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.

 

Yarrow of a Thousand Leaves

“Thou pretty herb of Venus’ tree

Thy true name is yarrow,

Now who my bosom friend must be,

Pray tell thou me tomorrow”

Anonymous

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a perennial plant from the Old World, which grows to 3 feet, has finely divided, feathery leaves, and a white composite flower. It is flat-topped and fragrant, and is found along roadsides and meadows. It blooms from early spring to fall.

  Yarrow has been known as a healing herb since ancient times. Its Genus name, Achillea, refers to Achilles, the legendary warrior of ancient Greece. He is said to have carried yarrow to staunch the blood of his wounds. In fact, one of the plant’s earliest folk names was herba militaria, as it was so commonly associated with treating the wounds of battle. Its species name, millefolium, means, “thousand leaves”, which refers to the lacy effect of its doubly divided leaves.

  In the late 16^th century, John Gerarde wrote what was to become England’s most famous herbal. In it, he recommended yarrow as a styptic (to stop the bleeding of a wound) as a vulnerary (to heal the wound) as a bath to stop “the laske” (diarrhea) and also, as a drink to stop “bloody flixe”, (an excessive discharge of blood). In addition, he recommended that the leaves be chewed as a remedy for toothache.

  Another one of its common names was “nosebleed” because it was a folk remedy for this problem. The leaves were soaked in water, and then stuffed into the bleeding nostril to stop the flow of blood. In addition, women have used yarrow to relieve heavy menstrual flow, and to regulate their cycle.

  Looking through Daniel Moerman’s, Native American Plants, it becomes clear that most Native American tribes used yarrow. In addition to all of the above uses, it was also relied on for many other problems, as well. For instance, the Mendocina tribe used it as a wash for sprains, and as a remedy for tuberculosis; the Micmac tribe used the herb as an antirheumatic; and the Chippewas chewed the root and spit it onto the limbs as a stimulant.

  Throughout history, it continued to be relied upon to staunch the flow of blood, as a disinfectant, and as an anti-inflammatory, but it was also used as a diaphoretic (to induce sweating to help break a fever) and as eyewash for irritated eyes; as well as being used as a cure for earache.

  In modern times, when the plant was finally able to be analyzed, and its components identified, it was understood why this early folk wisdom was so well founded. Scientific analysis revealed the presence of volatile oil, which medical herbalist Andrew Chavalier calls the “most important medicinally active plant constituent”; phytosterols (which explains the plant’s ability to regulate the menstrual cycle) and tannins, (which are very bitter, and therefore explains its use as a digestive aid) as well as it being a substance which contributes to its use as a styptic. In addition, achillene was identified, the alkaloid, which further explains the plant’s ability to staunch the flow of blood. Flavonoids, (which have an anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect) were also isolated. Overall, 120 compounds have been identified.

In general, it has been found to be an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, an antispasmodic and a diuretic. In addition, it lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, reduces fever and stops internal bleeding. It is no wonder that naturalist, Steve Brill, has called yarrow a “green pharmacy”.

Susun Weed, author The New Menopausal Years, says that yarrow also promotes progesterone, which can help to lessen excessive menopausal bleeding; and that in addition, it is a powerful urinary disinfectant with “powerful antibacterial action”. In addition, she says that the herb can be used as an effective aid in preventing hair loss.

She says to take 10-20 drops of the essential oil and combine it with 4 oz. of carrier oil, such as olive oil, or jojoba oil, and rub into the scalp and leave on overnight.

Andrew Chevallier recommends it as a poultice for cuts and scrapes. Simmer the herb for 2 minutes, squeeze out the excess liquid, and then place warm, over the wound, securing it in place with a bandage.

Caution: Yarrow should not be taken in large doses, or for long periods of time, for one of its constituents, thujone, is considered toxic.

Dandelion Gold

“…That who sees this little flower,

By faith may clear behold,

The bobolinks around the throne,

And dandelions gold.”

Emily Dickinson

Dandelions Gold

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Description: Golden yellow flower, jagged lobed leaves, hollow milky stem, reflexed outer bracts, fluffy globular white seed balls. 2-18 in. March – September Habitat: Lawns and roadsides

  The dandelion, a native of Greece, was intentionally brought to the Mid-West by early settlers to provide food for imported honey-bees; the flowers flourished in their new environs, and today, they are probably the most widely recognized wildflower in the United States.

Its bright yellow ‘petals’ are actually hundreds of individual ray flowers, and they are strap-shaped with parallel edges, unlike the petals of most other flowers, which have tapered petals.

 They sit atop an un-branched stem, a hollow tube, which yields a milky substance when torn. The basal leaves are jagged and deeply cleft, and it is this characteristic which has given it its name: ‘dandelion’ is a corruption of the Old French, ‘dent de lion’, or, ‘lion’s tooth’.

It has a genius method of dissemination: once the flowers have been fertilized, they transform into fluffy balls, and every tiny fruit has a feathery parachute that carries the brown seed upon the wind.

The nutritional value of the dandelion is well established, according to Thomas Elpel, author of Botany in a Day, the dandelion is one of the most nutritious plants on earth. The iron and calcium content is higher than that of spinach, and the beta-carotene content is higher than carrots. In addition, they offer vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, P, and D as well as biotin, inositol, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.

  In addition to its superlative nutritional value, it also has a long-standing reputation as a medicinal herb; in fact, its specific name, ‘officinale’, refers to the fact that it is used medicinally. The earliest known writings about dandelion appeared in Arabian physician’s herbals, in the 10^th and 11^th centuries, as well Welsh medicinal herbals, in the 13^th century.

  Traditionally, the herb was eaten in the spring, as a tonic to cleanse the liver. It works well on the liver, but on the gall bladder, also, where it helps to prevent gallstones, and, because both the root and the leaf are high in sodium, it can break down acid in the blood, helping to dissolve existing stones.

It also stimulates the kidneys to remove toxins. In fact, in the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, the author, Andrew Chevallier, says that dandelion root is one of the most de-toxifying herbs. It is useful in the treatment of many conditions, including skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis; constipation, and it is also used for arthritic conditions and gout. In addition, dandelion may lower blood sugar, which is good for diabetics.

The leaves are also used as a bitter; it stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, aiding in digestion.

The plant is also widely used as a diuretic, but unlike pharmaceutical diuretics, which leach potassium from the body, dandelion’s abundant supply of potassium, leaves the body’s potassium stores enriched, rather than depleted.

The plant’s milky substance is good for the removal of warts, moles and treating pimples. It can also be used to soothe insect stings and blisters.

The young spring leaves, before the flowers appear, are the most bitter, but also the most effective medicinally, however use of the plant is beneficial throughout the season. Some may find the leaves too bitter, but when they are mixed with other greens, the bitterness becomes a contributor to taste.

There are no poison look-alikes.

Stinging Nettle

  Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of inadvertently walking through a stand of stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) only to find our skin raw and irritated. This stinging sensation is caused by fine, hollow hairs on the plant. When these hairs touch a human, or other animal, the tip of the hair falls off, allowing it to function like a hypodermic needle: a mix of several chemicals is then shot into the unfortunate interloper’s exposed skin, including histamine and formic acid. The result is the well-known scathing discomfort of ‘nettle burn’.

But before you decide to burn down that stand of nettle: Stop! What you have here is one of the most nutritious, and medicinally valuable, plants in the herbal cadre.

It has been recognized as a valuable medicinal herb since (at least) the 1^st century, when the Greek physician, Dioscorides, first wrote about it. Among its uses, which he listed, were: as a poultice for septic wounds; the juice, he said, was used to stop nosebleeds; and the greens, mixed with myrrh, were used as a potherb to stimulate menstruation.

In today’s world, the herb is well known for its healing effects for arthritis. Andrew Chavallier, in his Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, points out that research in Germany found that nettle has strong anti-arthritic properties, making it a preferred remedy for this purpose. It is also popularly used as a cleansing agent, allowing the body to detoxify  (through its strong diuretic properties) and it has been shown through research, that it may assist the body in the detoxification of heavy metals and chemicals.

In addition, it is widely used as a general tonic; Susun Weed, in her book, New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way, swears by nettle infusions, and their ability to build strong healthy bones, heal exhausted adrenal glands, repair kidney function, and nourish the immune system. In addition, the author says that its high level of lipids, positively influence hormonal balance.

It also has strong astringent properties, and as such, it slows or stops bleeding, including heavy menstrual bleeding. In addition, nettles have been shown to be antiallergenic, and it is used to treat hay fever and asthma.

The plant, in general, is an anti-inflammatory, but recent research on the root, has shown it to be an effective treatment for enlarged prostate. The plant root inhibits cell metabolism and growth, and it might also inhibit viral activity.

It is also used as a beauty aid: in Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants, author, Steve Brill, states that nettles make your hair grow thicker, and shinier, and that it is also good for developing healthy skin, as well as for healing skin problems, such as eczema.

In addition to its many attributes as a medicinal herb, it is highly nutritious. It is a veritable nutrient-powerhouse: it has high levels of protein, vitamins A, C, D and B complex; in addition, it has abundant supplies of minerals: calcium, magnesium, silicon, boron, zinc, and phosphorus; and its generous supply of iron has made it a long-time tonic for anemia. Its benefits can be garnered in many ways: as a fresh potherb  - the stinging hairs are rendered harmless with slight cooking; as a dried herb  - either through your own efforts, or from the local health food store, or an on-line herb supply house (I like http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ but any reputable company will do.) Or, through the use of pills, ointments, decoctions or infusions - either of your own making (Chavalier’s book is a treasure trove of information on the subject) or by purchasing any of these from the above resources.

Nettle flowers June- September, so it is necessary to harvest in the spring, before the plant flowers. Thomas Elpel, in his book, Botany in a Day, states that the plants build up nitrates, or form calcium carbonate cystoliths as they mature, which could be damaging to the kidneys, so only harvest young pre-flowering plants. Wear gloves when you harvest, and only take the top 1/3 of the plant, so that it easily recovers.

Remember, as when seeking any herbs in the wild: caution first: always use a reliable field guide to positively identify your plant; avoid plants that are near a road or farm where they are likely to have been exposed to sprays or other toxins; and if you buy, always buy organic!

All of the above-mentioned books are great resources for information, and, if you are interested, I encourage you to learn more about this largely un-tapped, rich resource: wild medicinal and edible plants. There was a time, once, when every family had various herbs drying in their barns, for medicinal use. Plain folk were possessed of vast amounts of knowledge, common, and widely dispersed. But with the advent of modern medical science, much of the old wisdom was rejected, or seen as inferior. As such, a great store of knowledge has been lost to the average person. Fortunately, there has been a move toward reclaiming that wisdom, and more and more people are becoming interested in learning what it took our ancestors, thousands of years to learn.

To use as a tonic, follow Susun Weed’s recipe: take ¼ cup dried nettle and place in a clean, heatproof quart jar. Cover the herb with boiling water, and place a tight-fitting lid on the jar. Allow to stand for four hours. Drain, and refrigerate. Infusion will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Take 1 cup per day, hot, or cold, sweetened with honey if desired. Bon Apetite!