Sweet Clover

Melilotus officinalis

Other Names: Common Melilot, Field Melilot, Hart's Tree, Hay Flower, King's Clover, Melilot, Meliloti Herba, Meliloto, Melilotus, Melilotus altissimus, Melilotus arvensis, Melilotus macrorrhizus, Melilotus officinalis, Melilotus vulgaris, Sweet Lucerne, Sweet Melilot, Steinklee, Tall Melilot, Trébol de Olor, Trifolium macrorrhizum, Trifolium officinale, Wild Laburnum, Yellow Melilot, Yellow Sweet Clover, Angipars (TM)
Sweet clover is an herb. The flowering branches and leaves are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse sweet clover with red clover.

Special Precautions of Sweet Clover

• Sweet clover contains coumarin that converts to dicoumarol, which is a powerful anticoagulant toxin, when the plant becomes moldy. This can lead to bleeding diseases (internal hemorrhaging) and death in cattle. Consequently, hay containing the plant must be properly dried and cured, especially in wet environments
• it can cause liver damage and bleeding problems when used in large amounts.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of sweet clover during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Even though one small study found no harmful effects when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy, stay on the safe side and avoid use until more is known.
• Liver disease: There is some concern that sweet clover might make liver disease worse. If you have liver problems, get medical advice before starting sweet clover. Also, be sure to have liver function tests done.
• Surgery: Sweet clover might slow blood clotting. Some physicians worry that it might increase bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using sweet clover at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Sweet Clover.
• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Sweet Clover

Benefits and uses of Sweet Clover are

Sweet clover contains ingredients that can thin the blood and help wounds heal.

• Problems with circulation including leg cramps and swelling.
• Varicose veins.
• Water retention (edema).
• Hemorrhoids.
• Bruises, when applied to the skin.
• Diabetic Foot

References

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. "Yellow Sweetclover & White Sweetclover" (PDF).
• Nicole Kresge; Robert D. Simoni & Robert L. Hill. "Hemorrhagic Sweet Clover Disease, Dicumarol, and Warfarin: the Work of Karl Paul Link". Retrieved 2009-08-11.