Red Clover-Lady in Waiting
September 2011
One of the first to begin blooming in spring and the last to fade in fall, Trifolium pratense, or red clover, is a short-lived perennial and abundant herbal ally found in the legume family, Fabaceae. She has alternate leaves in three leaflets (hence the Latin name Trifolium), with a pale V marking the leaf center. The species name of pratense means “growing in meadows” and there, along with other open, sunny spaces, is mostly where you will find red clover. I am unsure why the common name is not more fitting, as the flowers are more pink and purple than red. I have seen this plant blooming well in both totally dry and wet places, which chants to me, “Adaptability!”
I absolutely love to use red clover and have used her for almost two decades as an ingredient in my daily green tonic infusion mix. High in phytoestrogens, she is a lady-in- waiting, ready to be picked to offer up her myriad of services to women, men and children. Full of nutrients and minerals like thiamine, niacin, calcium and chromium, and a deliverer of antioxidants like Vitamin E, red clover is an alterative herb, meaning the functioning processes of the body are gradually and beneficially altered by removing metabolic waste products.
Skin eruptions like eczema and psoriasis can be healed with red clover by helping reduce mineral deficiency and by alkalizing the blood. She works as an expectorant, for asthmatic relief (the flower can even be smoked), and as an aid for both a drippy cough and whooping cough. Cancerous growths have been inhibited by the genistein constituent in this plant.
In the herbal community, there is disagreement over the power red clover has on estrogen receptors in the body. Some say the plant is to be avoided when estrogen-sensitive conditions are present like breast cancer, uterine fibroids or ovarian cancer. Others insist the isoflavones in the flower aid the healing process of these dis-eases.
Recently, while at the 2011 Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference in New Mexcio, I learned from Robin Rose Bennett, a wise woman herbalist based out of New Jersey and NYC, that red clover removes exogenous estrogen. This supports my intuitive belief that red clover works with balancing the hormones whether they are in excess or diminished. Most importantly, as with any herbal ally, spend authentic time with the plant yourself in quiet observation and bring it into your life to come to your own understanding and experience of the plant. One thing I know for certain- when I see, smell and taste red clover, I feel uplifted and nourished.
Because of the coumarins found in red clover, people with coagulation disorders (blood does not clot easily) should use caution in taking it. On the other hand, red clover is a helpful stroke preventative. She improves the elasticity of the arteries, one of the reasons why this herb makes a good blood purifier.
Use red clover if you want to boost your fertility or are on the other end of the spectrum and need relief from uncomfortable menopausal symptoms. In olden times, folks used red clover to drive away evil spirits.
Red clover is almost everywhere and easy to pick, so engage with the lady and make an infused oil for massage, a fomentation or poultice for skin eruptions, a vinegar for salads, or a tincture or infusion for specific health benifits. May you take in the gifts from this gentle, humble lady~
Red Clover tincture, folkloric method
Need: one glass jar with lid, wax paper, vodka or brandy and fresh or dried red clover blossoms
Stuff jar almost full with blossoms and pour enough alcohol to cover herb. Red clover does not need a high percentage of alcohol (30-40%) to extract its properties, unlike some herbs, so brandy works fine for this plant and has a sweeter flavor that compliments the flower taste. Place wax paper over jar opening and cap with lid. Put in a cool, dry, dark place. When possible, shake intentionally once a day while sending good thoughts to the medicine. Strain the blossoms from the liquid after 2 to 4 weeks. Compost herb, pour all remaining tincture back into a clean jar, label and store. Bottle medicine as needed. Take for a couple of months as red clover needs time to create significant change in the body.
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