Evidence supporting the use of: Sweet Clover
For the body system: Veins

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis) has been used traditionally in herbal medicine to support the veins and circulatory system, particularly in Europe. The herb contains coumarins, which are compounds known for their mild anticoagulant and vasoprotective effects. In traditional practice, Sweet Clover was used to treat symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as leg swelling, heaviness, and varicose veins. Extracts of Sweet Clover have been included in various topical and oral preparations intended for this purpose.

Scientific research on Sweet Clover for venous support is limited, with only a few small studies suggesting potential benefits. Some studies from the mid-20th century indicated that Sweet Clover extracts might improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling, but methodological limitations and a lack of recent, large-scale clinical trials reduce confidence in these findings. The coumarin content in Sweet Clover is also a concern, as it can interact with blood-thinning medications and, in excessive doses, may cause toxicity.

Overall, while there is a clear traditional basis for using Sweet Clover to support the veins body system, robust scientific validation is lacking. Most authoritative reviews and modern references regard its use for venous conditions as based more on historical precedent than on strong clinical evidence. Caution is also advised due to possible safety issues.

More about Sweet Clover
More about Veins

Other body systems supported by Sweet Clover

Arteries
Blood
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Lymphatics
Veins

Products containing Sweet Clover

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.