Melilotus officinalis                        Common name:  Sweet clover
Family: Fabaceae

Part used:  Aerial

Constituents:  Coumarin (0.2-0.45 %) and its precursor melilotiside, substituted coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin); flavones, caffeic acid derivatives.

Medical actions:  Lymphatic, antiedematous, antiinflammatory, possibly antitumor and immune enhancing

Medical uses: Lympedema, venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, episiotomy, post traumatic inflammation, filaritic lymphedema and elephantiasis, cancer (malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma) particularly to prevent metastasis. Through enhancement of lymphatic function Melilotus increases venous return and is beneficial in post-operative edema.

Pharmacy:  Infusion: 5g/cup, TID. Tincture: (1:5), 5ml TID. The therapeutic dose of coumarin has been established at around 1mg/kg/day corresponding to about 10 ml qd of 1:2 fluid exract.  Best results occur with 5-6 divided doses. Melilotus may be used long term in this dosage range.

Contraindication:  Use with caution with anti-coagulation medications

Toxicity:  No adverse effects within the recommended dosage. Avoided in patients with impaired liver function or elevated liver enzymes.