Along with the cornflower and the common plantain, the sweet clover plant has been known since ancient times as ‘glass breakers’ or ‘glass removers’ because of its beneficial action on the eyes. Recently, the sweet clover has been proven to be an excellent stimulator of blood circulation, and this is its most crucial present use.
Healing Properties
This plant contains a glycoside, melilotoside, which turns into coumarin as it dries. Sweet clover contains flavonoids, vitamin C, mucilages, and choline, which give the plant the following properties.
- Venotonic and capillary protection: It benefits varicose veins, edema, tired legs, and hemorrhoids. Due to its anticoagulant, blood thinning, and circulation-activating properties, the sweet clover is recommended for phlebitis and to prevent arterial and venous thrombosis. Its mildly diuretic effect promotes all these uses.
- Antispasmodic: Very useful in intestinal colics and gastric or intestinal spasms. It also helps combat insomnia.
- Emollient: It is externally applied in eye irrigation for conjunctivitis and renders incredible results.
Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name: Melilotus officinalis L.
- Other Names: Yellow sweet clover, king’s clover, hay flowers, yellow melilot, melilot trefoil.
- French: Mélilot.
- Spanish: Meliloto, trébol de olor.
- Environment: It is common in limy soils and roadsides all over Europe. It has naturalized in some warm areas of America, such as the South of the United States and Argentina.
- Description: This plant of the Leguminosae family has a pleasant aroma. It grows from 60 to 120 cm high, with leaves divided into three leaflets and bright yellow flowers.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The flower clusters.
How to use Sweet Clover
- Infusion with 50 grams of plant per liter of water, drinking three or four cups daily.
- Eye baths employ a more concentrated infusion than internal use, with around 200 grams per liter of water.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 258. Print.
- WebMD: Sweet Clover: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-253/sweet-clover
- RxList: Sweet Clover: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/sweet_clover.htm
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/