Melilotus albus vs Pilewort

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Melilotus albus

Cardiovascular

Ficaria verna

Cardiovascular

Melilotus albus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pilewort

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

White sweet clover relative of M. officinalis; similar coumarin content and venous tonic properties.

Named for its specific traditional use for hemorrhoids (piles) — one of the few herbs truly specific for this condition.

Active Compounds

coumarin, flavonoids, saponins, dicoumarol (spoilt plant)

Protoanemonin (dried), Anemonin, Saponins, Tannins

Traditional Uses

venous insufficiency, edema, varicose veins

Hemorrhoids, Varicose veins, Perineal tearing

Modern Uses

venous tonic, anti-edema, anticoagulant (indirect)

Venotonic, Anti-inflammatory (topical), Astringent

Adult Dosage

3-30mg coumarin daily

Topical ointment only — not recommended internally

Contraindications

anticoagulant medications, pregnancy, liver disease

Internal use, Pregnancy, Broken skin (fresh plant)

Side Effects

anticoagulant interactions with excess

Skin irritation (fresh plant), GI toxicity (internal)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E