Clover - red (Trifolium pratense) wild clover -
Diuretic,
Expectorant. A tea made from the flowering tops is believed to stimulate
Liver and gall
Bladder activity and is taken for
Constipation and sluggish
Appetite. It is sometimes recommended for those onvalescing from
Stomach operations who have no
Appetite. Externally a fomentation is applied for
Rheumatic or
Gouty
Pains and also to soften hard mild
Glands. A syrupy extract of the flowers can be used as an external treatment for persistent
Sores A poultice of the plant can be tried for
Athlete's foot and other
Skin problems.
Red clover is a valuable source of nutrients including calcium, chromium,
Magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium,thiamine, and vitamin C. Its isoflavones are a rich source of phyto
Estrogens, water soluble chemicals that act like
Estrogens in the body because of their ability to fit into
Estrogen receptors.
According to Phyllis and James Balch in their widely read book Prescription for
Nutritional Healing, the isoflavonoids in red clover fight
Infection, suppress
Appetite, and purify the blood. They have
Expectorant,
Antispasmodic, and relaxing effects, and are good for
Bacterial
Infections, and inflamed
Lungs. They are also beneficial for inflammatory
Bowel disorders,
Kidney problems,
Liver disease,
Skin disorders, and a weakened
Immune system.
Red clover has been a traditional herbal treatment for
Cancer due to its ability to stimulate the
Immune system. Recent
research has found preliminary evidence that it may prevent the growth of
Cancer cells or kill
Cancer cells in test tubes.
Some studies have also suggested that the red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in
pre and perimenopausal women.
Red clover may also protect against
Heart disease in several ways. It has been associated with an increase in HDL
Cholesterol in pre and postmenopausal women. One study found that menopausal women who took red clover supplements had more flexible and stronger
Arteries. Red clover may also have blood thinning properties which help prevent blood clots. It also appears to improve blood flow
When applied to the
Skin, red clover ointments have treated
Psoriasis,
Eczema, and
Rashes.
No serious side effects from red clover have been reported in humans.
Infertility has been noted in grazing animals that consume large amounts.Red clover may alter the effects of drugs.
1 The isoflavones found in red clover may help to increase HDL
Cholesterol (the good kind).
2 Red clover is a traditional method of treatment for
Cough in children.
3 Because of its
Estrogen-like properties, red clover tea may offer relieve for symptoms of
Menopause, like hot flashes.
4 Blood-flow appears to be improved by red clover, which acts by thinning the blood and preventing blood clots.
5 Studies on menopausal women who take red clover show that the red clover benefits arterial strength and flexibility.
6 Red clover herb extend to the
Bones, too. Studies show that red clover may increase bone density and slow bone loss in menopausal women.
7 The use of red clover to reverse and/or slow
Cancer has a long history, and studies show supportive evidence of red clover's effectiveness as a supplemental
Cancer therapy. However, because of its
Estrogen-like qualities, red clover should not be used in the case of breast
Cancer.
8 Red clover extract side effects are rare and mild, and generally do not occur in users who take it on a short term (less than one year) basis.
9 Ointments made from red clover can be spread on the
Skin to relieve
Skin Rashes,
Inflammations and irritations.
Red clover flowers have been documented to have the following properties.
Alterative Antispasmodic Diuretic Expectorant - used to treat
Asthma,
Bronchitis, and similar type conditions
Sedative Tonic It is also written that the benefits of red clover extend to those suffering from the following conditions.
Acne,
Asthma Bronchitis Cholesterol levels - helps to regulate it
Colds Coughs, including whooping
Cough - often used in the form of syrup
Digestion - improves it, by stimulating production of
Digestive chemicals and bile
Eczema Flatulence - relieves it
Infections - aids with healing
Infertility - helps improve fertility
Lymphatic
Swelling piles - applied locally to alleviate the condition
Prostate health - promotes it
Skin eruptions
Sore throats
The health benefits of red clover extend especially to women undergoing
Menopause - red clover has been used for many years as a remedy for the symptoms of
Menopause. According to researchers, this effect is due to the isoflavones, a form of phyto
Estrogens (water-soluble plant chemicals which act like
Estrogens), which are present in red clover. Among the symptoms which can be alleviated include hot flashes and mood swings.
Red clover the
Blood Purifier: Another of the famous health benefits of red clover is that it is also a known effective
Liver and
Blood Purifier.
Red clover and
Cancer : In old medical literature, red clover is cited several times as being successfully used to treat several forms of
Cancer, usually external
Cancers which are treated both topically and internally (i.e. consumption of red clover tea or other forms). Due to its anti-
Cancer activity, red clover poultices are also used on
Cancerous growths visible on the surface of the body.
External or Topical Uses of Red Clover : The benefits of red clover can also be reaped externally, where it can be applied topically, usually in combination with other herbs (e.g. burdock), to help treat
Skin Wounds and conditions, including
Bites,
Stings and growths. Amongst its other uses, red clover is also used as an ointment to treat
Skin Infections like
Eczema,
Psoriasis, and
Rashes.
Red clover compresses can also be used to treat the symptoms of
Arthritis and
Gout.
When
Gargled, red clover benefits mouth
Ulcers.
In addition, it can be used as eyewash to treat conjunctivitis.
In addition, red clover benefits and is externally used for various ailments like
Leprosy,
Ulcers and pellagra.