Red Clover - Herb of the week

Trifolium pratense – Red clover

Botanical name – Trifolium Pratense

Family – Fabaceae

History - Red clover is native to Europe, though now it has naturalised in most temperate regions of the world.

Description - It is an erect, leafy plant from the legume family that grows 2 to 3 feet tall. Red clover leaves are large and nearly always have a prominent V-shaped pattern, or watermark, on the leaflets. The undersides of the leaves are hairy. Red clover has very hairy, fleshy stems and dark, pink flowers. Red clover plants form crowns around a taproot and grow erect. Heads consist of approximately 125 flowers. Flowers are rose purple in dense spherical heads up to 30mm across. Flowers are predominantly self-sterile and require pollination by bees for seed to set. The pods are short and single seeded.

Parts Used - The flowers are harvested during full flowering. The leaves and flowers are also used. 

Cultivation - Red clover is a short-lived perennial nitrogen fixing crop. It is one crop that returns more nitrogen and organic to the soil than it consumes. Production during the second year is generally higher than during either the first or third years. Nitrogen fixing bacteria is essential for its growth.

Active Constituents - Volatile oil including benzyl alcohol. Methyl salicylate, isoflavones, daidzein, coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides. The isoflavones occur at a high level and are phytoestrogenic. It also contains calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, thiamine and Vitamin C.

Actions

·         Antispasmodic

·         Alterative

·         Dermatological agent

·         Anti-neoplastic

·         Anti-inflammatory

·         Anti-coagulant

·         Expectorant

Indications - The herb was traditionally used to treat respiratory issues, skin disorders and female reproductive problems. Historically it was used to treat whooping cough. Bronchitis and sore throats.

Its high isoflavones content has shown it to be valuable for supporting high cholesterol as well as osteoporosis and to help reduce the symptoms of menopause. A study in 2009 did also suggest that it could reduce the risk of prostate cancer as it will decrease the prostate-specific antigens, which are found in high concentrations with men who have prostate cancer.

It can be used to treat breast cancer with a concentrated decoction being applied to the site of the tumour to encourage it to grow outwards and clear the body. The flower tea is drunk daily for breast cancers. There has been some concern on it being used internally with aggressive breast cancers as does have estrogen like effects. Having said this, its hormonal action will reduce hot flushes, night sweats and PMS and can promote breast enhancement and healthy breast life. It will decrease the risk of osteoporosis later on in life and will increase the good HDL cholesterol in pre and post-menopausal women.

It is indicated for skin conditions, as its alterative action makes it invaluable for cleaning the blood. It is extremely effective for inflammatory skin conditions, as well as arthritis. It is a great blood cleanser and is part of the Essiac and Hoxley Formulation as well as my own Trini Tea. It is a great blood and ‘lumps’ purifier. It has been show to thin the blood and to reduce blood clots and arterial plaques.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have found anti-tumour properties in red clover from the genestein constituent. Genestein has shown to prevent tumours from developing the blood supply that they need by starving them and thus killing them.  It has many advantages over Soy as its levels are ten times higher. Red clover also has four other esrogenic isoflavones that support this activity.

Because of its powerful blood cleansing action, traditional herbalists have been using it for centuries. In fact one study found that 33 cultures use Red Clover to support health and release disease.

Topically it can help skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Its expectorant action makes it useful in spasmodic coughs.

Its significant oestrogenic action has lead to its use in menopause, as well is its increased research into its isoflavones activity. American research has suggested that its anti-coagulant activity is helpful in coronary thrombosis.

Throughout history it has been used as a valuable fodder crop and as a nitrogen fixing plant.

Dosage - 1.5 – 3ml of 1:1 three times daily

1-2ml of 1 :10 three time daily

Cautions - Oestrogenic and it may rupture cysts which can cause pain or a rash. It is C.I. in certain oestrogenic breast cancers.

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Until next time, seeing you always in happiness and health 

Louise Plant