Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Red Clover: Nourishing Herbal Infusions (part 7)

Red Clover 
(Trifolium pratense) 

Parts used: flowers and top leaves

Taste: Sweet (astringent)

Properties: cool/dry, astringent, alterative, blood thinning, antispasmodic, expectorant, anti-tumor

Used for: eczema, fertility, coughs, cancer, anti-inflammatory


Red clover is world renowned as an anti-cancer herb. It is used by 33 different cultures as an aid against cancer. It is one ingredient in the famed Essiac Tea, and scientific studies have found 4 anti-tumor compounds in this miraculous plant. Besides being a strong ally for those dancing with cancer, red clover is a strong alterative, loosely defined as altering towards health. 

Rich in phytosterols, red clover nourishes hormones, making it an excellent choice for women going through menopause as well as those wishing to increase their fertility. 

It’s been used to treat dry, irritable coughs such as whooping cough and tuberculosis. 

The infusion can also be used externally (as well as internally) to nourish the skin, eliminating eczema and psoriasis. 



Special Considerations
Although safe to use for many people, red clover’s ability to thin the blood makes it a poor choice for pregnancy and for those already on blood thinners. Regular use of this plant should also be stopped before surgery. 

Keep it simple
Renowned for its anti-cancer properties, red clover is also an incredible alterative, nourishing and cleansing our blood. 
Red clover is “God’s greatest herbal blessing to mankind.”
Old time herbal (Antol, pg. 186)

Where to buy your herbs
I buy all of my herbs for nourishing herbal infusions at Mountain Rose Herbs. They have high quality and organic herbs at a great price. 

Bulk organic herbs, spices and essential oils. Sin