Clover (Trifolium Pratense)

Habitat: Clover grows in meadows, pastures, and other grassy places.  It requires moist soil and cannot grow in the shade.  It will also grow in hilly and mountainous areas.

Description: Clover is a perennial that can grow to a height of 60cm.  The leaves are deep green and smooth, being oval shaped.  The stem is slightly hairy and several stems will grow from the same root.  The flowers range in color from rosy-purple to red-white, and form a dense ovoid or globular heads at the end of the stem. 

Recognition Tips:  The flowers and leaves of the clover are the best features to identify it. 

Time Of The Year: Clover flowers from May to September and the seeds ripen from July to October. It should be harvested when it is flowering, and the whole of the plant may be collected and dried for use.

Red clover has a long history of not just medicinal use, but, on a whole different note, also as a common cattle fodder. And it has some religious background as well, as the three leaves on the clover were associated with the Christian Trinity. During the Middle Ages, the red clover was considered a charm of protection against witches. Just as a regular four-leaf clover is considered lucky, the same is true of the red four-leaf clover. In fact, there is some debate as to whether the red leaf clover is the actual true shamrock planted by St. Patrick in Ireland. Regardless of the myths and folktales surrounding red clover, one thing has been proven through time - the herb makes a powerful addition to your natural medicine arsenal.[/left]

Red clover is known as one of the world's oldest and most common natural treatments for all varieties of cancer -- anywhere in the body. It is found as a central ingredient in many anticancer formulas, including the Hoxsey formula, Jason Winters tea, and Essiac tea, not to mention Jon’s Blood Support formula. Its use is so common that one study found that 33 cultures use the herb against the disease.

Red clover is commonly used to help reduce symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, PMS, while at the same time promoting breast enhancement and breast health. It is also thought to help decrease the risk of women developing osteoporosis later in life. And the isoflavones found in red clover have been associated with an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol in pre and postmenopausal women.

In addition to isoflavones and genistein, red clover also contains calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Historically, it has often been used (and is still used) to treat whooping cough and other throat related conditions such as bronchitis and sore throats. Herbalists also use it in tinctures to help treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

This herb can be found in many forms including as dried leaves or capsules, in tincture or extract form, and as a topical treatment.

Safety Notes:
Clover is considered non-toxic, and has often been used in food items, however, it is best avoided by pregnant women.

Hypertension: Some of the unique properties of red clover include its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body, particularly in the cardiovascular system. Studies have linked the use of red clover tea to a significant reduction in the tension of arteries and blood vessels, therefore reducing blood pressure. This can help to prevent coronary heart disease and a variety of other cardiovascular conditions.



Immune System: If you consume the greens of red clover, you are much more likely to get a high dose of vitamin C than if you consume the tea. Vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster, and can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells. Furthermore, if you consume the leaves in the form of tea, then you can get a healthy dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, which cause degenerative diseases and cell mutation. The overall immune boost of red clover includes preventing infections, both viral and bacterial.

Menstruation and Menopause: The hormonal impacts of red clover are significant, particularly for women. The isoflavones found in red clover mimic estrogen, so for those women who may struggle to maintain estrogen levels, red clover can help to balance their hormonal shifts and prevent mood swings, as well as reduce breast pain. This applies for women undergoing PMS as well as menopause, as both of these times can cause dangerous or unpredictable fluctuations in hormone levels.

Cancer Prevention: Red clover is not only useful for women, however, and in terms of cancer prevention, it is extremely important for men. Prostate cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer for men, and some of the compounds found in red clover can block certain enzymes that could cause prostate growth. Although some forms of prostate enlargement are benign, a reduction in prostate size is always a good things for long-term male health.

Cholesterol-Lowering Properties: If you struggle to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, you significantly increase your chances of heart attacks and strokes as a result of atherosclerosis. Therefore, anything that can lower cholesterol levels is valuable, and research has shown that LDL cholesterol levels can be reduced by adding red clover. Furthermore, coumarins found in red clover have been shown to keep blood flowing smoothly and stimulating healthy circulation, further preventing high blood pressure and cardiovascular distress.

Detoxify the Body: If you want to find a quick way to detoxify your body and clear your system of excess toxins and salts, nothing works better than a diuretic. Red clover has been connected to increasing urination, thereby helping release excess water, toxins, and even fat from the body.

A Final Word of Warning: Although the majority of reports concerning red clover are positive, some people do experience certain side effects, including nausea, muscle aches, headaches, and heavy periods in some women. Also, if you are being medicated for any hormone-related or cancer conditions, be sure to speak with a medical professional before adding red clover to your health regimen.