Definition:

Red Clover is a perennial herb that grows wild in meadows and grasslands. It is easily recognized by its pink to reddish-purple flowers and is widely used in herbal medicine for its detoxifying and hormone-balancing properties.

Botanical Name: Trifolium pratense

Common Name: Red Clover

Family: Fabaceae

Part Used: Flowers

Energetics:

• Taste: Sweet, salty
• Temperature: Cooling, moistening

Actions:

• Alterative (supports detoxification)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Blood purifier
• Expectorant
• Antispasmodic

Body Systems:

• Circulatory System: Red Clover is traditionally used as a blood purifier, helping to cleanse the blood and support overall detoxification. It helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation in blood vessels.
• Skin: Its alterative and detoxifying effects make Red Clover effective for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It helps clear heat and toxins from the skin, promoting healthy, clear skin.
• Respiratory System: Red Clover acts as a mild expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and treat conditions like bronchitis and persistent coughs.
• Lymphatic System: Red Clover helps stimulate the lymphatic system, promoting the elimination of waste products and reducing swollen lymph nodes.

Primary Constituents:

• Isoflavones: Phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body and support hormonal balance
• Flavonoids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Coumarins: Help improve circulation and prevent blood clots
• Saponins: Provide detoxifying and expectorant effects

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Red Clover contains phytoestrogens that may influence hormone levels, so it should be used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation.
• Blood Thinners: Red Clover contains coumarins, which can have blood-thinning effects. Caution should be used if taking blood-thinning medications or if prone to bleeding disorders.

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Hormonal Balance: Red Clover is often used to support hormonal balance in women, particularly for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings due to its phytoestrogen content.
• Skin Health: Red Clover is traditionally used as a blood cleanser, helping to clear skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis by removing toxins and heat from the body.
• Lymphatic Support: It helps stimulate the lymphatic system, supporting the body’s natural detoxification process and reducing swollen lymph nodes.
• Respiratory Health: Red Clover’s expectorant properties make it useful for treating respiratory conditions like bronchitis and coughs. It helps clear mucus and soothe irritated respiratory

Preparations & Dosage:

• Infusion (Tea): 1-2 tsp of dried Red Clover flowers per cup of hot water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily for hormonal, skin, or respiratory support.
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, up to three times daily.
• Poultice: Red Clover flowers can be applied externally as a poultice to treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
• Salad or Food Use: Fresh Red Clover flowers can be added to salads for their nutritive and detoxifying properties.