Title: Sweet Clover Herb (Melilotus officinalis) – 150g

Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis)

Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis), also known as melilot, is a humble yet remarkably powerful herb with a long history of traditional use. This unassuming plant, found in meadows, forests, and even roadsides, boasts a wealth of bioactive compounds responsible for its diverse therapeutic effects. Its common names—including wild hop, rabbit clover, and coumarin clover—reflect its widespread recognition and varied applications across numerous cultures.

Therapeutic Properties and Constituents

The remarkable healing properties of Sweet Clover stem from its rich chemical profile, including:

• Coumarin: A key active component, coumarin contributes to Sweet Clover’s calming and antispasmodic effects. It’s known to influence the nervous system, providing relief from nervous tension, headaches, insomnia, and hysteria.
• Melilotoside: A glycoside that contributes to the plant’s therapeutic properties.
• Saponins: These compounds contribute to the expectorant and anti-inflammatory actions of Sweet Clover.
• Mucilage: A soothing substance that helps coat and protect mucous membranes.
• Tannins: Possess astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flavonoids: Powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective effects.
• Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): A crucial antioxidant and immune system booster.
• Sugars: Provide energy and contribute to the overall therapeutic profile.
• Carotene (Provitamin A): An antioxidant crucial for vision and cell health.
• Essential Oils: Contribute to the plant’s characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties.

Sweet Clover’s therapeutic actions include:

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation throughout the body.
• Antiseptic: Helps fight infection.
• Expectorant: Helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Analgesic (Pain-Relieving): Soothes pain and discomfort.
• Wound Healing: Promotes faster healing of wounds.
• Sedative (Calming): Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
• Anticoagulant: Helps prevent blood clot formation.
• Hypotensive: May help lower blood pressure.

Traditional Uses and Applications

The aerial parts of Sweet Clover (leaves, stems, flowers) are used to create various medicinal preparations. These include:

• Tea: A soothing beverage for respiratory issues and relaxation.
• Honey: Sweet Clover honey is known for its delicate flavor and potential health benefits.
• Tinctures and Extracts: Concentrated preparations for targeted therapeutic use.
• Ointments and Salves: For topical application to wounds, sprains, and inflamed areas.

Sweet Clover tea is often used for respiratory ailments, offering anti-inflammatory and expectorant actions. Decoctions can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Regular use of infusions and decoctions may contribute to cardiovascular health by supporting healthy blood flow and preventing blood clot formation. Sweet Clover ointments are often used for the treatment of wounds, bruises, and rheumatic pain.

Dosage and Preparation Examples

• Anti-inflammatory Infusion: Steep 1 tablespoon of herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 1 hour, strain, and consume ¼ cup three times daily before meals.
• Tincture (for headaches, insomnia, and nervous conditions): Combine 2 teaspoons of crushed herb with 0.5 liters of 40% alcohol (vodka or grain alcohol). Steep for 15 days in a dark, cool place, shaking occasionally. Strain and take 5-10 drops twice daily.
• Infusion for Thyroid Conditions: Steep 2 tablespoons of crushed herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes, strain, and consume ⅓-½ cup 2-3 times daily after meals.
• Infusion for Insomnia, Headaches, and other conditions: Steep 15 grams of herb in 250ml of cooled boiled water in a thermos for 4 hours. Strain and consume 100ml three times daily.

Minimum Recommended Course:

5 packs

Contraindications:

Individual intolerance. Consult your healthcare professional before using Sweet Clover, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking anticoagulant medications, or have any underlying health conditions. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.