All in Clover

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All in Clover

“Many and many a verse I hope to write,

Before the daisy’s vermeil rimm’d and white,

Hide in deep herbage, and ere yet the bees

Hum about globes of clover and sweet peas.”

                                                    John Keats

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Description:

A perennial herb with a hairy stalk, growing to 16 inches. It has three leaflets, rarely, four, and they are marked with a distinctive white chevron. The flowers are pink-purple, and consist of approximately 55-200 densely packed, round-headed florets. It is a member of the pea family. It blooms from spring-fall, along roadsides, lawns, fields, and disturbed areas. It is the state flower of Vermont.

  We all know this flower; one can hardly think of a summer’s day without envisioning a hillside covered with clover and humming bees. In fact, who among us can say they have never searched for the elusive four-leaved clover, reputed to bring its owner good fortune?

  Although there are approximately 250 species of clover, 80 of them being native to North America, red clover is not one of these native species. It was imported here from Europe, to be used as a hay crop and as a nitrogen fixing plant. The planting of this species improves the soil, and is considered superior forage for livestock, yielding about 2/3 more protein than alfalfa.

  Humans can benefit from this nutritious plant, as well: it is rich in vitamin C, as well as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. In addition, it is high in biotin, choline, inositol, and bioflavinoids.  It is also a good source of minerals: copper, magnesium, calcium, zinc and manganese. The dried flowers can be ground into protein-rich flour, which is excellent when blended with other whole grains.

The greens are good for salads in early spring, and the flowers too, can be eaten this way. But red clover packs its greatest nutritional punch when the flower heads are infused and imbibed as a tonic.

  This plant contains volatile oils, including isoflavones, salicyclate, and coumarins. The isoflavones are present to a fairly high degree, and are phytoestrogenic. It is therefore particularly helpful in treating the symptoms of menopause. It not only reduces the intensity of hot flashes, and offsets the impact of falling estrogen levels, but it also appears to exert a protective effect on circulation, and the heart, among women with low estrogen levels. It is also considered a preventative for breast cancer, and as a treatment for existing cases.

  It has been shown that genistein, and daidzein, two of its isoflavones, were able to prevent the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro. Further, research conducted by scientist Stephen Barnes at the University of Alabama, found that genistein blocks estrogen receptors and may inhibit breast cancer growth.

  But, for centuries, long before science analyzed and identified the active constituents of red clover, it was already being used as a treatment for breast cancer. Strong decoctions of the herb were soaked in a compress, which was then applied to the tumor. It is said to have encouraged the tumor to grow outward, eventually clearing the body.

  Pharmaceutical companies have isolated the isoflavones in red clover, and have marketed it as a treatment for menopause, but it is believed that the synergy of all its constituents working together is far greater than these artificially isolated elements.

  In addition, red clover has been widely used to treat skin conditions, and when used in combination with other purifying herbs, such as yellow dock or burdock, it is used as a blood purifier.

  It is also an expectorant and an antispasmodic, used for bronchial, and other spasmodic coughs. In addition, it has anti-asthma properties, as well; before vasodilators were invented, asthma sufferers commonly smoked cigarettes containing red clover.

 One of its significant constituents is choline, a necessary nutrient involved in many of the body’s functions, including cell membrane construction, muscle control, and the development of a healthy fetal nervous system. In 1975, scientists discovered that it increased the synthesis and release of acetylcholine by neurons. This discovery brought awareness of its importance in regard to human brain function; this, in addition to its rich supply of iron, chromium and B vitamins, contribute to red clover’s ability to help improve memory and reduce confusion.

Its abundant supply of minerals make it an excellent builder of healthy bones, as well as a calming agent; and the presence of salicyclic acid (the source from which aspirin is made) makes it an effective pain reliever, as well. It is also considered an over-all strengthening agent, helping to build the immune system and increase energy.

To make an infusion of the dried flowers, take ¼ cup of blossoms and place in a heat-proof jar, cover with 1 quart of “just off the boil” water, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let stand for two hours, maximum. Strain and keep remaining infusion in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2-3 days. Drink 1 cup per day.

There are no poisonous look-alikes.