Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense, Papilionaceae)

Habitat: Widely distributed throughout Europe including Britain, naturalized in N. America and many other parts of the world.

Collection: The flowerheads are gathered between May and September.

Part Used: Flowerheads.

Constituents:

  • 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.

Actions: Alterative, expectorant, anti-spasmodic.

Indications: 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. It may also be of value in other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Whilst being most useful with children it can also be of value for adults. The expectorant and antispasmodic action give this remedy a role in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, but especially in whooping cough. As an alterative it is indicated in a wide range of problems when approached in a holistic sense. There is some evidence to suggest and anti-neoplastic action in animals.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a mild, stimulating and relaxing alterative with a special affinity for the throat and salivary glands. Especially indicated for debilitated children with chronic bronchial or throat conditions. They give the following specific indications : Salivary gland congestion. Spasmodic or croupy coughs. Pertussis. Pharyngeal inflammation. Chronic skin eruptions. Ellingwood recommends it for the following pathologies: irritable conditions of the larynx, whooping cough, the cough of measles.

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

Preparations & Dosage:

  • Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
  • Tincture: take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.

A favorite of natural health pioneer Ellen G. White and master herbalist Jethro Kloss – “One of Gods greatest blessings to man.” Has earned especially high regard among cancer survivors and is a cornerstone of legendary formulas and programs. There is a parasite called a fluke. It inhabits the intestine and then the liver. When it is present, there is production of cell division factor ortho-phospho-tyrosine. This disrupts normal cellular schedules and results in the runaway cell growth of cancer. It has been discovered that the phytonutrient Genisteine in Red Clover Flowers is able to disrupt a precursor to the division factor thus defusing a potential biological time-bomb. When ortho-phospho-tyrosine production is disrupted, cell growth returns to normal.

Red clover is also useful for soothing frantic nerves, systemic cleansing, coughs and for the lungs. A deep-rooted legume, perhaps the oldest agricultural crop, cultivated since prehistoric times. Important to Celtic, Chinese, Russian, Greek and Roman cultures and healing traditions. “One of God’s greatest blessings to man”. According to Jethro Kloss, author of the famous herb book Back To Eden. Also a favorite home remedy of natural health pioneer, Mrs. E.G. White. And red clover is mentioned in Dr. Hulda Clark’s book, The Cure For All Cancers and is an ingredient in the Hoxsey program. National Cancer Institute researchers have found anti-tumor properties in the herb.

More than 30 different cultures around the world use red clover in natural cancer remedies. An enzymatic cell growth factor called ortho-phospho-tyrosine is a common cancer marker, or indicator. It is produced by body parasites. Red clover provides a substance called genistine which inhibits ortho-phospho-tyrosine. Other enthusiasts describe its value for the lymphatic system, digestive tract, and as a reliever of water retention and menstrual discomforts, and “able to kill TB bacteria”. Phytonutrients, Genistein 4′-Methyl ether (Biochanin A), Minerals and especially trace elements

Said to be used for: alterative, antiscrofulous, antispasmodic, aperient, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, burns, cancer, constipation, diuretic, expectorant, gall-bladder, gout, liver, pertussis, rheumatism, sedative, skin, sores, tonic, and ulcers. Flowers have been used as a sedative. Russians recommend the herb for bronchial asthma. Chinese take the floral tea as an expectorant. Kloss recommends that every family “stash” red clover blossoms, gathered in summer, and dried on paper in shade. “Use this tea in place of tea and coffee and you will have splendid results.” This is one of Kloss’ diets that doesn’t offend me. Pages have been devoted to the anticancer activity of the floral tea, a remedy not yet tested by the National Cancer Institute. Herbals recommend clover for bronchitis, leprosy, pertussis, spasms, and syphilis. Jason Winters tea, containing red clover and chaparral and some unidentified secret spice, sells at rather high prices as a “cancer cure” (Duke, 1984b).

Lyme Disease: Red clover cleanses the bloodstream and is a good tonic.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Red Clover tincture has long been a treatment for whooping cough and bronchitis.

Female Infertility: Red clover blossom may act as a female fertility enhancer. It contains several estrogen-like compounds which may promote fertility in estrogen-deficient women. [Duke, J. A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs: 489. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985]

Menopausal Issues: Red clover extract (80mg per day of isoflavones for a 12-month period) reduced the number of hot flashes in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 women who had not had a period for over 12 months and were experiencing more than five hot flashes per day. [North American Menopause Society 12th Annual Meeting, Oct 4-6, 2001, New Orleans, LA.]

Author: Life Enthusiast Staff