Red Clover

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an herb that belongs to the legume family, which also includes peas and beans. Red clover’s brightly colored flowers contain many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. They’re also a rich source of isoflavones. These are compounds that act as phytoestrogens—plant chemicals similar to the female hormone estrogen. Isoflavone extracts are touted as dietary supplements for high cholesterol and osteoporosis in addition to menopausal symptoms.

Botanical Name – Trifolium pratense

Family – Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Parts Used – Leaves, Flowers

Energetics – Cooling

Taste – Sweet, Salty

Plant Properties – Alterative, Antispasmodic, Nutritive, Lymphatic

Plant Uses – Cancer, Whooping Cough, Eczema, Acne, Infertility, Estrogen, Lymphatic, Congestion, Post-menopausal, Cover Crop

Plant Preparation – Infusion, Tea, Tincture, Vinegar, Food

Medicinal Uses

In herbal medicine, Red Clover may help with the following problems. Keep in mind that every body is different, so this herb may help one person, but not another. It is always wise to consult with your doctor.

Asthma
Whooping Cough
Cough
Bronchitis
Eczema
Psoriasis
Skin Cancer
Skin Sore
Burns
Hair Loss
Inflammatory Conditions (arthritis)
Cancer Prevention
Osteoporosis (weak bones)
Indigestion
High Cholesterol
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia

Women Uses

Red clover is an important herb for women’s health problems. Use to treat these symptoms that women may experience at some time in her life.

Menopausal Symptoms (hot flashes and nigh sweats)
Osteoporosis (weak bones)
Menstrual Symptoms (PMS and bloating)
Breast Pain or Tenderness (mastalgia)
Hormones (estrogen)
Breast Cancer

Men Uses

Red Clover has some evidence that it may help with a few men’s health problems that he may experience at some time in his life.

Prostate (enlarged)
Hair Loss

How To Prepare

Red Clover is one of those herbs that actually tastes good. Here are ways to prepare and enjoy Red Clover.

Make a tea with a 2 tablespoons of dried blossoms and/or herb (4 T fresh may be used) to a cup of hot water, cover, strain after 15 minutes, and enjoy several times per day.
As a tincture, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon three times per day. That’s about 100 drops or 3 to 6 droppers full per day.

Cautions

As with all medicines and herbs, there may be cautions. Red Clover may not be safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, for children, or for women who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.