White Melilot
Scientific Name: Trigonella alba (Medik.) Coulot & Rabaute
Family: Fabaceae
MORPHOLOGY
Habit and dimensions: An annual or biennial plant, reaching a height of 50-120 cm.
Stem: Erect stems, glabrous, angular, highly branched, emitting a strong scent of coumarin.
Leaves: The leaves are petiolate, trifoliate, lanceolate with finely serrated margins, and lanceolate stipules.
Flowers: The inflorescences are axillary racemes, rich in small cream-white flowers. Blooms from June to September.
Fruits and seeds: The fruits are legumes, called cams, ovoid, glabrous, turning black when mature, with regularly reticulated veins. Contains 1-2 smooth, oval seeds.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Found throughout Italy in uncultivated areas, ruderal and humid environments, fields, meadows, along paths, and along riverbanks, from 0 to 1,200 m.
USE
It has resolving, antiseptic, emollient, sedative, and antispasmodic properties. The infusion, with a pleasant taste, administered shortly before bedtime, effectively treats insomnia in children and excitable individuals; it has been used since ancient times as an eye wash. Before taking any herbal product (medicinal or non-medicinal) for therapeutic or similar purposes, it is always advisable to consult your physician.
Photo: Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 by Saxifraga and Willem van Kruijsbergen, Marijke Verhagen, Rutger Barendse
