I had other plans for writing today, but as I was out working in the yard this morning, I saw a few patches of red clover and remembered that I had missed out on harvesting it last year. I figured today was the day to do it. And when Lydia came in as I was writing this article and asked which herb she should start working with next, I suggested red clover. Her timing is impeccable.
Red clover, Trifolium pratense, is harvested just as the blossoms appear, and for medicinal purposes, you want only the blossoms. You can feed the leaves to your livestock and they will be very happy, unless they are like Bambi's Thumper, who only wanted to eat the blossoms.
There are numerous clinical studies on the uses of red clover, some of which I have posted links for below. Red clover probably doesn't make anyone's top ten lists of essential medicinal herbs, but still, it has its uses, especially for menopausal women.
MEDICINAL USES
- Menopause, especially to alleviate hot flashes and prevent bone loss
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Whooping cough, to reduce spasmodic coughing
- Upper respiratory infections, including colds, sore throat, and bronchitis
- Asthma
- Psoriasis and eczema
- Whooping cough
- Asthma
- Upper respiratory infections
- Gout and arthritis
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Menopausal issues such as hot flashes and bone loss
- Halting the progression of prostate cancer in men
Tincture. Prepare a tincture in a 1:5 ratio of dried blossoms to 30-40% alcohol. Put the blossoms in a canning jar and add the appropriate amount of alcohol, seal, and place in a dark cabinet. Shake daily for six weeks, strain, and put in a dropper bottle. The adult dosage is 2-6 ml, up to three times per day, for the same conditions as above.
Salve. Fill a pint jar with dried blossoms and cover with olive oil or melted coconut oil. Let infuse in a dark cabinet for four weeks. Strain out the blossoms and discard. Put the infused oil in a double boiler and add 1-2 tablespoons of beeswax. Melt completely and stir until combined, and then pour into a jar. Use for psoriasis and eczema.
Note that for many of these conditions, especially dealing with menopause or lowering cholesterol or blood pressure, it may take up to three months of daily usage to see results.
Contraindications: Red clover is not for use by women who are pregnant, nursing, or wishing to conceive. It is not for use by those taking blood thinners. Do not use prior to surgery, as it may increase surgical bleeding.
Cautions: Red clover should be avoided by those with a peanut allergy, as the two plants are closely related.
Possible side effects: Nausea, muscle aches, heavy menstrual bleeding, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, acne.
For further reading:
https://draxe.com/red-clover/
http://www.medicinehunter.com/red-clover
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16645539
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/red-clover.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12496063
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25074017
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26471215
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724018/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17350196
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206499/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17078110
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-308/red-clover
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-red-clover-89577
© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com
17 july 2023
