Red clover: properties, what it is for and contraindications

Red clover or Trifolium pratense L. , is a perennial herbaceous belonging to the legume family. It can reach up to 110 cm, although as a general rule its average height is 60 cm. Its stems are erect and ascending, it has trifoliate leaves of about 3 cm in length and 8 cm in width, generally.

The leaves of the red clover are pale green and its flowers, about 15 mm long, are made up of purplish-pink petals with a campanulate shape. As for the fruit, it is an ovoid-shaped legume that contains a single, heart-shaped, small seed.

Among the main nutrients and properties of red clover we highlight the following:

• It is high in isoflavones , also typical of other foods such as soy. This type of chemical component, soluble in water, is known as “plant estrogens”, due to its composition similar to those used for hormonal treatments. Hence it is used as a remedy to slow the reproduction of cancer cells.
• They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Among the latter are calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus and even potassium. As for vitamins, red clover provides vitamin C, vitamin B3 which is very beneficial for the metabolism of proteins and fats, and vitamin B1 responsible for transforming carbohydrates into energy. For this reason, it is considered a remineralizing and antioxidant plant .
• In addition, it has other very beneficial properties for health such as: anti-inflammatory, antitussive, lipid-lowering, soothing and healing .

Among the main benefits of red clover we can mention the following:

• Reduces symptoms of menopause: Red clover is very effective in counteracting the effects related to menopause thanks to isoflavones. Not only does it help preserve and prevent bone loss during hormonal change, but it is also a good remedy against the dreaded hot flashes.
• Relieves coughs and other respiratory problems: this medicinal plant is also used as an antitussive and for the treatment of bronchitis, as it reduces phlegm and calms bronchial spasms.
• Benefits of red clover for the skin: there are many who also use this plant to treat sores, eczema, ulcers and other types of wounds, since it is soothing and healing.
• It is beneficial for regulating cholesterol levels: having lipid-lowering properties, it is a good plant to improve the reduction of bad cholesterol.
• More benefits: apart from those already mentioned, it should be noted that it also improves urine production and even facilitates the secretion of bile.

Next, we are going to explain in detail how to prepare and how to take red clover in two of its most common preparations so that you are encouraged to use it at home. Luckily we can easily find already packaged, both dry and fresh, in herbalists or specialized stores:

Prepare red clover infusion

For this you will need to have these ingredients:

• 2 cups of water.
• 1 tablespoon of dried red clover flowers or 3 if fresh.
• Lemon or honey to taste.

To prepare this infusion, follow these steps:

1. Heat the two cups of water to a boil and remove it from the heat.
2. Pour in the tablespoon of dried red clover flowers and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
3. Then remove the flowers by straining the infusion and add the honey, lemon, peppermint, mint or any other element to give it more flavor.

Prepare red clover tincture

For this you will need:

• Neutral alcohol with at least 40%.
• Glass jar with screw closure to ensure its conservation.
• A coffee filter or a very fine metal strainer.
• A jar with a dropper.
• Fresh red clover flowers.

Follow these directions to make red clover tincture:

1. Place the flowers in the screw jar and place them, slightly tight, at the end of it.
2. Fill the jar with the alcohol until the flowers are completely covered.
3. Close the jar and let the red clover flowers soak for about 3 weeks in a dark place.
4. Shake the bottle, turning it gently, every two or three days to promote the release of its active ingredients.
5. Finally, after 21 days strain the solution and store it in the dropper jar.

This tincture, generally, can be taken up to 3 times a day with a maximum of 30 drops per glass of water.

Precisely due to its properties, red clover has contraindications in the following situations:

• As it favors the production of hormones such as estrogens, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women.
• In addition, it is not recommended in case of endometriosis, uterine fibroids or if you suffer from any type of cancer, especially those of the breast, ovaries or uterus, due to its estrogenic effects.
• Similarly, it is not recommended for men with prostate or testicular cancer. For prostate problems, you can consult with the specialist if in your particular case any of the plants in this other article can help you: Medicinal plants for the inflamed prostate .
• It is also not advisable to use this plant in newborns or during lactation.

In all these cases it is not usually recommended, it will always be a doctor who decides whether or not it is better to take red clover, in what dose and how often in each case.