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.
