Herbs of the Field - Red Clover

Red Clover belongs to the legume family of plants. Red clover is a perennial herb commonly found in meadows. Many grazing animals feed on wild red clover. Red clover can be dried for therapeutic use and has historically, been used to treat whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations. Red clover has been identified as a blood purifier. The function of red clover rids the body of excess fluids like diuretics and helps to clear lungs like an expectorant, thus improving both the circulation and liver cleansing.

Red clover contains many nutrients such as calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. In addition, red clover contains isoflavones, which are chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects in the human body. Red clover therefore is a favorite for women suffering with menopause symptoms. Also, red clover has been found to protect against heart disease by aiding with increasing HDL cholesterol, especially in postmenopausal women. Red clover has been shown to increase flexibility in arteries, increase blood thinning thus preventing blood clots from forming. Red clover’s isoflavones have also  been shown to slow bone loss which reduces risks for osteoporosis. Importantly, traditional treatments have shown red clover helps to slow or stop cancer cell growth. Research is studying these results finding the isoflavones interfere with estrogen effects in the body allowing for plant phytoestrogen to aid the body, thus reducing some cancer cell growth. Lastly, red clover ointments have been used to treat skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, and other rashes.

Identification:  Grows from May to September. Flower 1” long, ½ to 1” wide, pink or purple compound flower head. Leaf is ovate, green, compound with three leaflets of ½ to 2” long with a white V pattern in the middle of the leaf. Plant grow 6 to 23” tall with hairy stems.

Harvesting:  Harvest early in the morning when dew is still present. Use care with the flower so as not to damage them. Cut flowers during mid-bloom, this will allow plant to have healthy recovery. Cut above the leaf growth, trim excess stem after cutting from plant. Use the flower to infuse with hot water for tea. Flowers can also be added to salads. To harvest leaves, cut from stem in clumps of tree. Do not cut entire plant at its base. Place on drying racks to dry for storage.

Usage:  dried herb for tea, steep and drink, powdered herb for capsules, 40 to 160mg daily, tincture, 60 to 100 drops daily in hot water or tea, extracts 1 mL 3 times daily, and topically.

Cautions: red clover may interfere with some drugs that break down in the liver. Also may increase estrogenic/hormonal therapy effects. May increase anticoagulants effects.