Plant: Trifolium pratense, or red clover, is a herbaceous perennial that comes up in the spring. Clover belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is identified by it clusters of three leaves. *Carpenter and Carpenter 2015) Clover is used as a cover crop in regenerative farming. We see it in our fields as a first sign of spring.
Parts used: flower head
Constituents: Isoflavones , flavonoids, volatile oil, courmarins, minerals and vitamins (Hoffman 2003)
Actions: Alterative, expectorant ( Hoffman 2003)
Energetics: Cooling and balancing ( Easley and Horne 2016)
Traditional Medicine: Clover is traditionally used as a blood purifier, used with other herbs such as burdock or yellow dock. Recent studies have found the higher levels of phytoestrogen to be helpful for menopause ( Chevellier 2023)
Safety Considerations: red clover may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs. Not recommended during pregnancy.