Incorrigible Forageables: Red Clover

Red Clover is one of the ultimate wild plants for women's health.  Red Clover contains isoflavones that act as phytoestrogens (water-soluble plant chemicals that act like the female hormone estrogen).  Traditionally, red clover is used to treat respiratory ailments (Bronchitis and Asthma), heart disease, and skin disorders as well as women's reproductive health issues.

Women's Benefits:
Red Clover tea may help relieve PMS symptoms.  The isoflavones can help regulate estrogen that contribute to fat, which means it is a way to help reduce excess fat.  It may slow bone loss, aiding in the prevention osteoporosis.

For women with normal estrogen levels, red clover isoflavones may displace some natural estrogen from attaching to estrogen receptors, possibly preventing or relieving estrogen-related symptoms, such as breast pain, associated with PMS.  (Herb Wisdom)

Heart Disease:
Red clover may lower the levels of 'bad' low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and raise the levels of 'good' high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body.

Red Clover contains small amounts of coumarins, the precursor to the anticoagulant dicoumarin which act as slight blood thinners.  There is a small possibility that red clover may be linked to preventing blood clots and arterial plaques for this reason.

Skin Disease:
Red Clover ointments can be spread on the skin to relieve skin rashes, inflammation, eczema and psoriasis symptoms, and irritations.

Red clover is a rich source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, thiamine and vitamin C. (Herb Wisdom)

With all that said, moderation is always key.  High dosages of red clover consumption may be harmful and may be linked to an increase in miscarriages and infertility.  Also, I am not an expert, doctor or professional herbalist.  Make sure any red clover you are consuming is not coming from a source exposed to any sprays or chemicals!

Red Clover Tea

1. Add 1 Tablespoon of dried or fresh red clover blossoms to a cup of hot water or add 1 cup of the blossoms to 4 cups boiled water.
2. Let the flowers steep for about 10 minutes with about 2 Tablespoons of mint (2 Tbsp for 4 cups)
3. Add Honey to taste

Red Clover Iced Tea

1. Steep 2 black tea bags in 6 cups boiled water.  Then chill.
2. Add 1 cup of red clover blossoms mixed with 2 Tablespoons fresh mint sprigs
3. Add Honey and ice and enjoy!