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Also known as- Trifolium pretense, Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trefoil, Trifolium pratense, Wild Clover
Introduction
Red clover is a short-lived herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of 15 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm). It is easy to recognize red clover by its fine leafy stems, its leaves of three, and its rose-pink oval flower heads. When the crop is harvested for use as an herb (or for hay), the plants are cut during early bloom.
A field of red clover is an important resource for bumble bees. Honey bees have a shorter proboscis that cannot reach into the long flowers of red clover, so they will leave red clover to the bumble bees. Since bumble bees nest in the ground, it is to a growerÍs advantage to leave some wild areas near the planting of clover. Honey bees have some influence on seed yield, but bumble bees ensure a good seed crop.
A pound (450 g) of seed is enough to sow an eighth of an acre (about 400 square meters) of red clover.
Parts Used
The seed.
Typical Preparations
Red clover seeds are for growing, not for eating or for use in herbal preparations. You can grow an abundant supply of this herb from seed with very little effort. The sprouts are quite good and can be used in most dishes.
Summary
Red clover should be planted in moist soils that do not flood. Land that dries out easily should not be planted red clover, a heavy user of rain or irrigation water. Red clover prefers an alkaline soil.
Precautions
Don't gather your clover from a farmer's field; grow your own or buy from reliable sources. Most farmers treat their clover fields with pronamide (Kerb) to kill other plants; clover treated with Kerb is not safe for human or animal consumption for 120 days after application.
MEDICINAL:
Blood cleanser, diuretic, nervine, tonic, expectorant, demulcent, alterative, mildly laxative, mildly antispasmodic (application to chest constriction); blood circulation. Has a mild estrogenic effect.
The infusion has been used to improve hemoglobin levels, relieve flatulence, relieve menopausal symptoms, for lack of appetite, for constipation, to treat skin diseases and treat toxic conditions; also for acne and boils.
Has also been used for bronchitis, colds, coughs, measles (cough), and whooping cough; also a syrup made from the infusion has been used.
Has been used externally as a poultice or salve for: ulcers, open sores, chapped and cracked body parts, and cancerous growths. The tincture has been used for eczema and psoriasis. The ointment has been used to treat lyphatic swellings and ulcerations. The syrup extract has been used externally as a treatment for persistent sores. The solid extract has been used for indolent ulcers.
A compress of the flowers has been used for arthritis and gout. A poultice has been used to soften hard milk glands and for athlete's foot and skin problems.
The infusion has been used as a douche for vaginal itching.
Clover flowers contain the isoflavone genistein, which might give the immune system a better shot at destroying cancer cells (Science News, May 12, 1990). Has been used as an adjunct to cancer treatment (in large doses) especially for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphatic cancer. Has also been used as a cancer preventative.
Taken as a diuretic over a long period of time, it stimulates the liver and bladder.
The presence of sodium is reputed to reduce acidity and help body assimilate iron.
The fresh crushed flowers have been applied to insect bites and stings to relieve pain and itching.
Has been used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis (5 to 10 drops of tincture in 5 tsp (25 ml) of sterile water.
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
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All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
♦ Fermented preparations are not used medicinally.
GRAINS = 30 to 60
INFUSION = Add twice as much water as blooms by volume (flowerheads are bulky and measurement is approximately 2 to 3 tsp per cup); steep 10 minutes; 1 to 1½ cups taken daily over the course of the day; can be taken a mouthful at a time. Taken in small quantities over 12 weeks for chronic or long term waste removal and larger quantities over a short period (3 days) for actue infection.
TINCTURE = 1/2 to 1 tsp (2 to 5 ml, or 5 to 30 drops) 3 times daily.
OINTMENT = Cover fresh flowers with water in a crockpot and heat for 48 hours on LOW setting. Strain, then evaporate the residue to semi-dryness, then combine in equal portions with an ointment base.
SYRUP = To 1 pint of a simple sugar syrup add 1 oz of flowers (fresh or dried); boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then strain; taken 3 times daily in tablespoon doses.
POULTICE = bruise the fresh flowers and steep in a little hot water for 3 hours.
COMPOUND ALTERATIVE FORMULA = 1 oz each of Red clover, Burdock, Yellow perilla, plus 1/2 oz of mullein. Simmer in 2 quarts of water down to 1 quart; strain; taken a mouthful at a time 3 or 4 times daily.
TONIC TEA = Combine 1 C. dry red clover blossoms, 1/3 C. Blue violet leaf, 1/3 C. Dandelion leaf, 1/4 C. Chickweed, 1/4 C. Plantain, 1 Tbsp Mullein flowers (optional), 1½ Tbsp. Mint. For nervous condition 1 Tbsp. of oatstraw is added. When there is a need for a more potent blood cleanser, 1/4 cup of burdock root is added. For respiratory problems 1 Tbsp. elecampane and 1 Tbsp. horehound is added. (Some people are allergic to horehound. Withhold until this is established.) For arthritis ginger and rosehips are added as follows: 1 part red clover, 1 part rose hips, 1/2 part chickweed, 1 part dandelion, 1/6 part ginger. A DOSE for medicinal purposes uses 1 Tbsp. of any of these mixtures steeped in 1 C. boiling water for 10 minutes. (Entire recipe may be made in advance and single doses placed in heat sealable tea bags for convenience.)
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Red clover is a perennial plant that grows wild in most temperate climates. It has been used medicinally to treat a wide variety of conditions, many of them having to do with reproductive functions and menopause. While these uses are traditional, modern science has recently isolated isoflavones from red clover plants that are similar in shape and action to estrogen. Among its common uses are to relieve the symptoms of PMS in premenopausal women, and in place of hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. Studies have suggested that red clover isoflavones are more effective in reducing heat flashes than pharmaceutical preparations, and can delay bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
Red clover also appears to reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, limit the progress of benign prostate hyperplasia and reduce the buildup of plaque that causes heart disease. Finally, red clover has been used topically to help treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, and promote healing in skin wounds while reducing infection.
Constituents
Isoflavones
Parts Used
Flowers and sometimes the leaf and flower
Typical Preparations
Tea, in capsules and extracts. May also be eaten raw and seldom in salads.
Summary
Red clover may help reduce the effects of PMS and menopause and reduce the pain associated with menstrual periods. The estrogen-like action limits grown in benign prostate hyperplasia in men, and reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes during menopause in women. Used topically, it promotes healing of skin wounds and conditions like psoriasis. Taking red clover may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving the cholesterol profile and toning the arterial walls, as well as by preventing the clumping of red blood cells that build up on the linings of arteries. The flowers are the most potent but are far harder to produce and the price reflects. A suitable alternative although less potent is the leaf and flower.
Precautions
Red clover should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, as the effects on developing fetus and infants is not determined. There are some studies that suggest taking red clover may affect fetal development. It is also recommended that you do not take red Clover while on blood thinning medication.
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