RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense, L.( N. O.: Leguminosae)
Common Names: Purple Clover, Trefoil, Cleaver Grass, Cow Grass. Features: True Clover, plants of the genus Trifolium, family Leguminosae, number about 250 species. It is believed that the true clovers originated in south-eastern Europe and south-western Asia Minor, although more than eighty species are listed as indigenous to North America. The clovers are herbaceous annuals or perennials, depending on insect pests or to unfavourable climatic conditions.
Red clover is an upright perennial 18 – 36 in. in height that behaves as a biennial under most eastern conditions. The colours of the flowers of the many species include white, pink, purple, red, yellow and combinations of shades thereof. The flowers are borne on conspicuous heads, with 55 – 200 florets for such species as Red clover. The leaves, composed of three leaflets, grow on alternate sides of the stem. The leaflets themselves are broad, oval, pointed and frequently show a white spot. The hairy stem supports the generous numbers of separate blossoms at the end of the flower stalk.
Common in pastures, lawns, roadsides and meadows throughout the United States and Canada. Harvesting varies, depending on the species. Agriculturally they are classified as winter annuals. Medicinal Parts: The blossoms and leaves. Solvents: Boiling water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Alterative, Sedative, Deobstruent. Uses: A quote from Herbalists of the past:“ The likelihood is that whatever virtue the Red Clover can boast for counteracting a scrofulous disposition and as antidote to cancer, resides in its highly elaborated lime, silica and other earthy salts.” It is not recognized, however, by orthodox medical profession as being of use. It possesses very soothing and pleasant-tasting properties and promotes healthy granulation.
Admirable for malignant ulcers, scrofula, indolent sores, burns, whooping cough and various spasm, bronchial and renal conditions. The warm tea is very soothing to the nerves. J. Kloss, in“ Back to Eden”, gives a splendid formula for the above. Combine with equal parts of:
Blue Violet( Amara dulcis) Burdock( Arctium lappa) Yellow Dock( Rumex crispus) Dandelion( Leontodon taraxacum) Rock Rose( Helionthemum canadense) Golden Seal( Hydrastis canadensis)
As you can see, Red clover can be used alone, or supported by many other effective herbs. As a gargle for sore and inflamed throat, make a strong tea and gargle four to five times a day, swallowing a fresh mouthful after each cleansing. Also of use for rectal and vaginal irritation, making sure to hold in the solution for several minutes before releasing. Dose: Internally as an infusion, 1 teaspoonful of clover to 1 cupful of boiling water, steeped 30 min. or more. Take 4 – 6 cupfuls a day, children less. Of the tincture, 5 – 30 drops in water, according to age and purpose. Externally: Red clover blossoms have been long and successfully used in the form of a salve for the removal of external cancer and indolent ulcers. A tea is also helpful to bathe the affected part, making it fresh daily.