Melilotus

MELILOTUS, sweet clover, a herbaceous plant of the legume family (Papilionaceae). Many species of sweet clover are described: M. parviflora, dentatus, albus.

(see illustration) tauricus, nea- $ §

politanus, altissimus, of- L I Jj

Yi necting sweet clover, col- Згж

Ж lected in July and Aug- 1* Л1 ust. The dried herb liJro /Я fill is very aromatic, bitter-ШШШ Iff I sweetish-salty, with a slight-\nK^ ' jjL \ ly sharp taste. Con- Я) жит tains coumarin, bound 2

to it (dihydrocoumaric) Melilotus albus: 1-plant пп.г и -rvi -rvt .рппн-иие in flower; 2-flower; ^p« цп₄ ьп_г ^п₈ i^uun, г-fruit.

acid HOC₆H₄-CH=CH-COOH; melilotol (melilotin, dihydrocoumarin); essential oil, resin, tannins; ash about 6%. The pharmacological action of the components of the medicinal sweet clover has not yet been sufficiently studied. There are indications (Kocher) on the toxic effect of large doses of coumarin when taken internally. But preparations of medicinal sweet clover are used only externally as an aromatic substance, antiseptic and irritant. The irritant effect of medicinal sweet clover depends on the essential oil, and probably also on the above-mentioned acids and coumarin. To these same components, medicinal sweet clover also owes its antiseptic effect. Medicinal sweet clover is used as an admixture to foul-smelling narcotic herbal compresses; as an admixture to snuff powders; in the form of softening or resolving collections (herbal pillows) and ointments, but most often in the form of a plaster (Emplastrum Meliloti, sweet clover plaster), in the preparation of which 3 parts of yellow wax, 3 parts of rosin, 3 parts of wood oil and 1 part of chopped herb of medicinal sweet clover (FUP) are taken. Sweet clover plaster is known in folk medicine under the name "green plaster" and is used for boils (application to open sores can lead to contamination). The preparation is significantly outdated.