Red Clover: Materia Medica

Société Apothecary

SUMMARY Red clover is grown as a nitrogen fixer to heal depleted soil and provide animal fodder. It is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also considered to be one of the richest sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants). Tea or tincture of red clover is helpful for a number of symptoms such as irregular periods, sore joints, anxiety, energy loss and hot flashes. . MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Trifolium pratence Common Name(s) : Red Clover, trefoil, purple clover TCM Name : N/A Ayurvedic Name : Family: Papilionaceae Physical Description of the Plant: Habitat: Harvest and Collection: Parts of the Plant Used: Flowerheads- Harvest during flowering Qualities: Slightly sweet & cool Chemical Constituents: Phenolic glycosides Flavonoids Coumarins Cyanogenic glycosides Phytoestrogenic isoflavones (genistein, diadzen, formononetin, biochanin) Volatile oil Vitamins Minerals Salicylates Polysaccharide Taste: Mild, salty, sweet Actions: Alterative Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Antitumour (traditional use) Depurative Expectorant Indications: Skin disorders – eczema, psoriasis, and ulcers Respiratory conditions – spasmodic cough, bronchitis Whooping cough Contraindications/Cautions: None known Drug Interactions: Dosage: 1.5-6.0 ml of 1:2 liquid extract daily TINCTURE: 2-6 ml three times a day Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-3 tsp of dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15mins. Drink 3 times a day Combinations: For skin problems, it combines well with yellow dock and nettles Energetics: Cooling, sweet Folklore: Flower Essence: Red Clover Flower Essence supports your transition into more expanded states of consciousness by transforming lower frequency emotional states rooted in the emotional subtle body, nervous system and body biochemistry Applications: FRESH FLOWERS: Crush flowers and apply to insect bites and skins TINCTURE: Take internally for eczema and psoriasis COMPRESS: Gout and arthritic pins OINTMENT: For lymphatic swellings, cover in fresh flowers with water and simmer in slow cooker for 48 hours. Strain, evaporate the residue to semi-dryness & combine with equal amount of ointment base EYEWASH: 5-10 drops tincture in 20ml water for conjunctivitis DOUCHE: Use the infusion for vaginal itching SYRUP: Take syrup made from infusion for stubborn, dry coughs RECIPES RED CLOVER WINE RECIPE Around Virginia when spring time comes around it’s pretty easy to find red clovers. They have a sweet tasting flower and has a great base for wine with the nectar. The clover heads aren’t going to change the color of the wine to much though. This is a great wine recipe to impress your friends with. Flower wines are always so easy to make but the biggest thing is that you just need to be on top of the season. 1 Gallon Yield Directions : 1 gallon clover head 3 lbs sugar 8 ounces light raisins 1 teaspoon acid blend 1 package wine yeast 1 teaspoon pectic enzyme 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient 1.5 cups orange juice at room temp Directions Remove the stems and the base from the clover heads Place the petals in a stainless steel pot with 1 gallon of water Bring the mixture to a boil Remove the heat and add half the sugar mixture and the raisins Cool down Add yeast with wine yeast, pectic enzyme, yeast nutrient, and orange juice close up the top and add the air lock After 5 days rack After 7 days rack again Then let it sit for 3 months then bottle SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH A biochanin-enriched isoflavone from red clover lowers LDL cholesterol in men. A double-blind randomized study on the effects of red clover isoflavones on the endometrium. Absorption in humans of isoflavones from soy and red clover is similar. Effect of red clover-derived isoflavone supplementation on insulin-like growth factor, lipid and antioxidant status in healthy female volunteers: a pilot study. Effect of Trifolium pratense-derived isoflavones on the lipid profile of postmenopausal women with increased body mass index. Effects of a red clover extract (MF11RCE) on endometrium and sex hormones in postmenopausal women. Effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on ambulatory blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes. Effects of supplementation with purified red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on plasma lipids and insulin resistance in healthy premenopausal women. Effects of Trifolium pratense on the climacteric and sexual symptoms in postmenopause women. Improvement of postmenopausal depressive and anxiety symptoms after treatment with isoflavones derived from red clover extracts. Induction of apoptosis in low to moderate-grade human prostate carcinoma by red clover-derived dietary isoflavones. Influence of red clover-derived isoflavones on serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal women. Modest protective effects of isoflavones from a red clover-derived dietary supplement on cardiovascular disease risk factors in perimenopausal women, and evidence of an interaction with ApoE genotype in 49-65 year-old women. No effect of red clover-derived isoflavone intervention on the insulin-like growth factor system in women at increased risk of colorectal cancer. Nonhormonal management of postmenopausal women: effects of a red clover based isoflavones supplementation on climacteric syndrome and cardiovascular risk serum profile. Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trial. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones and serum homocysteine in premenopausal women: a pilot study. Red clover extract (MF11RCE) supplementation and postmenopausal vaginal and sexual health. Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer. Red-clover-derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial [ISRCTN42940165]. The effect of isoflavones extracted from red clover (Rimostil) on lipid and bone metabolism. The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on cognitive function in postmenopausal women. The effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on the lipoprotein profiles of post menopausal women with mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia. References: Bone, K. (2003). A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Hoffman, D. (1996). The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal. Element Books LTD. Fetrow, Charles & Juan Avila (2000). The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. New York, NY: Pocket Books. Ody, Penelope (1993). The Complete Medicinal Herbal. New York, New York: Dorling Kindersley. Gladstar, Rosemary (2012). Medicinal Herbs. A beginner's guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. Groves, Maria Noel (2016). Body into Balance. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. Thayer, Samuel (2006). Forager’s Harvest. Birchwood, WI: Forager’s Harvest. Foster, Steven (1993). Herbal Renaissance. Layton, UT: Peregrine Smith Books. McIntyre, Anne (2010). The Complete Herbal Tutor. London, England: Hatchet Company. Time. 100 Most Healing Foods. https://materiamedicaresource.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/red-clover/ https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/1018 https://www.jaysbrewing.com/red-clover-wine-recipe/ https://www.treefrogfarm.com/store/flower-essences-tree-essences/red-clover-flower-essence.html Three Red Clover Recipes to Try at Home Red Clover Calming Tea 2 teaspoons dried red clover blossoms 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers 1 teaspoon lemon balm leaves 2 cups boiling water Honey or lemon (optional) Combine the red clover, chamomile, and lemon balm in a teapot or heat-proof jar. Pour boiling water over the herbs and cover. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain into mugs and sweeten with honey or a splash of lemon juice if desired. Enjoy this soothing tea in the evening for a calming effect. Red Clover Skin-Soothing Salve 1/2 cup dried red clover blossoms 1 cup olive oil 1/4 cup beeswax pellets 10 drops lavender essential oil Place red clover blossoms in a jar and cover with olive oil. Seal and let infuse in a sunny spot for 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a heatproof bowl. In a double boiler, melt the beeswax pellets into the strained oil. Once combined, remove from heat and stir in the lavender essential oil. Pour into tins or jars and allow to cool until solidified. Use on dry or irritated skin as needed. Red Clover Infused Vinegar 1 cup fresh red clover blossoms 2 cups apple cider vinegar Sterilized glass jar with lid Rinse and pat dry the red clover blossoms. Place the blossoms in the sterilized jar, filling it halfway. Pour apple cider vinegar over the blossoms until the jar is full. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain the vinegar into a clean bottle and use in salad dressings or as a refreshing tonic. As with any herbal remedy, consult a qualified practitioner before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.