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Melilotus officinalis

Caution

Gelber Steinklee · (Melilotus officinalis)

Legume family (Fabaceae)

Description

Dried, yellow sweet clover develops a distinctive scent reminiscent of freshly cut hay — caused by coumarin, which makes up nearly one percent of the flowering spikes of this legume-family plant. That very compound is what makes the flowering herb a recognised remedy for vein health: Kommission E gives a positive assessment for chronic venous insufficiency, with its heaviness, pain and nocturnal calf cramps. Externally, salves are used for haemorrhoids and varicose veins, compresses are traditionally applied to bruises, sprains and local swelling, and a sitz bath is used in folk medicine for haemorrhoids and pelvic lymphatic congestion. Safety depends heavily on the quality of the raw material: only correctly dried sweet clover from a controlled source should be used, since spoiled, fermented or mouldy material forms dicoumarol, a potent anticoagulant with a bleeding risk. Overdose can cause headache, nausea and liver strain; sweet clover should be avoided by anyone with existing liver disease.

  • TeaAerial partsInternalCommission E

    Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): heaviness, pain, nocturnal leg cramps, itching, swelling of the legs

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [1] [2] [4]

  • SalveAerial partsExternalCommission E

    Haemorrhoidal complaints and varicose veins (topical salve)

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [1] [2] [5]

  • CompressAerial partsExternalTraditional use

    Local oedema, contusions, sprains, superficial haematomas (compress)

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [2] [4] [6]

  • BathAerial partsExternalTraditional use

    Haemorrhoids, pelvic lymphatic congestion (sitz bath)

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [4] [6] [7]

  • TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

    Lymphatic congestion, supportive in thrombophlebitis and post-thrombotic syndrome (tincture, internal)

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [2] [5] [8]

  • CompressFlowerExternalTraditional use

    Mild skin inflammation, poorly healing wounds (compress/wash)

    Preparation & dosage

    Sources: [1] [3] [4]

Distribution in Europe

More from this family · Legume family

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