Red Clover (Trifollium Pratense)

It's time once again for an herb talk! Today I want to talk about Red Clover. Other names for Red Clover are Purple Clover, Cleaver Grass, Meadow Clover, Bee Bread, Trefoil, and Cow Grass. For Red Clover we are only interested in the blossoms of the plant. The funny thing about this herb is that most of us have this growing abundantly in our own backyards or that field next to us. If you trust the nutrient content of the soil in your backyard and don't use chemicals - harvest and dry some of this herb.

Nutrients

• Vitamins: Vitamin C, B-complex, Vitamin A, Vitamin F, Vitamin P, and Vitamin E.



• Minerals: tin (very high), chromium (very high), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, postassium, iron, copper, selenium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, sodium, and molybdenum.

Natural Healing

• Because of its unique assortment of nutrients, Red Clover shows an affinity for the digestive, urinary, respiratory and glandular systems.


• Blood purifier, especially when used in an infusion with burdock and blue flag. A blood purifying herb will help restore your body to a state of balance and health by purifying the blood and getting rid of impurities. It will also improve the function of the organs that are involved with filtering the blood such as the kidney's, liver, bowels and lymphatic system. This will result in clearer skin, more energy and organs that function optimally. Blood purifying herbs give you a gentle way to detox. In addition they also increase the body's production of urine and mucous and will promote menstrual flow. These are all avenues that the body can use to carry toxins out.
  
• Used to treat cancer especially esophageal and breast, auto-immune disorders, inflammatory skin conditions, bronchitis, jaundice, hot flashes, kidney problems, inflammatory bowel disorders, liver disease, skin disorders and a weakened immune system.
  
• Helps to increase milk supply in nursing mothers.


• Red Clover has antibiotic properties against several bacteria especially the pathogen that causes tuberculosis.
  

Warnings: You should avoid Red Clover if you are pregnant or taking anticoagulant medication.

How to use

• Add a few tablespoons to a Green Smoothie or a salad.



• Make a standard infusion or tea and enjoy a few cups.
  

I don't currently have any of this wonderful herb, but I know what I will be purchasing the next time I place my order with either Mountain Rose or Frontier.

I want to add a side note about herb use. I know there is a mainstream tendency to come out with a new supplement that will save your life and everyone rushes to buy it only to be disappointed with the results. Some examples would be echinacea, St. Johns wort, L-Tryptophan, and etc. When you read about herbs look to see the systems that the herb supports and the conditions that the herb has been used to treat. Each herb has a unique combination of vitamins and nutrients and should be used to correct deficiencies or to support organ systems that need that combination. If you have a deficiency or imbalance you will notice a difference, if you don't have a deficiency or imbalance you may not notice a difference, but can rest assured that your body is using those nutrients and probably preventing you from future difficulties in those organ systems. Everyone has their own unique needs from a nutritional standpoint and you should choose an herb or combination of herbs that match what you are experiencing not what the latest supplement craze tells you to buy.

Karla