Melilot
(Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. =Common Melilot, M. altissima Thuill. Tall Melilot, Papilionaceae)
Also Called: King's Clover, Sweet Clover.
Description: The two species differ only slightly (leaf
shape, hairs on fruits) and are of similar value medicinally. They are handsome
annual or biennial plants up to 130cm (4ft) high.
Stems branched, stout, erect, bearing 3-foliate leaves; each leaflet oval
or elongated, 1-2cm (0.4-0.8in) long, with dentate margin.
Inflorescences long, elegant racemes in the axils of the leaves.
Flowers yellow of typical papilionaceous form.
Flowering: June-August.
Parts Used: Entire dried plant or dried flowers.
Habitat and Collection: In fields, waste places, banks and
roadsides throughout most of Europe.
Naturalised in England but not common.
May be cultivated from seed in rows 40cm (16in) apart.
Collected when in flower and dried in the shade at less than 40 C (104 F).
Drying should not be too rapid for the aroma develops only little by little
during drying.
Constituents and Action: The odoriferous principle coumarin,
combined in the fresh plant but liberated during drying.
The most important medicinal use is the prevention of thrombosis. It
is also a mild expectorant (larger doses cause vomiting).
Usage: Principally as a tisane (infuse 1 tablespoonful with
0-5 litre (1 pt) of water) for catarrhs of the respiratory tract and externally
as an application for inflammations and suppurating wounds.
The infusion may also be used to prevent thrombosis but commercial products
are more effective.
Large amounts are used as an aromatic in tobacco.
