Melilotus officinalis
·
Fabaceae
·
Europe and Asia

Sweet Yellow Clover

Yellow melilot, Melilot trefoils, Cornilla real, Kumoniga

Useful parts

Flowers, Stem, Branches, Leaves

Key actions

Anticoagulant (via dicoumarol conversion), Diuretic, Circulatory support

Active compounds

Phenolics, Flavonoids, Coumarin

This Site is for Educational Use Only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Possible Proposed Uses

  • Poor circulation
  • Leg pain and heaviness
  • Varicose veins
  • Nerve pain
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Bruises (topical)

Mechanism of Action

  • Coumarin converts to dicoumarol when moldy
  • Dicoumarol inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase
  • Prevents activation of clotting factors (e.g., prothrombin)
  • Reduces blood clot formation

Possible Side Effects

  • Liver damage (high doses)
  • Bleeding risk
  • Internal hemorrhage
  • Toxicity in livestock (moldy hay)

Possible Drug Interactions

  • Avoid with anticoagulants or antiplatelets
  • Avoid with liver-damaging drugs (e.g., acetaminophen)
  • Avoid before surgery
  • Avoid in liver disease

Abigail's notes

A little somethin' somethin' coming soon.

Personal notes, research rabbit holes, and why this plant earned a spot in the cabinet.Check back as the database grows.

Last updated on:
May 15, 2026

Deeper research options for you (because I would never ask you to just take my word for it)

Sweet Clover (Melilotus spp.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11820964/

Sweet clover's therapeutic uses

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/sweet-clovers-therapeutic-uses

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by use of this site. The author makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of plants or remedies described herein.

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