The plant known as meliloto, whose scientific name is melilotus officinalis belongs to the legume family . Popularly known as yellow clover, scented clover, king’s crown and scented anajá, the herb is biannual and can reach 70 centimeters in height, containing ascending or prostrate branches of white flowers in elongated and hanging bunches. The leaves are trifoliate and the pods – fruit – short. These are blunt, wrinkled and have one or two smooth seeds.

The leaves are highly sought after by bees due to their pleasant and sweet odor. Its parts used for medicinal purposes are the leaves and flowers. The plant has its use very old and its name means lotus of honey.

Benefits and properties

Its properties involve its use as a healing, antiphlogistic, anti-exudative and anti-edematous, in addition to being used as an antispasmodic, antiseptic, astringent, bechic and anti-inflammatory. It can be used for wound healing, treatment of insomnia, intermittent fever, difficult digestion, rheumatism, trauma, skin erythema, conjunctivitis, inflammatory and congestive edema, chronic venous insufficiency, pain and heaviness in the legs, night cramps, itching and edema in the legs, hemorrhoids, lymphatic congestion, poor digestion, heartburn, stomach hyperacidity, nervous disorders, cough, colds, hoarseness, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, amenorrhea and anuria.

How to use

To prepare the tea, which should be consumed as a natural medicine, you should use the leaves and flowers of the melilot.

Ingredients:

– 1 teaspoon of dried leaves and flowers
– 1 cup of water

To prepare, put the water in a container and bring to fire. While waiting for the water to boil, place the dried leaves and flowers in a cup and set aside.

When the water is boiling, turn off the heat and throw over the leaves and flowers and cover, leaving it to rest for a period of approximately 10 minutes. Then strain and consume. The recommended dose is two to three cups a day.

It can also be used in the form of a poultice, which uses the tea indicated above. Only when the application is in the eye area should it be done differently. To do this, make tea with:

– 1 tablespoon melilot
– 2 tablespoons plantain
– 1 tablespoon lotion
– 1 cup water

The method of preparation is the same as in the previous tea. You should soak cotton rings in the preparation and apply on closed eyelids for at least five minutes.

Contraindications and precautions

The plant, when moldy, can cause hemorrhages due to the presence of dicumarol, so be careful. Temporary liver disorders may occur in susceptible patients. Tea when consumed in high doses can cause headaches and drowsiness.

Among its side effects are headaches and liver problems. The natural medicine is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating patients, children and patients who use anticoagulant drugs.