Hello, friends!
I have already mentioned clover twice in my publications: both for cleansing blood vessels, and as a herb useful for women. The time has come to talk about it in more detail, so today on the agenda is red clover: medicinal properties and contraindications. We will learn what this herb growing under our feet helps with and how to use it.
Red clover: description, photo
Clover is a herbaceous plant of the legume family. The name meadow most likely comes from the fact that it grows naturally in meadows everywhere: these include the southern and central regions, Siberia and the Far East.
Red clover can be found on forest edges, along river banks, along roadsides and field edges, blooming from May to September.
The height of the plant is from 20 to 50 cm. Beautiful flowers of irregular round shape, pink or red, also taste sweet, so bees love them very much, this is a very good honey plant.
There is red clover, and also creeping white clover, which has inflorescences white and smaller size. Clover, both red and white, have the same properties and can be used equally, even mixed in one raw material. But red meadow clover is simply the most popular among us.
Clover is grown in agricultural lands as a valuable forage plant that is beneficial for animals. But they use it in compliance with standards, which, if exceeded, can lead to poisoning.
In many countries, soups and salads are seasoned with dried clover flowers.
You can buy clover in seeds and organize a circle of beautiful medicinal herbs at your dacha.
The flowers and apical leaves have medicinal properties. It is noteworthy that they can be collected from spring to autumn, but always in a clean place away from roads.
Be sure to dry in the shade and in a ventilated place, because the color of the clover should not change. When the color changes, the raw material is unusable; the flavonoids that are there are simply destroyed.
Medicinal properties of red clover
Clover has a very positive effect on the body, helps with very, very many diseases, even protracted ones, thanks to its interesting composition, which includes:
- squirrels
- carbohydrates
- saponins
- coumarins
- calcium
- iron
- sodium
- vitamins C, A, E, K, B1, B2
- glycosides
- carotenes
- flavonoids
- fatty acid
- tannins
- essential oil.
This herb with beautiful flowers has long been used as part of cold, chest and stomach preparations, for the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, and scrofula.
Tea and decoction of meadow clover cleanse the blood, remove heavy metals, salts uric acid, this removes swelling.
Look at the many-sided beneficial properties it has.
Red clover: medicinal properties:
- sweatshop
- weak diuretic
- choleretic
- anti-inflammatory
- antiatherosclerotic
- expectorant
- cleansing
- wound healing
- antibacterial
- antiseptic
- painkiller
- antifungal
- antitumor
- restorative.
Clover thins the blood, this must be kept in mind both for its benefit and in some cases, on the contrary, for its harm.
Perhaps the most important property of clover is that it can help cope with all the troubles associated with hypertension: high blood pressure, dizziness, headaches. Therefore, this is the first remedy for hypertension.
Clover helps for heart function and blood vessels because it removes harmful cholesterol, making blood vessels elastic, soft and strong, and thereby preventing the threat of stroke.
You can read more about it in my separate publication.
It is also used for joint pain, gout, arthritis, it strengthens the skeletal system, and also for oncology, for women during menopause, as well as for the treatment of wounds and burns.
We have found out what red clover helps with, and now we have some information on how to use it.
Application of red clover
From clover they prepare tea (or infusion), decoctions, and also make alcoholic tinctures, which they drink as usual and other herbs three times a day, half an hour before meals.
Take it orally in courses, be sure to take breaks. No matter how good this weed is, there is no need to overdo it to avoid addiction. In addition, it belongs to the category of hormone-like, and such things cannot be taken uncontrollably so as not to harm yourself.
Red clover: tea
Clover tea significantly reduces dizziness, tinnitus, and headaches.
It is useful to drink for anemia, inflammation of the bladder, bronchitis, cough with phlegm, asthma, shortness of breath.
A large amount of flavonoids prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood, so tea is good for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Meadow clover improves gastrointestinal motility, tea made from it will be useful in case of poor digestion of food, if there is flatulence or bloating.
And in general, clover tea is useful for everyone to strengthen the immune system and prevent health.
How to cook
Brew one tablespoon of dried crushed flowers with 250 ml of boiling water, it is better to do this in a thermos, but you can just do it like regular tea. Let it sit for 30 minutes, strain and divide this pleasant drink into three parts to drink throughout the day.
Decoction
It is better to make a decoction from fresh flowers; it is no different from tea, only the herb (2 tbsp.) poured with boiling water (250 ml) needs to be boiled over low heat for 5 minutes.
Tincture
Although tea is also acceptable for cleaning vessels, sometimes meadow clover tinctures with vodka are also prepared. I have come across a lot of cooking recipes, I will write one that I liked the most, so to speak standard for most herbs:
50 grams of dried flowers per 0.5 liter of vodka. Leave in a dark place for 10 days. After filtering, take 20 ml, diluted in a small amount of water. The course of treatment is two weeks, then you should take a ten-day break.
Clover tincture is indicated for both oncology and angina pectoris.
Red clover for women
I would also like to say separately about the benefits of clover for women’s health.
This is very nice female herb, the infusion from which is drunk and painful menstruation, and with uterine bleeding.
For gynecological diseases, douching is done: 2 tablespoons of flowers are infused in 2 liters of water or brought to a boil and cooled to a very warm state.
But red clover is especially valuable during menopause. After all, it contains phytoestrogens - natural hormones, the lack of which clover compensates for in women, improves hormonal background, helps with nervousness, excitability, poor sleep, improves general state body.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of red clover (meadow) are well known to European peoples. Fresh leaves and young shoots of this plant are eaten as a vitamin concentrate. In Rus', cabbage soup and botvinya were often prepared from stables, and, for example, the Caucasian peoples ferment young inflorescences of the herb to this day. It is also a valuable forage plant for livestock and soil fertilizer. Essential oil from it is used in perfumery and cosmetology. In Celtic mythology, the shamrock is a revered, sacred plant. It brings good luck and symbolizes the unity of the three mother goddesses in Celtic magic. Therefore, the herb is considered feminine, but it also benefits men.
Features of a medicinal plant
How to collect clover? What is included in it chemical composition? Why is this medicinal plant so valuable? And what are its contraindications?
Area
Red clover is so common and unpretentious that it is easy to find in different parts of the world. All varieties of this grass are found in the European part. Some varieties grow in Central Asia, some in the Far East. The plant also takes root in North Africa.
White or creeping clover. 
Hybrid or pink clover. 
Clover is average.
Types of clover
There are about 10 varieties of red clover, all of which are used in medical purposes. But 245 species of clover have also been described. In folk medicine, the most famous are arable, creeping, medium, pink. What are their features?
You can also purchase varietal seeds of decorative clover with dark red leaves that lie beautifully on the ground, and its shoots quickly take root and grow. The advantage of this variety is that it is a perennial. It can be planted in flower beds and alpine hills.
Botanical characteristics
Red clover. Botanical illustration from the book “Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz” by O. V. Thome, 1885.
Description of red clover:
- root: taproot, short, produces many shoots; swellings with nitrogen (a natural fertilizer) form on the root, so fields are often sown with clover;
- stems: height from 15 to 60 cm, branched, erect;
- leaves: elliptical in shape, trifoliate, with long petioles, bright green with a light spot in the center;
- flowers: collected in single heads, spherical, red, purple, crimson.
Red clover flowers are also considered a good honey plant, but bees cannot reach the nectar due to the short proboscis. More often, grass is pollinated by bumblebees or breeds of bees with a long proboscis.
Procurement of raw materials
How to collect and prepare raw materials to preserve the medicinal properties of clover?
- Collection. The most valuable thing in clover is the inflorescence. The grass is collected during the flowering period. Depending on the climate zone - from May to September. It is better to remove whole inflorescences with the upper leaves, which also contain valuable substances.
- Drying. Held in natural conditions- in attics or under sheds. Herbalists do not recommend over-drying the herb, otherwise it will lose its beneficial properties. The heads of the inflorescences should not fall off or fall apart.
- Storage . The grass is packaged in linen bags, stored in a dry place for 1 year, and the raw materials are renewed every new season.
The finished raw material has no odor; the herb has a slightly bitter taste.
Healing effect and chemical composition
How is clover useful? The herb has the following spectrum of pharmacological action:
- astringent;
- emollient;
- anti-inflammatory;
- wound healing;
- painkiller;
- antiseptic;
- diuretic;
- regenerating;
- restorative;
- vaso-strengthening;
- diaphoretic;
- expectorant;
- blood purifying;
- vitamin
Clover grass contains the following substances:
- flavonoids (there are also many of them in the leaves);
- essential oil containing furfural - an antimicrobial substance;
- fatty oil (a lot in seeds);
- glycosides;
- organic acids;
- vitamins E, C, A, P, K, B1 and B2;
- tannins;
- resins;
- cellulose;
- amino acids;
- alkaloids;
- proteins and fats;
- salts of phosphorus and calcium.
Indications and contraindications
Red clover is used in folk medicine internally and externally. For what diseases is this herb effective?
- Diseases of blood vessels and muscles. Clover helps lower cholesterol, so it is useful to take it for atherosclerosis. It is prescribed for muscle inflammation (myositis).
- Respiratory diseases. Decoctions are drunk for bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, colds, flu, ARVI. They are also prescribed for shortness of breath and bronchial asthma.
- Kidney and liver diseases. Has a mild diuretic and secretory effect. Helps with urolithiasis, cleanses the liver and blood.
- For hypertension. Clover is taken for blood pressure and hypertension, the herb relieves headaches and eliminates dizziness.
- Biogenic stimulant. The plant can be used as a general tonic to prevent viral infections. For example, in Central Asia it is customary to drink it with hot milk. The herb is taken for fatigue, anemia, alcohol intoxication, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders, weight loss or gain.
- External use. Clover is effective against various fungal diseases, as it has fungicidal (antifungal) properties. They treat boils, purulent wounds, ulcers, burns, psoriasis. With the help of compresses made from fresh juice and infusions, they relieve rheumatic and neuralgic pain and soften the skin. The product is also used in otolaryngology for gargling. Microenemas are made from it for inflammation of the rectum.
What else does clover help with? There is information in herbalists that clover is effective against oncology. For malignant tumors, the drug is taken orally; for cancerous skin lesions, lotions and ointments are applied.
Contraindications for red clover: chronic diarrhea and constipation of various natures; thrombophlebitis; varicose veins veins; pregnancy; estrogen-dependent form of cancer (more often in women during menopause); sharp forms chronic kidney and liver diseases. In case of heart disease and after a stroke, the herb can also cause harm, so it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting treatment.
Using and preparing clover at home
The plant is well known in rural areas. It is grown as livestock feed. Often used in cooking: dry inflorescences are added to soups as a seasoning; in the spring, fortified salads are made from the leaves, and compotes are made from the inflorescences. What medicines can be prepared from this herb?
Decoction and infusion
The decoction and infusion are taken orally for all of the above diagnoses and symptoms. Cool decoctions are prepared for external use: compresses, lotions, poultices are made from them, they are added to medicinal baths. These remedies help well with purulent abscesses, promote fast healing fabrics.
Preparing the decoction
- Take 1 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences.
- Pour a glass of boiling water.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Leave for 1 hour.
The decoction is filtered and taken as tea, ½ cup 3 times a day (preferably after meals). To obtain a steeper decoction, take 3 tbsp per glass of water. l. raw materials.
Preparing the infusion
- Take 2 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences.
- Pour a glass of boiling water.
- Leave for 2 hours.
Take either ½ cup 3 times a day, or ¼ cup 4 times. It is a good expectorant and astringent.
Tincture
What are the uses of red clover tincture?
- It is often prescribed for atherosclerosis, headaches, and tinnitus.
- Drink to prevent ARVI, influenza, fatigue, anemia, and cancer diagnoses.
- It can also be used externally to treat the throat and mouth (diluted).
- I do not use it on burns, open wounds, or dry skin.
- Take with caution at high blood pressure.
Vodka tincture recipe
- Take 4 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences.
- Pour in ½ liter of vodka (you can dilute 40% alcohol).
- Leave for 10 days in a warm place.
The medicine is taken 1 tsp. before every meal. It is also recommended to drink the tincture at night.
Juice
In folk medicine, fresh clover juice is used. To prepare it, take fresh inflorescences, leaves and stems. They are passed through a meat grinder, and the juice is squeezed out of the mass through cheesecloth. Usually take 1/3 cup 3 times a day. The effect of the juice is the same as the effect of decoctions and infusions. However, it retains much more vitamins. This remedy is beneficial after long illness, restores strength, strengthens the immune system, cleanses the blood. The juice is also used externally. You can find information that it is used to wash the eyes during inflammation. It is necessary to treat this with caution and consult an ophthalmologist. The acids contained in the plant can harm the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Oil hood
The emollient healing properties of clover have been confirmed. Its substances penetrate into the thickness of the skin, nourish it, increase elasticity, and protect it from the adverse effects of the external environment. Therefore, the plant in the form of decoctions and infusions is widely used in cosmetology. An oil extract is also made from it, which is used for medical purposes - to treat affected areas of the skin (burns, ulcers, wounds).
Oil extract recipe
- Take 1 part of dry inflorescences.
- Pour in 2 parts olive oil.
- Leave for 2 weeks.
Apply externally, make compresses at night. Used as cosmetic product for dry skin care.
Features of use in women, men, children
- For women . Decoctions are used externally - for douching for inflammation of the vagina. They are also taken orally for inflammatory discharge and painful periods. In scientific medicine, clover is not used as widely as in folk medicine. Nevertheless, studies have been conducted using the herb for menopause, and its effectiveness has been proven. Clover contains isoflavones - phytoestrogens. These substances are included in the replacement hormone therapy during menopause. They have far fewer side effects than synthetic hormones. The health and mood of women who take herbal decoctions noticeably improve, and the frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms also decreases. unpleasant symptoms menopause.
- For men . The herb is a natural aphrodisiac. It contains substances that increase male sexual activity. A tincture is prepared from clover seeds in the following proportion: 1 tbsp. l. seeds pour 1 glass of red wine. The mixture is steamed in a water bath for 30 minutes. The tincture is taken over a long course, 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.
- For children . Most often, clover tea is given to children with diarrhea, to improve digestion and appetite. Decoctions eliminate well intestinal colic and spasms. Exudative diathesis (popularly called scrofula) is also treated with herbs. With this diagnosis, it is recommended to bathe children in decoctions or rinse their bodies with them after bathing. Alcohol tinctures of clover are contraindicated for children.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of clover in folk medicine have long been known. However, the herb has not yet been sufficiently studied in scientific medicine, so doctors rarely prescribe it. The plant is primarily valued for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This effective remedy against cough and diarrhea, helps with atherosclerosis, neuralgia, rheumatism, heals purulent wounds, abscesses and burns well.
The benefits and harms of clover is a topic of interest to fans traditional medicine. The small, inconspicuous flower has a lot of valuable properties; you need to familiarize yourself with them and learn about the areas of application.
What does clover look like and where does it grow?
In all middle lane In Russia, in Siberia and the Far East, in European countries and even in North Africa, a small flower, clover, grows in meadows and roadsides. It usually reaches a height of no more than 60 cm, the stems of the flower are branched and straight, and the leaves are trifoliate, bright green, round in shape.
White or red inflorescences are easy to recognize - they look like rounded heads, consisting of many sharp and thin petals pointing upward. The plant blooms in June and July.
Chemical composition of clover
The benefits and harms of red clover for the body are explained by its composition. Meadow Flower contains:
- amino acids and glycosides;
- phytosterols;
- resins and tannins;
- a small amount of alkaloids;
- fiber and flavonoids;
- salicylic acid;
- ketoglutaric and p-coumaric acids;
- essential oil containing coumarin and furfural;
- fixed oils;
- calcium and phosphorus;
- vitamins B1 and B2;
- vitamins A, E, K, C and P.
What are the benefits of clover?
The properties of the flower are valued in folk medicine because medicines based on it:
- have a strengthening effect on the immune system and cleanse the body - clover is very valuable for the liver;
- relieve inflammation and fight infectious processes;
- improve metabolism and promote healthy functioning of the stomach and intestines;
- strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent the occurrence of heart diseases; clover is also useful for cholesterol;
- restore damaged skin, improve the condition of hair and skin;
- have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect against psoriasis, fungi and eczema.
The special benefit of white clover or porridge is that its properties thin the blood. The flower serves as a prevention of thrombosis and varicose veins. As for the plant with red inflorescences, clover is beneficial for oncology, thanks to coumarin and other components in the composition.
For women
The benefit of clover for women's health is that it alleviates gynecological ailments. Infusions and decoctions based on it balance hormonal levels and reduce painful sensations. A useful flower helps improve mood during heavy periods and alleviates the condition during menopause.
For men
The benefit of clover for the male body is that the medicinal plant is a natural aphrodisiac. With regular use, the properties of the flower improve potency. In addition, the positive effect of the plant on blood vessels protects men from sudden heart attacks and strokes.
What diseases does clover treat?
- therapy for colds, cough, bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis;
- treatment of cardiovascular diseases;
- lowering cholesterol levels and cleansing the body of toxins;
- treatment of sore joints- the flower helps with osteoporosis, arthritis, rheumatism;
- normalization of digestion- in small quantities, clover will not harm gastritis.
Clover is also very useful for the blood vessels of the brain - its properties prevent the development of Parkinson's disease.
Traditional medicine recipes with clover
In home medicine, all parts of the plant are used - its flowers, leaves, roots and seeds. There are proven recipes for useful remedies.
Decoction of clover leaves and flowers
For stomach and intestinal ailments, colds and coughs, and inflammatory processes, a decoction of clover flowers and leaves is used. It is made as follows:
- 1 large spoon of dry raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water;
- bring to a boil over low heat and cook for a minute;
- remove from the stove and leave covered for another hour.
The cooled and strained broth can be consumed three times a day, shortly before meals. A single dosage is half a glass - you cannot drink the product in large quantities, it will be harmful.
The benefits of clover decoction will help with skin ailments or injuries, and inflammation of the eyes. In such situations, the properties of the drink are used for rinsing - gauze or a cotton pad is moistened in a healthy decoction and the sore spot is wiped.
Important! For external use, it is recommended to use a strong decoction. To prepare it, you need to take 3 large spoons of dried flowers and leaves per 1 glass of water.
Clover root decoction
A clover decoction prepared from the roots of the plant is widely used for cleaning blood vessels. The product also helps against cough, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
- 20 g of finely chopped roots are poured with a glass of boiling water.
- Steam for half an hour.
- Ready product cool, strain and top up clean water to the original volume.
Drinking useful remedy 1 large spoon on an empty stomach. You can take a decoction of the roots 6 times a day.
Clover infusion
An effective and easy-to-prepare medicine is clover infusion for cholesterol, dry cough and diarrhea on dry leaves and flowers. To prepare it, just pour 2 large spoons of raw materials with a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for an hour. Then filter the product and drink half a glass before meals up to 4 times a day.
Alcohol tincture of red clover
Clover tincture with vodka for vessels is popular; its beneficial properties can hardly be overestimated. The product helps with atherosclerosis and colds, anemia and chronic fatigue, with high cholesterol and hypotension. Clover flower tincture can be used to rinse your mouth and throat when inflammatory processes. But in this case, it must be diluted by half with water, otherwise it will be harmful to the mucous membranes.
To prepare the product, 4 large spoons of dried leaves and flowers are poured into a glass vessel, filled with alcohol or vodka and put in a dark place for 10 days.
The finished product is filtered and taken in minimal dosages - 1 teaspoon before meals, no more than three times a day.
Important! Only adults can drink clover tincture; children and teenagers will be harmed by its properties.
Clover seed tincture
To prepare a tincture based on the seeds of a medicinal plant, pour a large spoonful of seeds into a glass of red wine, and then steam the product for half an hour. Indications for clover tincture are primarily problems with potency in men, since the product is a good aphrodisiac.
For a high-quality effect, you need to drink the product for at least a month, in the amount of 1 large spoon three times a day.
Clover juice
IN medicinal purposes can be consumed healthy juice, obtained from leaves, stems and flowers. To prepare you need:
- take fresh raw materials;
- scroll in a meat grinder or grind in a blender;
- squeeze out the juice from the resulting pulp through cheesecloth.
In the form of juice, the benefits of clover for the body are maximum - the drink retains all its beneficial properties, since it does not undergo heat treatment. The product is taken orally, one-third of a glass three times a day. The juice helps with colds, anemia and inflammatory diseases, coughs and weakened immunity.
Clover oil extract
A popular remedy for treating wounds, cuts, ulcers and burns is an oil extract based on the plant. A handful of dried flowers and leaves are poured with olive or other vegetable oil and put in a dark place for 2 weeks.
The benefits of clover herb in oil extract are intended only for skin care. You cannot take the product internally, it will cause harm.
Fresh crushed leaves and inflorescences
The benefits of meadow clover include: homemade ointment made from flowers and leaves. The fresh plant is thoroughly ground with a mortar or crushed in a blender. The resulting pulp is simply applied to the damaged skin and covered with a sterile bandage for a quarter of an hour.
Advice! You can use ointment from clover flowers not only for burns and cuts, but also to relieve rheumatic pain - the product relieves inflammation and removes discomfort.
Benefits and preparation of medicinal clover tea
The beneficial properties of clover tea are that it increases immune resistance, helps fight colds and strengthens blood vessels. Clover tea is often given to children for coughs; children drink it more readily than decoctions or infusions.
Classic clover tea
To prepare the drink you will need:
- pour boiling water over 1 small spoon of dried flowers and leaves;
- Infuse clover tea for 5 minutes;
- drink throughout the day.
Use healthy clover tea not like regular tea, but in small portions, a few sips at a time.
Clover mint tea
To prepare an aromatic tonic drink, you need:
- pour 5 parts of dry raw materials into the teapot;
- add 1 part each of dried St. John's wort and mint;
- pour boiling water and wait 10 minutes.
You can drink this drink in the usual way. The benefits of red clover mint tea are that it has a relaxing effect and strengthens the immune system.
Clover tea with oregano
For fans of fragrant herbal infusions You will like clover tea with oregano. To prepare you need:
- pour 4 parts of dried raw materials into the teapot;
- add 2 parts each of dry mint, St. John's wort and currant leaves;
- supplement the collection with 1 part of oregano.
The tea is brewed in the usual way and drunk as a tonic and anti-cold remedy, sweetened with honey if desired.
The use of clover in home cosmetology
The health benefits and harms of clover are also evident in folk beauty recipes. The properties of the flower not only promote the healing of damage, but also increase the elasticity of the skin and rejuvenate it. Plant-based products benefit hair by strengthening it and restoring healthy shine.
Face masks and decoctions
The benefits of clover decoctions and masks lie in the refreshing and cleansing properties of the plant. There are quite a few simple recipes skin care. For example:
- to moisturize dry skin and remove fine wrinkles, you need to chop the flowers and leaves of the plant, mix the pulp thoroughly with 1 teaspoon of liquid honey and apply it to your face for a quarter of an hour;
- A simple decoction of clover for the face will help against skin irritations and acne, The product will have an anti-inflammatory and tonic effect if you wash your face with it in the morning.
The listed products must be used at least twice a week, then the effect will be stable.
Recipes for beautiful hair
The beneficial properties of meadow flower help restore beauty to weakened curls and get rid of dandruff.
- To restore brittle and dull hair, you need to prepare a strong infusion of 3 tablespoons of crushed flower per glass of boiling water. The product is kept covered for 3 hours, then strained and rubbed into the hair roots daily.
- A herbal infusion will help get rid of dandruff. Crushed clover leaves and flowers, nettle and St. John's wort are mixed in equal quantities, poured with cosmetic tea oil, covered with a lid and infused for 9 days. The finished product is slightly heated and rubbed into the scalp for 3 hours.
Harm of clover and contraindications
The properties of meadow flowers can not only strengthen the body, but also cause harm if used carelessly. The use of infusions and decoctions is prohibited:
- for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, the flower is useful only as a preventive measure; in case of existing ailments, it will cause harm;
- at serious illnesses liver and kidneys;
- during pregnancy and during breastfeeding;
- for severe diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- for hypertension;
- in estrogen-dependent forms of oncology.
Side effects of clover include vomiting, dizziness, rash or muscle pain. For women, the harm of the flower is expressed in increased risk uterine bleeding.
Collection, preparation and storage of clover
Red or white clover should be harvested during its natural flowering period - in mid-summer. For collection, it is necessary to select only fresh, healthy, unfading and undamaged inflorescences. It is advisable to cut them off along with the stem and upper leaves, since these parts are also useful in home recipes.
Flowers should be dried in an open place with good ventilation, but away from sun rays. In this case, it is important to remove the raw materials from drying before the inflorescences and leaves become completely dry and begin to crumble.
Dried flowers are packaged in linen bags and stored in a dry, dark place. The benefits of dried clover last throughout the year - then it is advisable to conduct a new collection.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of clover are a matter of careful use. Medicinal plant should not be used if there are contraindications or in too high a dosage. But if you follow the rules, the flower will not cause harm, but great benefit.
There are hundreds of types of clover, and most of them are used in medicine due to the formation of vitamins E and C in the leaves, the “antimicrobial” trifolirizin in the roots of the plant and a whole “bouquet” of useful substances in the inflorescences of clover. Overdose and ill-conceived combination of clover with medicines may cause a negative reaction, but with a rational approach, clover can significantly facilitate the treatment process and make it more effective.
Composition and nutrients
What exactly is used and in what form
In the medicinal industry and in the traditional medicine system, clover inflorescences (heads) are most often used as raw materials. mountain clover, meadow clover) and grass plants ( creeping clover) .
In therapy various diseases Infusions and decoctions from clover inflorescences are used. Poultices with clover infusion are used externally (for burns, joint problems). Crushed clover leaves are applied to ulcerative skin lesions and festering wounds. Fresh clover juice treats allergic manifestations in the eye area. Clover flowers are brewed and drunk as tea. An alcohol tincture is prepared based on clover.
Medicinal properties
The inflorescences of red clover (meadow) contain glycosides trifolin and isotrifolin, tannins, essential and fatty oils, organic acids, including salicylic acid, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, E, K. The antimicrobial component trifolyrizin is formed in clover roots. Ascorbic acid and tocopherol are formed in the leaves during the flowering period.
Red clover has an expectorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect on the body. This remedy is used as an expectorant for inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract. Red clover is prescribed for anemia, cystitis, bronchial asthma, painful menstruation and rheumatism “with experience”.
Tincture from clover inflorescences is recommended for atherosclerosis (provided there is normal and stable blood pressure). For edema of cardiac and renal etymology, the carminative effect of clover is used. A strong decoction of mountain clover is taken on an empty stomach for a hernia. Sitz baths with mountain clover are prescribed for hemorrhoids. An infusion of plowed clover herb is useful for pulmonary tuberculosis, gastritis with high acidity, kidney and bladder diseases, migraines and nervous disorders.
In official medicine
- The pharmacy assortment offers the drug " Cleverol"- a product created on the basis of an extract from red clover. " Cleverol» is prescribed in the complex treatment of vegetative-vascular and emotional-mental disorders that arise against the background of the development of a premenopausal or menopausal state. The product has a positive effect on insomnia, irritability, and hot flashes characteristic of menopause. How does clover work during menopause? This effect of the drug is explained by the content of phytoestrogens in Cleverol, active substances that replenish the reduced level of estrogen in a woman’s body during menopause, or after removal of the ovaries.
- Clover is also present in the system of developed dietary supplements. Biologically active additive « Red clover"is useful and is used to strengthen the immune system, with general exhaustion of the body caused by frequent infectious diseases, as an addition to a balanced menu.
- Alcohol tincture of red clover is also available " Red clover».
- Red clover flowers and herbs are offered on the medicinal market in the form of filter bags for brewing.
In folk medicine
- For coughs and complicated colds, a decoction of clover is useful: pour a tablespoon of inflorescences into 200 ml of boiling water, let it boil, leave for at least two hours in a warm place. Strain and take a third of a glass three times a day, half an hour before meals.
- For anemia, a clover infusion is recommended: 3 teaspoons of inflorescences, steamed with 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 60 minutes, strain. Take a quarter glass 4 times a day 20 minutes before meals.
- For headache attacks, pour boiling water over a tablespoon of inflorescences, leave for half an hour and squeeze. Take 100 ml three times a day for 14 days.
- For dysmenorrhea, steam two tablespoons of clover in 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew in a thermos for half a day. Strain, drink 50 ml 4 times a day half an hour before meals.
- For cystitis: pour a tablespoon of inflorescences into 0.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil. Drink 2 spoons at intervals of two hours.
- For atherosclerosis, accompanied by headache and tinnitus (provided normal blood pressure), clover tincture is useful: 40 g of dry raw material is infused in 0.5 liters of alcohol with a strength of 40 degrees for 10 days. Drink 20 ml of the strained tincture before lunch and in the evening, before bed. The duration of treatment is 90 days, with a break of 10 days.
- To improve digestion, prepare a mixture of red clover inflorescences, peppermint leaves and centaury herb (a tablespoon of all herbs). Pour 300 ml of boiling water over the raw material, let it brew and take 100 ml three times a day half an hour before meals.
Externally:
- To prepare lotions and poultices, use a decoction of clover inflorescences (20 g of flowers per glass of boiling water).
- For rheumatism, three tablespoons of plowed clover herb are wrapped in gauze and dipped in boiling water, then squeezed out and applied to the affected area of the body while not scalding hot.
In oriental medicine
Tibetan healers use lupine clover in the treatment of diseases of the liver and biliary tract, and for jaundice.
Avicenna prescribed fresh juice from clover grass in the treatment of bronchial asthma. A decoction of clover was recommended for healing wounds and ulcers due to scrofula, and was used as a diuretic for kidney pathologies.
In Central Asian countries, clover decoction is used to treat colds, malarial fever, used for weakened and reduced digestive functions as an astringent.
In scientific research
P.B. Clifton-Bligh, R. Baber, J. Fulker, M. Neri, T. Moreton investigated the effect of isoflavones contained in red clover on lipid metabolism and metabolic processes in bone tissue.
Nestel P.J., Pomeroy T., Kay S. note the effect of isoflavones isolated from red clover associated with changes (improvement of condition) of the walls of blood vessels in women in menopause.
The pharmacokinetic aspect of red clover is covered in the work of Howes J., Waring M., Huang L., who analyze the rate of absorption of isoflavones in the body.
The use of red clover as a remedy prescribed to women during the postmenopausal period was studied by S. Exanpour, M. S Salehi, B. Solfaghari.
Wong I., W. Man Guo, S. Chen also determined the role of substances contained in red clover in the prescription of estrogen replacement therapy.
The study of O. Novikov, D. Pisareva, and M. Zhuravel is devoted to the study of the active components of red clover, flavonoids.
In cooking
All parts of the plant are suitable for culinary experiments: clover sprouts eaten fresh, or lightly boiled in salted water, flowers used raw, dried, for preparing various desserts and drinks. And seeds and flowers can be ground into flour.
Ingredients you will need to prepare a fragrant and healthy drink: one cup of clover flowers, two tablespoons of dried or fresh mint, four cups of water, honey or sugar to taste. Rinse clover flowers thoroughly under running water. Steam mint and clover in boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes. Then strain and add honey or sugar.
Clover cookies
To make these cookies, you will need: 2 cups wheat flour, half a cup almond flour, one tablespoon baking powder, 1/3 cup butter at room temperature, 2 eggs, half a cup plain yogurt, vanillin on the tip of a knife, 1 cup chopped dried or fresh flowers clover. Combine flour, baking powder and butter and mix until smooth. Separately, beat eggs with yogurt and vanilla. Add clover flowers to the egg mixture and gradually add the resulting mass to the dough base of flour, butter and baking powder. Roll out the kneaded dough on a floured surface. Cut out cookies using cookie cutters. Bake until golden. Serve ready-made cookies with jam or hot chocolate.
White clover mousse
To create this delicious dessert you will need: 2 cups of white clover blossoms, one tablespoon of gelatin (or one sheet of gelatin), a cup of water, half a cup of fresh orange juice, 4 tablespoons of honey, a cup of heavy whipping cream, a pinch of salt.
Dissolve gelatin in a quarter cup of water. In a saucepan over low heat, gradually bring the mixture of clover flowers, water, orange juice, honey and salt to a boil. Remove from heat, add gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved and let cool. Leave in the refrigerator until it starts to harden. Whip a cup of cream and carefully mix with the slightly set jelly mass. Transfer to a glass bowl and keep in the refrigerator until the mousse has completely hardened.
In cosmetology
Does clover help with wrinkles? Care cosmetics based on clover extract cover products intended for mature, aging skin with pronounced signs of aging. The active components isolated from clover are characterized not only by their rejuvenating effect. They effectively heal acne-affected skin and soothe sensitive and irritated skin. Clover is also good for hair: clover extract is included in products that prevent hair loss.
Other uses
Clover is a highly productive honey plant. Fresh clover honey is transparent, with a delicate aroma; upon crystallization, the clover honey mass turns white and hardens.
Clover is used by farmers as a plant that improves soil composition. The plant not only has a positive effect on the structure of the soil, strengthens it, but also leads to an increase in the number of earthworms and various beneficial microorganisms populating the land. The clover root system contains specific bacteria whose function is to accumulate nitrogen. As a result, the soils on which clover grows are always enriched with this mineral fertilizer. This feature of clover is actively used by agronomists when sowing fields.
An unusual collection of clovers with four leaves (they are believed to bring good luck) was collected by Alaska resident Edward Martin. The idea of collecting came to Mr. Martin back in 1999. this moment the original collection contains more than 11,000 quatrefoils.
One of the symbolic meanings of clover has biblical origins. It is believed that when Eve was expelled from the Garden of Eden, she took the famous quatrefoil with her for good luck. Therefore, clover symbolizes a piece of heaven on Earth.
In the Christian tradition, three leaf clovers are associated with God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit. The fourth leaf of the plant means God's mercy.
Folk signs, associated with clover can help determine whether it will rain or bad weather is approaching: before the rain, clover leaves straighten, and on the eve of storms and bad weather, clover folds its leaves.
Harm of clover and contraindications
Clover is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Clover is not recommended for those who are taking any hormonal therapy (the isoflavonoids contained in it create in this case an additional hormonal load). Considering that clover is a source of phytoestrogens, you should refrain from using any clover-based medicines when taking oral contraceptives, estrogens, progesterone drugs, anticoagulants, aspirin.
With uncontrolled and excessive consumption of clover, the following may occur: side effects: headache, muscle weakness, nausea, allergic reactions.
It is dangerous to take clover simultaneously with any blood thinning drugs to avoid liver damage and internal bleeding.
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Botanical description
This is a representative of the Legume family.
origin of name
Among the many popular names analogues of the plant: redhead, red porridge, honey blossom, meadow trefoil, trinity, scrofulous grass, fever grass, Trojan. Latin generic name for clover Trifolium translated as " shamrock».
Kinds
Botanists know 244 species of clover, including:
- 1 Red clover- grows almost everywhere in Europe, the Far East, Kamchatka, the Siberian region, northern Africa, and Central Asian countries. Widely used in traditional medicine recipes, in homeopathy, in the culinary tradition the species has justified itself as a popular food crop. Forage pasture plant and productive honey plant.
- 2 Mountain Clover- perennial, representative of the mountain flora of Europe, the Asian part of Russia, and some Asian countries. To prepare medicines, herbs and inflorescences of this species are used. Mountain clover extract has found active use in the creation of cosmetics.
- 3 White clover (creeping)– the growing area of this perennial is unusually wide: Europe, the Caucasus region, Siberia, northern Africa, Asian countries, the American continent, Australia and New Zealand. Popular forage crop. White clover is used in medicine and is an excellent honey plant.
- 4 Arable clover- an annual plant common in the European region, in Western Siberia. Has medicinal value.
- 5 Alpine clover– grows on ledges and in rock cracks, found on gravelly terrain and in river valleys. Distributed in the Alps, mountainous Crimea, the Caucasus and Altai. , .
Red clover (meadow)- a herbaceous plant from 15 to 40 (sometimes 60) cm in height, with a woody rhizome, ascending stems and trifoliate leaves characteristic of all clovers. Flowers of dark pink, dirty purple, ash pink, red-purple or white are collected in round heads. Fruit type: bean. The flowering period of clover is from May-June to September. You can find the plant on forest edges, near the road, on slopes, clearings, meadows with soils of medium moisture and among bushes.
Growing conditions
Clover is a typical representative of temperate climate zone crops. The plant prefers moist soils; drought affects clover negatively. During the growing season, clover thrives in cooler temperatures. Germination of seed material occurs at temperatures above 2 degrees. The ascended plant is able to adapt to light frosts. Clover also tolerates wintering well with severe frosts provided there is dense snow cover. The preferred time for sowing clover is early spring. Before sowing, the soil is treated to eliminate possible pests and fed with microfertilizers.
The collection of clover inflorescences should begin in dry and sunny weather. When collecting, the inflorescence heads are cut off along with the apical leaves. The clover is first dried in the sun and then dried in a room with good ventilation. When drying, the inflorescences should not be shaken vigorously to prevent massive scattering of the raw material into small flowers. It is necessary to store clover in a dry place, since at a certain level of humidity enzymatic processes are launched in the inflorescences that spoil medicinal properties plants and even contribute to the formation of poisonous and harmful substances. Clover has a shelf life of up to 2 years. At home, small armfuls or bunches of clover are wrapped in thick paper and stored in a hanging state.
If fresh clover inflorescences are used, it must be remembered that between the flowers of each plant there may be a significant number of insects attracted by the aroma and nectar of clover. To clean clover from insects, you need to soak the inflorescences in salted water for about a quarter of an hour. Salt the water at the rate of a teaspoon of salt per liter of liquid. Then the inflorescences should be washed under running water.
Safety regulations
The administration is not responsible for attempting to use any recipe, advice or diet, and also does not guarantee that the information provided will help and will not harm you personally. Be smart and always consult your appropriate physician!
Red clover (or red) is a plant with a long history. It began to be cultivated back in the fourteenth century in Northern Italy. Then the culture appeared in Holland and Germany. In 1633, the plant came to England. From the middle of the eighteenth century, clover appeared in Russia.
In the old days, the dried leaves of the plant were combined with flour and baked into bread. In addition, the plant was used in the manufacture of sauces and cheeses. Since ancient times, clover has been an integral part of healing teas and aromatic healing baths. Today this plant is in demand in medicine, dermatology and agriculture. Moreover, clover is an excellent honey plant and forage plant.
Botanical characteristics
Clover is a herbaceous perennial of the legume family, reaching a height of up to 50, sometimes even more, centimeters. The plant is equipped with an erect or ascending stem, a taprooted branched rhizome, bright green, petiolate, trifoliate leaves with stipules, and moth-like dark or pale red flowers surrounded below by apical leaves.
Clover blooms at the end of spring, and the fruits ripen towards the end of summer. The fruits are single-seeded, ovoid beans with small, ovoid, flattened yellow or brownish seeds.
Europe, North Africa, Central and Western Asia, Russia are the habitat of clover. Dry meadows, clearings, edges, thickets of bushes, field edges are the places where the plant grows.
How are raw materials procured?
Medicinal raw materials – flowers with apical leaves. They must be collected during the flowering period. Pick or cut off the whole inflorescence along with the wrapper, then place it in a basket. It is necessary to dry the inflorescences in the shade. You can also use a dryer for this purpose. Monitor the temperature, it should not exceed sixty degrees. If the raw material dries out, it will lose a significant part of its healing properties. Flowers should be stored in a tightly closed container. Shelf life - two years, no more.
The rhizomes of the plant are often used to make medicines. They need to be harvested after the plant has flowered. The roots are dug up, cleaned of soil and other foreign impurities, washed and dried.
You can dry the raw materials either outdoors under a canopy or in the attic. To speed up the process, you can use a dryer or oven. After drying, pour the raw materials into boxes and place them in a room with good ventilation. You can store rhizomes for a year, no more.
Composition and healing properties of red clover
This plant is not in vain used in cooking and folk medicine. After all, it contains a huge amount of useful, and, importantly, substances necessary for the normal functioning of the human body:
- glycosides;
- saponins;
- steroids;
- vitamins of groups B, E, K;
- ascorbic acid;
- coumarins;
- phenolcarboxylic acids;
- saponins;
- fatty oils;
- quinones;
- tannins;
- essential oils;
- carotene;
- micro- and macroelements;
- salicylic acid;
- flavonoids.
The rich composition gives this plant truly healing properties. Red clover has a diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, choleretic, antisclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, wound-healing, hemostatic, antitumor and analgesic effect.
Medicines based on this miracle plant promote treatment rheumatism, colds, anemia, malaria, burns, cystitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, atherosclerosis, asthenia, rickets.
The use of red clover preparations in informal medicine
➡ Preparation of vitamin infusion. Clover is an excellent remedy for the prevention of vitamin deficiencies. It is recommended to be taken by people suffering from loss of strength and anemia. Steam a couple of tablespoons with two liters of boiled water. It is advisable to infuse the product in a closed thermos. Add a little lemon juice, about 30 ml and a couple of spoons of honey. Place the container in a ventilated area for seven hours. Take ¼ cup twice a day: in the morning and before going to bed.
➡ Preparing a tonic drink. Take twenty grams of dried clover inflorescences and combine with crushed rose hips. Mix the ingredients and brew the raw material with five hundred milliliters of boiled water. Place the container in a warm place for seven hours. Take 100 ml of the drink twice a day.
➡ Angina pectoris: tincture therapy. Grind the fresh inflorescences of the plant and pour medical alcohol– 500 ml. Close the container well and take it to a dark, cool room for fourteen days. Shake the contents periodically. Filter and consume ten milliliters of the medicine, previously diluted in half a glass of boiled, cooled water.
➡ Atherosclerosis, migraines: use of tincture. Pour 700 ml of vodka over one hundred grams of dried, finely chopped plant. Leave the composition in the cold for fifteen days. Take two spoons of the drug before going to bed. The therapeutic course should be two weeks. Then a week break and repeat the course.
➡ Preparation of an infusion that helps normalize menstruation, as well as eliminate pain.
Brew ten grams of dry crushed red clover inflorescences in two hundred milliliters of boiling water. Place in a dry, dark place for five hours. Take 70 ml twice a day. It is recommended to take the medicine a few days before your period.
➡ Hives, irritation skin: bath application. Fill fifty grams of dried plant with 500 ml of water. Place on the stove and boil. Let it sit for a while. Strain the broth and add to a bath filled with hot water. Take a healing bath for about fifteen minutes.
➡ Preparation of a sedative. Fill approximately 150 grams of plant with a liter of water. Place the saucepan on the stove and boil the product. Simmer for ten minutes. Cool, filter and take 100 ml of the drink several times a day instead of water. To improve the taste, you can add a little honey.
➡ Vulvitis, leucorrhoea: use of healing baths. Steam a spoonful of dried crushed flowers with three hundred milliliters boiled water. Infuse the product in a thermos for six hours. After time, filter the infusion, dilute and use for baths.
➡ Clover in the treatment of stomatitis. Pour the raw material - a couple of spoons of dried clover inflorescences - with three hundred milliliters of boiled water and put the container in a dry, warm place for several hours. Use the infusion as a mouth rinse.
➡ Scrofula, burns, tumors: use of infusion. Steam twenty grams of dry clover with four hundred milliliters of boiled water. Leave in a dry, dark place for two days. Take 50 milliliters of the medicine twice a day. The therapeutic course is twenty days.
➡ The tincture will get rid of the noise in your head. Pour ten grams of dried crushed plant with two hundred milliliters cold water. Place the container on the stove, bring the raw materials to a boil. Filter, take a couple of spoons four times a day, before meals.
➡ A drink that enhances lactation. Combine fifteen grams of dry clover heads with the same amount of St. John's wort herb, twenty grams of currants, mix. Steam the raw materials with three hundred milliliters of boiled water. Drink 100 ml three times a day instead of tea. You can add a little honey for taste.
➡ Inflammation of the ovaries: decoction therapy. Take 20 gr. dried and finely chopped plant rhizomes, cover with water. Place on the stove, boil, and then leave in a water bath for thirty minutes. Cool, filter and drink 50 ml of medicine five times a day.
Contraindications!
Before taking clover preparations, be sure to consult with your doctor. It is not recommended to take products from the plant if you have an individual intolerance, pregnancy, stomach upsets or ailments of the cardiovascular system. Do not abuse drugs from the plant or exceed recommended dosages.
