Sweet Clover

Christopher Hobbs:

“Sweet clover contains coumarin and flavones, which increase blood coagulation time slightly, and help prevent leakage from tiny blood vessels in the body, which promotes free movement of the blood, prevent bruises and help relieve pain from sprains, strains, and other external trauma. The herb is sometimes recommended for thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. It has been used externally as a poultice for sore breasts and as a wash to strengthen the eyes.

Sweet Clover has a taste of SWEET, AROMATIC and a temperature of COOL.”

Historical Uses

• Sweet clover was traditionally used as an herbal remedy for various ailments, including inflammation, wounds, and digestive complaints.
• Folk medicine practitioners often applied it topically for swelling or bruises and used it internally for respiratory issues, varicose veins, and circulatory problems.
• Its anticoagulant properties were recognized early on and utilized in blood-thinning preparations.

Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths

• Circulatory health: Sweet clover is often recommended for conditions involving venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and lymphedema.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Used for reducing inflammation and swelling, especially in cases of chronic venous disease.
• Lymphatic drainage: Naturopaths may use it to promote lymphatic system function and alleviate fluid retention.
• Topical applications: Employed in poultices for sprains, bruises, and minor injuries.

Chemistry

• The plant contains coumarin, a compound responsible for its distinctive scent and pharmacological activity.
• When coumarin is metabolized (e.g., during fermentation or spoilage of sweet clover), it can form dicoumarol, a potent anticoagulant.
• Other constituents include flavonoids, melilotic acid, and tannins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective effects.

Pharmacology

• Anticoagulant activity: Dicoumarol formed from coumarin is the basis for drugs like warfarin, used to prevent blood clots.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Flavonoids and coumarin reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses and enhancing blood flow.
• Vascular effects: Sweet clover improves capillary permeability and venous tone, making it beneficial for chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema.

Clinical Trials

• Some clinical studies have shown promise in using sweet clover extract for chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema, demonstrating improvements in swelling, pain, and leg heaviness.
• However, evidence remains limited, and more robust, large-scale trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical practice.

Summary

Sweet clover is a valuable medicinal herb with anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular benefits. While its historical uses provide a foundation for modern applications, caution is advised due to its coumarin content and potential for adverse effects. Limited but promising clinical data support its use for circulatory and lymphatic conditions.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs