Melilotus Officinalis

COMMON NAME: Melilot

FAMILY: Fabaceae

CHARACTERISTICS: Melilotus officinalis is an annual herbaceous plant, characterized by trifoliate leaves and fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in summer.

HABITAT: Sweet clover is a plant native to Europe and widespread in all temperate climate areas. It grows spontaneously in the fields.

USES: Melilotus officinalis is a plant traditionally used to combat venolymphatic insufficiency.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Melilot activity is mainly attributed to a coumarin precursor contained in its aerial parts, melilotic acid. With drying, coumarin is transformed into dicumarol, a chemical molecule known for its anticoagulant activity.
Melilot, thanks to its coumarin content, is able to counteract venous insufficiency. This condition is caused by difficult blood flow from the periphery (especially the lower limbs) to the heart; this causes blood to pool in the veins and therefore increase pressure. The consequence is weakening of the blood vessels (which have to withstand greater pressure and push up a high amount of blood) and the formation of edema.
Melilotus officinalis acts on the walls of blood vessels, increasing permeability and thus reducing fluid accumulation within them. Furthermore, thanks to the anticoagulant activity of its chemical molecules, it reduces the possibility of clot formation, which would make it even more difficult for blood to flow from the periphery to the heart.
Melilot also acts on the lymphatic system, reducing lymphoedema, or accumulations of fluid (lymph) within the lymphatic vessels thanks to the degradation of damaged tissue.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no obvious contraindications for sweet clover but attention should be paid to any allergies and in pregnant women. You should also consult a doctor if you are taking anticoagulants and salicylates.