Red Clover: the ideal companion to ease symptoms of an aging body
A powerful blood purifier and essential herb for hormonal health and strong bones
Botanical Name: Trifolium Pratense
Family: Fabaceae (the bean family)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, alterative (blood purifying), diuretic, expectorant, lymphatic, nutritive, mild laxative
Nutrients: Isoflavones (phytoestrogen), calcium, magnesium, chromium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, Vitamin C
Taste: Salty, sweet
Plant Uses: Various skin conditions, menopausal support, bone health, brain health, spasmodic cough, cancer, lymphatic congestion, food
Plant preparations: Nourishing herbal infusion, tincture, capsule, food, cosmetics
Toxicities/warnings: May potentiate effects of blood thinning drugs. Avoid plants that show signs of mould.
Red Clover Roots..
If you have ever dug up a Red clover you would have been amazed to see its sturdy and even intimidating looking roots. This perennial plant is very drought tolerant and excellent for soil building and stability. Red clover is said to have originated in Asia Minor and southeastern Europe as well as parts of North Africa but its importance as a forage crop spread its cultivation throughout Europe, England and North America. Today this historic spreading can be seen clearly as Red clover is the national flower of Denmark and the state flower of Vermont.
In folk tradition, especially in England, red clover was closely associated with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity due to the flower’s threefold leaflets. In many parts of England it was worn as a protective charm against evil. The Celts believed it was a sacred herb that was associated with immortality.
The medicinal aspects of red clover was first studied and explored in North America where herbalists found a number of medicinal uses for the plant. It rose to fame during the early 20th century when the compounds in red clover was discovered to be a potent blood purifier that help rid the body of toxic waste metals.
Benefits of Red Clover
Anti-inflammatory
Hormone health
Antispasmodic
Alterative
Anti-cancer
Bone health
Anti Inflammatory
The isoflavones in red clover has been known to fight inflammation. In recent studies it was discovered that the plant also contains and additional 27 polyhenols and 7 anthocyanins that have shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. (1)
Hormone Health
Red clover contains phytoestrogens which are important for women and men. Perhaps the most known and prized ingredients in red clover is daidzein and genistein, essential phytoestrogens that benefit hormonal health, especially as we age. Genistein is a key ingredient that our body needs in prevention of breast and prostate cancer as well as post menopausal problems and cardiovascular disease. (2) Red clover is a therapeutic remedy for women during menopause and help ease hot flushes and other symptoms related to menopause. It helps replace lost oestrogen in the body and is a much healthier treatment to choose rather than going for pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies which have been shown to have many detrimental side effects, including cancer. (3)
Antispasmodic
As and expectorant and antispasmodic, red clover is used to counteract fevers, inflamed lungs and bronchitis. It contains mild sedative qualities which helps counteract spastic coughs.
Alterative
Alteratives are herbs that gradually restore the proper functions of the body in specifically the liver, lymph and metabolic processes, restoring it to optimum health. Red clover is specifically alterative in action as it helps to detoxify the liver and one of its most potent qualities is as a blood purifier. (4)
Anti-cancer
In the alternative and herbal communities red clover is known as a powerful anti cancer agent due to it containing coumarin, genistein and daidzein, as well as its alterative qualities and additional nutrition profile, however, science are only recently catching up in terms of studies in this regard. There are however preliminary studies that clearly shown a reduction in cancer cells due to red clover. This is especially true for breast and prostate cancer, as well as colon cancers. (5)
Bone Health
Red clover is a great addition to any osteoporosis diet. Research demonstrated that red clover, due to its high isoflavones help improve bone mineral content, bone turnover, mechanical strength of the tibia, femoral weight and density. (6)
Preparations and uses
Tea
Prepare a delicious tea by adding 1 teaspoon of dried flowers to one cup of boiling water. Let it infuse for 10 minutes and enjoy.
Tincture
Prepare a tincture by adding 1/3 of f lowers and leaves to 2/3 parts vodka (40% alcohol) in clean mason jar and place a label with the date and ingredients on the lid. Let it sit in a dark cupboard for 6 - 8 weeks, occasionally giving it a gentle shake. After 6 - 8 weeks, strain out the tincture and bottle it. Add a teaspoon of tincture / add a few drops to water or juice and drink 3 to 4 times daily. Tinctures have a long shelf life of between 4 - 6 years.
Food
You can eat red clover, the flowers and leaves taste like beans as it belongs to the bean family. Toss them in a salad or add them to soups, stews and meat dishes.
Cosmetics
Red clover can be used on the skin to prevent wrinkles, clear acne, clear many other skin infections, reduce cellulite and promote healthy hair. To do this make a wonderful infused red clover oil by placing the flowers (dried or fresh) in a suitable carrier oil, like coconut oil. Infuse for 6 weeks, strain and use on skin or hair as needed.
Thank you for reading!
References
Disclaimer
The information contained in this ARTICLE is for interest and educational purposes only, and is in no way a prescription or substitute for professional/medical help. We assume no responsibility for the way you choose to implement this information. Be sure to consult your medical healthcare provider(s) before making any health changes or decisions.
That is some great info you posted. Also, a friend of mine makes red clover jelly that is really tasty and inexpensive to produce. She picks up a bunch of pretty flower blossoms in early summer to make them. Red clover is so versatile, I'm impressed by its qualities!