Clover

The melilot (Melilotus officinalis) gets its name from lotus honey, which is said to be the best honey produced by bees. It is also known as sweet clover because of the pleasant aroma of fresh, freshly cut grass that it exudes when you squeeze it and that lingers, even increases, when it is left to dry. Those responsible for this smell are its coumarins.

This legume has been used for healing purposes since ancient times. It is said that Galen himself prescribed it to his patients to heal inflamed joints or ulcers and skin tears, although there is no clear evidence that it was this plant or another related one. He was also credited with the ability to clarify the look and take care of eye health.

The sweet clover is an annual or biennial plant, tending or erect, very branchy, up to one meter high, with trifoliate leaves, lanceolate leaflets and finely serrated at their margins, and tiny, yellow flowers in dense, thick spikes. loose. It blooms between April and September and in full bloom the aerial part is harvested for medicinal uses.

In our country there are a dozen species of this genus, very similar to each other, and that many times it is only possible to differentiate when they are fruitful. They grow along roadsides and fallows, rocky outcrops, grasslands and riverbanks.

melilot medicinal properties

Melilotoside, a coumarin heteroside that transforms into coumarin, stands out in the composition of the meliloto. It also contains traces of flavonoids, saponosides and phenolic acids, as well as tannins. The main virtue of the melilot is its venotonic effectto which is added a anticoagulant, vasoprotective and diuretic action.

As a natural blood fluidizer, it is basically intended for the treatment of all kinds of problems related to poor blood circulation, such as varicose veins or varicose veins, phlebitis and hemorrhoids.It is also prescribed for the thromboembolism prevention.Can relieve heavy legs and cramps.

Natural remedies with sweet clover

circulatory tonic: Sweet clover is combined in this formula with ginkgo biloba, hawthorn, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom. The plants are mixed in equal parts and two level tablespoons of the mixture are poured per half liter of water. How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes and let stand for another 10. The infusion can be taken during the day, even cold. As its taste can be very bitter, it is recommended to add lemon juice or horse chestnut honey.Compress to relieve varicose veins and hemorrhoids: Apart from infusions, to relieve varicose veins and hemorrhoids, cold compresses soaked in melilot infusion can be prepared, which are applied to the affected area until body heat has absorbed the coolness of the compress. This home remedy can be prepared every night before going to bed, until the inflammation subsides.Sitz bath for heavy legs and cramps: The infusions, applied in sitz or partial baths, have been shown to be very effective in relieving the feeling of heavy legs or arms and preventing cramps.

Precautions and contraindications

Their use must be subject to medical supervision if they are being taken anticoagulant or antihypertensive drugs.

It is further noted that high doses They could cause headaches, nausea and dizziness, as they have a slight narcotic effect.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist, from “El Manantial de Salud”