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Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis syn. M. arvensis)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Common Names: Sweet Clover, Yellow Melilot, King’s Clover
  • Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

Description

Melilotus officinalis is a tall, fragrant, flowering herb native to Europe and Asia but now widely naturalized worldwide. Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine for circulatory support, inflammation reduction, and respiratory relief, sweet clover contains coumarins that contribute to its anticoagulant properties.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in European and North American herbalism as a circulatory tonic and anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Employed in folk medicine for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and lymphatic congestion.
  • Traditionally used as a mild sedative and digestive aid.
  • Applied as a poultice for bruises, swelling, and joint pain.

Constituents

  • Coumarins
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Saponins
  • Essential oils

Actions

  • Anticoagulant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Circulatory stimulant
  • Lymphatic tonic
  • Mild sedative
  • Expectorant

Medicinal Uses

1. Circulatory and Venous Health:
Sweet clover is traditionally used to improve circulation, reducing symptoms of varicose veins, thrombosis, and hemorrhoids.

2. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief:
Helps relieve joint pain, arthritis, bruises, and muscle soreness when used topically or internally.

3. Lymphatic Support:
Acts as a gentle lymphatic tonic, aiding in fluid retention and detoxification.

4. Respiratory Health:
Used as an expectorant for coughs, bronchitis, and congestion.

5. Nervous System Relaxation:
Has mild sedative properties, helping with anxiety and insomnia.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried aerial parts per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to 3 times daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

  • Crushed fresh leaves applied to bruises, swelling, or inflamed joints.

Liniment:

  • Infused oil or tincture applied to sore muscles and varicose veins.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use due to potential blood-thinning effects.
  • Blood Disorders: Due to its coumarin content, it may interact with anticoagulant medications and should be used with caution.
  • Liver Conditions: Excessive use may affect liver function and should be monitored.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and drying; supports circulation, inflammation reduction, and respiratory health.
  • European Folk Medicine: Used as a remedy for venous insufficiency and swelling.
  • Ayurveda: Primarily balances Pitta and Kapha, but excessive use may aggravate Vata.

Combinations

  • For Circulatory Support: Combine with hawthorn and horse chestnut.
  • For Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Combine with turmeric and willow bark.
  • For Respiratory Health: Combine with mullein and licorice.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Aerial parts are collected in early to mid-summer when in full bloom.
  • Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
  • Storage: Store dried plant material in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Melilotus officinalis’s anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory-enhancing properties, reinforcing its traditional uses.

Sweet Clover remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for circulatory support, inflammation reduction, and respiratory health.