The meliloto (Melilotus officinalis) gets its name from lotus honey, which is said to be the best of the honeys produced by bees. It is also known as sweet clover because of the pleasant aroma of fresh, freshly cut grass that emanates when you squeeze it and that remains, 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 a related one. It was also credited with the ability to brighten one’s eyes and take care of eye health.

The melilot is an annual or biannual plant, lying or erect, very branchy, up to one meter high, with trifoliate leaves, with lanceolate leaflets and finely serrated on their margins, and tiny, yellow flowers, in dense, loose spikes. 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 it is often only possible to differentiate when they are fruiting. They grow on roadsides and fallows, rocky outcrops, grasslands and river banks.

Medicinal properties of melilot

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

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

Natural remedies with honeydew

• Circulatory tonic: Melilotus is combined in this formula with ginkgo biloba, hawthorn, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom. Mix the plants in equal parts and pour two level tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water. How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes and let it rest for another 10. The infusion can be taken during the day, even cold. As its flavor 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 the 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

Its use must be subject to medical control if you are taking anticoagulant or antihypertensive medications.

It is further noted that high doses They could cause headaches, nausea and dizziness, due to having a slight narcotic effect.

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