Medicinal Plants : Trifolium pratense

Name

Red Clover

Biological Name

Trifolium pratense
Papilionaceae

Other Names

Red Clover, wild clover, cleaver grass, marl grass, cow grass, trefoil, purple clover

Parts Used

Flowerheads

Active Compounds

Isoflavones; biochanin A, daidzein, formononnetin, genistein, pratensein, trifoside

Other flavonoids including pectolinarin and trifoliin (=isoquercitrin)

Volatile oil, containing furfural

Clovamides; L-Dopa-caffeic acid conjugates

Coumarins; coumestrol, medicagol and coumarin

Miscellaneous; a galactomannan, resins, minerals vitamins, phytoalexins.

Remedies For

Alterative, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, mild stimulant, depuative, detergent.

Red Clover is one of the most useful remedies for children with skin problems. It may be used with complete safety in any case of childhood eczema. Useful for the treatment of other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Whilst being most useful with children it can also be of value for adults. The expectorant and anti-spasmodic action give this remedy a role in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, but especially in whooping cough.

Jethro Kloss calls red clover as "one of God's greatest blessings to man". It purifies blood, it also can be used for treating cancerous growths, leprosy and pellagra in combination with blue violet, burdock, yellow dock, dandelion root, rock rose, and goldenseal. Used alone it is believed to be good for cancer of the stomach, whooping cough, and for various spasms.

Combinations : For skin problems it combines well with Yellow Dock and Nettles.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.