WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT RED CLOVER

Red clover, or Trifolium pratense, is a herbaceous, perennial, flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It originates from Europe, northwest Africa and Western Asia. Red clover can grow up to 20-80 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are usually trefoil and alternately arranged. They are deep green with a light green spot in the center. The flowers are either purple or pinkish, about 10-15 mm long, gathered in a close-packed inflorescence. The other popular names of the plant are meadow clover, beebread, cow grass or cow clover. Nowadays red clover is widely distributed in the world. This wildflower is very hardy and grows best along the roads, in the meadows, ditches, fields or lawns.

Interesting facts

• The red clover with four leaves is renowned as a sign of good luck.
• From a religious point of view, red clover is associated with the Christian Trinity as the plant has 3 leaves.
• In the Middle Ages clover was attributed the ability to protect people against witchcraft.
• Red clover is known to be a national flower of Denmark.
• This plant is one of the oldest crops in the world grown as cattle fodder.

Parts used: leaves and flowers.

Key components:

• Vitamin С
• Isoflavones
• Genistein
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Niacin
• Chromium
• Thiamine
• Potassium

Precautions

Red clover is not recommended if you have the following diseases or conditions:

• pregnancy/nursing;
• low blood clotting;
• breast problem
• diarrhea;
• chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• excess weight.

Methods of Use

It can be utilized in the forms of capsules, decoctions, infusions, tinctures, extracts, lotions and baths.

Red Clover Tea Recipe

What you need:

• 1 cup of red clover flowers
• 4 cups of water
• 2 tbsp of mint
• optional ingredients (honey or sugar)

Boil the water. Pour the boiling water over the red clover flowers and mint, steep for around 10 minutes. Strain the mixture. Now you can add any optional ingredients. Enjoy this healthy and saporific drink!