Herbs - Red Clover
Red clover is a perennial herb that is naturalized in almost every country on the planet. Mainly used to feed cattle and other animals, it is also well known for its medicinal properties as an alternative treatment being used as a diuretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and much more.
Red clovers nutrient content includes calcium, magnesium, niacin, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. It is also a rich source of isofavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants). It is this ingredient that makes it popular with women experiencing hot flashes due to menopause. Red clover has been known to aide in the slowing down of osteoporosis that also starts to develop during menopause
Red clover is also known as Meadow Honeysuckle, Purple Clovers, Wild Clover, Cow Grass, and Trefoil. It can easily be grown from seeds or root cuttings and requires little attention. It blooms red to purple flowers from April to well into the long summer months. The leaves make a great addition to any salad or soup and the flowers are dried for herb uses such as teas or tinctures.
Red clover has also been used to help joint disorders, cardio vascular disease, and respiratory problems. Clinical tests have shown that red clover has blood thinning properties that can help prevent blood clots and help keep blood flowing. When the flowers are made into a sweet tea it can help act as a sedative and tonic. In past centuries red clover was used for treating skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema or certain skin cancers, the flowers were made into a type of poultice to be placed on the afflicted area. It is still used today to help treat eczema and psoriasis. Further testing is being conducted to see if its healing properties help or hamper certain types of cancers.
Red clover was once used to ward off evil spirits, if one could find the four leafed one. A two leaf clover would show a maiden her future lover and a five leaf clover would give witches more evil powers.
Red clover can be purchased today in the form of tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, topical treatments, and extracts. To make red clover tea, use one tablespoon of dried flowers with one cup of water. Steep for 10 minutes and sweeten as desired.
With any herb, check with your doctor before taking for any drug interactions or contradictions and research the herb extensively. Pregnant or breast-feeding woman should not take red clover.