Red Clover Herb

Common Name

Standardized: red clover

Botanical Name

Trifolium pratense L.
Plant Family: Fabaceae

Overview

Red clover is a low growing perennial, native to northwest Africa, Asia, and Europe. It has since been naturalized and cultivated in many parts of the world, including North America. The flower heads are collected in full bloom, during the summer months.

Druids believed that it could ward off evil spells and witches, while Medieval Christians believed that the three lobbed leaves were associated with the trinity and the four lobbed leaves as a symbol of the cross.

Parts Used

Leaf and flower

Typical Preparations

Tea, in capsules and extracts. May also be eaten raw and seldom in salads.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16373244&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=12161042&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=19031218&dopt=Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&listuids=15226466&dopt=Abstract

Medical Herbalism by David Hoffmann pg. 590

Precautions

Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.