Among the simple-looking herbs that deserve a place in any garden, orchard, or even in pots inside the home, the sweet clover occupies a prominent position. This plant not only provides beauty thanks to its yellow flower clusters, but is also valued for both its medicinal applications as well as its traditional use as fodder. Explore in detail everything this species has to offer, from how to grow it to its many benefits. therapeutic properties and health benefits.
Origin, botanical characteristics and distribution of melilot
Popularly known as sweet clover, yellow melilot o sweet clover’s most emblematic landmarks, the Melilotus officinalis It belongs to the Fabaceae family, the same as legumes. There are different species, the most common being the yellow-flowered melilot (Melilotus officinalis) and the white-flowered melilot (Melilotus albus), although the yellow variety is the most used for its therapeutic qualities.
Native to Europe and AsiaThe melilot has become naturalized in various regions, including America and large areas of the Mediterranean basin. In Spain, it is commonly found in calcareous soils, wastelands, roadsides, and uncultivated fields, although its distribution varies within the peninsula.
As for its morphology, it is an annual or biennial herb that reaches 80 to 100 cm tall, although it can exceed one meter in optimal conditions. Its stems are erect, very branched and have alternate leaves of trifoliate type; that is, composed of three toothed leaflets, with an obovate to oblong shape and serrated margins.
The flowers They appear grouped in short clusters resembling spikes, with bright yellow petals. They are very aromatic and are a powerful magnet for bees and other pollinating insects, making the melilot an excellent choice for promoting biodiversity in the garden.
El fruit It is a small, smooth, oval-shaped legume that contains one or two seeds. The plant blooms during the spring and summer, maintaining its flowering period for several months, usually until the end of summer, depending on environmental conditions.
What advantages does melilot offer in the orchard or garden?
Melilot not only stands out for its ornamental and medicinal value, but also for its contribution to soil improvementThanks to its deep root system, fixes nitrogen in the soil, which helps enrich it and makes it a perfect ally for organic farming and crop rotation. In addition, It improves soil structure, increasing its fertility and facilitating the growth of other associated plants.
On the other hand, its flowers attract a large number of pollinating insects and favor the presence of beneficial fauna, thus helping to maintain an orchard or garden. healthier and more balanced from an ecological point of view.
Essential care for growing sweet clover
El sweet clover It is one of the most adaptable and low-maintenance plants, ideal for both experienced and beginner gardeners due to its resistance and rusticityIt can thrive spontaneously in open fields, meadows, or along roadsides, but if you want to grow it and take advantage of all its properties, it's a good idea to follow certain basic guidelines:
ideal location
This plant prefers to grow in sunny placesYou should place it in an area where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, whether in the garden, orchard, in large pots, or even on a well-lit shelf inside your home.
It tolerates semi-shade well, but the more sun it receives, the more abundant and prolonged its flowering will be. Good ventilation also helps prevent fungal problems.
Soil and substrate type
- PottedUse a quality, well-draining, universal substrate. Sweet clover doesn't usually require rich soil, but a loose substrate facilitates root development.
- In soil or orchard: thrives in various types of soil, although it prefers those of Neutral or slightly alkaline pH (pH 7-8). Soils that are too acidic or waterlogged can be harmful.
- Improve drainage by incorporating sand or compost if your soil is very heavy or clayey.
Irrigation frequency
Irrigation is especially important during hot or dry periods. During the summer, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the substrate from drying out completely. The rest of the year, reduce the amount of water and water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
The key is to avoid puddles, since the Excess moisture can rot the rootsIf in doubt, insert a stick or use a moisture meter to check the condition of the substrate before watering again. In a pot, excess water should drain well; in hard soil, aerate the soil around the plant with a stick.
Fertilization and fertilization
Meliloto It is not very demanding in nutrients, but a light application of organic fertilizer in early spring can boost its vigor. If planted in the ground, you can add one or two handfuls of well-rotted manure. In pots, opt for liquid guano or mature compost, following the product's dosage recommendations.
Avoid over-fertilizing: the plant may grow too quickly and lose some of its characteristic fragrance or even be weakened by pests.
Propagation: How to sow melilot from seed
Multiplying the melilot is very easy and almost always successful thanks to its high germination rate. The best time to sow is in early spring, when minimum temperatures exceed 15°C.
- Fill seedling trays or small pots with moist universal substrate.
- Place a maximum of two seeds per socket or pot.
- Cover lightly with a thin layer of substrate.
- Keep the seedbed outdoors in full sun or semi-shade.
- Under proper environmental conditions, seeds will germinate in 5 to 7 days.
As they grow, carefully transplant the seedlings into their final soil or larger pots.
Planting and transplanting time
Melilot should be planted or transplanted in late winter or early spring, avoiding the risk of severe frosts that can damage the young roots. The plant does poorly with late or midsummer transplants, as stress and high temperatures can cause it to fail.
Resistance and rusticity
This species supports light frosts down to -7°C and is drought-tolerant once established. Its hardiness allows it to be grown at different altitudes and climates, as long as the soil is not permanently waterlogged.
Medicinal properties and therapeutic uses of melilot
Melilot stands out in phytotherapy for its wide range of medicinal benefits, supported by both tradition and scientific studies. Its main active ingredient is coumarin, a compound responsible for several of its therapeutic effects.
- Venotonic and anticoagulant: Thanks to coumarin and derivatives such as melilothoside and dicoumarol (which can be formed during fermentation in case of poor drying), melilot acts as a venous tonic, improving circulation and strengthening vascular walls. It is useful in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombosis and phlebitis.
- Diuretic and anti-edematous: Its flavonoids and other compounds promote the elimination of fluids, relieving edema and the sensation of tired legs, especially in people with lymphatic or venous insufficiency.
- Anti-inflammatory and soothing: Traditionally used to treat mild inflammation, discomfort due to fluid retention, and as mild sedative in states of nervousness, mild insomnia and stress.
- Digestive and astringent: Preparations based on flowering tops can be useful for problems with slow digestion, indigestion or gas, and also for treating mild respiratory conditions, such as cough and hoarseness, thanks to its expectorant and mucilaginous action.
- Healing and topical: In external applications through compresses or baths, melilot helps to reduce inflammation, improve healing of wounds and relieve minor skin conditions, sores or bites.
Methods of administration and dosage
- InfusionAdd 1 to 2 grams of dried flowering tops to a cup of freshly boiled water. Let it steep for 10 minutes and strain. It can be taken 2-3 times a day after meals.
- Fluid extract: 20-30 drops dissolved in half a glass of water, twice a day. Always consult the product information sheet.
- Dried plant powder: Up to 7 grams daily divided into several doses.
- External use: Concentrated decoction of the plant for compresses, sitz baths or eye washes for mild conjunctivitis problems (always under professional supervision).
Historical and pharmacological importance
Melilot played a pivotal role in the development of modern blood thinning medications, such as warfarin and the dicoumarol, after the discovery of the hemorrhagic effects that could be caused by improperly dried forage. Today, its derivatives are used clinically under strict control to treat coagulation disorders or prevent thrombotic events in high-risk patients.
Precautions, toxicity and contraindications
Despite its benefits, the use of melilot must be responsible. Consumption in high doses or the use of poorly dried flowering tops (with fermentation and fungi) can cause uncontrolled anticoagulant effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. Its use is not recommended for people with gastroduodenal ulcers, coagulation disorders, those under treatment with synthetic anticoagulants, or those with a history of allergies to fabaceae.
In case of any doubt, always consult a doctor first or a herbalist, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications regularly.
Gastronomic uses and ecological value
Melilot also stands out for its culinary applications: the sweet and aniseed aroma of its flowers allows it to be included as a edible flower in the preparation of desserts, flavored wines, cheeses, or refreshing infusions. Its use is traditional in certain regions of Northern Europe to flavor preparations, always in the correct quantities.
Beyond medicine and gastronomy, melilot is highly valued for its positive impact on the ecosystem of the garden and in beekeeping production, as it is one of the most productive honey plants and appreciated by bees.
