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Information about the herb Red Clover
Trifolium pratense, also known as Trefoil is part of the Leguminosaeplant family. A perennial herb that commonly grows wild in meadows throughout Britain, Europe
and Central and Northern Asia, and has now been naturalized to grow in North
America.
Botanical Name: Trifolium pratense
Plant Family: Leguminosae, Papilionceae
Common
name: Trefoil, Purple Clover
Tradition: Red Clover
- brings luck
- brings health
- brings prosperity
- if carried gives you protection
- worn over the right breast ensures success in all undertakings
Plant Constituents of Red Clover
Contains:
- antioxidant tocopherol
- anti-tumor compounds
- calcium
- chromium
- iron and copper salts (high concentration)
- isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants)
- magnesium
- niacin
- phosphorus
- potassium
- protein
- thiamine
- vitamin C
Action:
- alterative [an agent which produces gradual beneficial change in the body, usually by improving nutrition, without having any marked specific effect and without causing abnormal evacuation]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
- dermatonic [beneficial to the skin]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous from the respiratory passages]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
Medicinal Parts Used: Flowers and blossoms
Red Clover is used for:
Blood Conditions
- cleanses blood (by promoting urine and mucous production improving circulation, and stimulating the secretion of bile)
- improves the blood's hemoglobin levels and the size and number of blood platelets
- vital blood tonic
Female Conditions
- mastitis (inflammation of the breast)
- menopausal symptoms (the isoflavones in Red Clover help with menopausal symptoms such as:
- bone loss associated with osteoporosis
- cardiovascular health
- hot flashes
- relieves leucorrhea
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- alkaline properties
Genitourinary Conditions
- cleansing action through the kidneys
Liver Conditions
- aids detoxification
- jaundice
- stimulates the secretion of bile
Muscular Conditions
- joint disorders
Nervous System Conditions
- quietens the nerves (a nerve tonic)
- sedative for exhaustion
Respiratory Conditions
Red Clover has a strong antispasmodic effect on:
- asthma
- colds
- hoarseness
- bronchitis
- coughs in children
- disorders of the respiratory organs
- irritation of the vocal cords, windpipe and bronchial tubes
- spasmodic coughing
- wheezing
- whooping cough
Skin Conditions
Red Clover is an excellent skin remedy in cases of:
- acne
- eczema
- psoriasis
- rashes
- skin disorders
Other Conditions
- beneficial for the organs of elimination - lungs, kidneys, bowels and skin
- cancer, in particular breast cancers
- promotes eliminatory functions
- strengthens children with weak systems
- tumors
Externally Red Clover is used as a:
- salve
- ointment
Externally fomentations and poultices of Red Clover are used as a local application in:
- athlete's foot
- cancerous growths
Other Uses:
- excellent cover crop
- excellent fertilizer for poor soils when planted in fallow areas and turned under in Autumn
Dosage:
- Dried herb (used for tea): 1 to 2 tsp dried flowers or flowering tops steeped in 8 oz hot water for 1/2 hour, 2-3 cups daily
- Powdered herb (available in capsules): 2 to 6 capsules (500 mg each) per day
- Tincture (1:5, 30% alcohol): 60-100 drops (3-5 mL) 3 times/day in water
- Fluid Extract (1:1): 1 mL 3 times/day in water
- Standardized red clover isoflavone extracts: directions on product labels should be carefully followed
- Topical treatment (such as for psoriasis or eczema): an infusion, liquid extract, or ointment containing 10 to 15% flower heads
Internally Red Clover is taken as a:
- capsule
- liquid extract standardized to contain specific isoflavone contents
- tablet
- tincture
- tea (dried herb)
Caution:
- Isolated red clover isoflavone products are very different than the whole herb, however, and are not recommended for childrennot recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding womenBecause of the estrogen-like properties in red clover
- isoflavones, women with a history of breast cancer should avoid red clover
Drug Interactions
Red Clover isoflavones should be used with caution, if at all, by people receiving hormone therapy (including birth control pills) containing
- androgen
- estrogen
- progesterone
- any derivatives of these hormones
Because of the increased risk of bleeding associated with red clover it should be avoided by individuals taking:
blood-thinning medications such as:
- aspirin
- warfarin
- blood-thinning herbs and supplements such as
- garlic
- ginger
- ginkgo biloba
- vitamin E
Global Herbal Supplies has Red Clover available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
