoil vs Mexican Sage

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bird's Foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Nervine

Salvia mexicana

Nervine

Bird's Foot Trefoil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Mexican Sage

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European meadow herb used in folk medicine for digestive complaints, anxiety, and as a mild sedative; related to lotus but distinct properties.

Mexican perennial sage with striking blue-purple flowers; used in traditional Mexican medicine for nervous conditions and respiratory infections.

Active Compounds

hydrocyanic glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, isoflavones

rosmarinic acid, cineole, ursolic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids

Traditional Uses

Anxiety, Insomnia, Digestive complaints, Respiratory conditions

Nervous conditions and anxiety in Mexican folk medicine, Respiratory infections, Digestive complaints, Used by Aztec and contemporary Mexican healers

Modern Uses

Mild sedative effects, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant properties

Anxiolytic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Adult Dosage

Herb tea: 1-2 cups daily; 1-2ml tincture

2–3 g dried herb as tea; 1–2 mL tincture

Contraindications

Raw plant contains cyanogenic compounds, Pregnancy

Pregnancy in large doses, Estrogen-sensitive conditions

Side Effects

Mild nausea, Dried herb generally safe

GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E