Melilot

Melilot dried herb (Melilotus officinalis)

Melilot is commonly found in woods and meadows, and is a member of the pea family (leguminosae). It has small yellow flowers with a pleasant sweetish smell. Upon drying melilot develops a coumarin-like odour, reminiscent of haystacks in the late summer. The main characteristic constituents are coumarin derivatives such as melilotiside. Coumarins in general are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tonic to the venous and lymphatic vessels. They are a feature of plants traditionally used to treat conditions such as oedema, varicose veins and haemorrhoids.

It should be noted that if melilot is allowed to decay before drying the coumarins can convert to dicoumarol, which is a potent anticoagulent (warfarin). Properly dried melilot does not contain any dicoumarol.

The main therapeutic uses of melilot are symptomatic treatment of problems relating to varicose veins, such as painful, heavy legs, nocturnal cramps in the legs, itching and swelling. It is used very much as an adjunctive treatment for thrombophlebitis, post thrombotic syndrome, and lymphostasis - disorders arising from chronic venous insufficiency.

Melilot Tea

Melilot tea can be used for treatment of mild symptoms. Two teaspoons of the finely chopped herb to a small pot, steeped for ten minutes. One cup two or three times a day.