Clover Meadow, Or Red

Clover Meadow, or Red

Legumes - Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Common names: redhead, red porridge, woodpecker, honey blossom, meadow trefoil, trinity. Parts used: flowers. Pharmacy name: red clover flowers - Trifolii pratensis flos (formerly: Flores Trifolii pratensis).

Botanical description. Many shoots grow from a short rhizome, but only some of them form inflorescences. The leaves are trifoliate; the lower ones have long petioles, the upper ones have short petioles. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, bright green, with light spots. Small purple-red flowers are collected in heads. They contain a lot of nectar, but they serve only bumblebees with their long proboscis as a good “honey pasture”. Blooms from May to September. It is grown in clover fields, from where it spreads across meadows and along roads.

Collection and preparation. Collect inflorescences and lay them out to dry in a ventilated area. Active ingredients: tannins and various glycosides, as well as phenolic compounds and isoflavones.

Healing action and application. Thanks to its tannins, clover can be used for a variety of inflammations of the mucous membranes, including the intestines (diarrhea). Can be applied to wounds as a lotion. The active ingredients of clover have not yet been studied enough for it to be used by official medicine.

Use in folk medicine. Clover is used against many diseases, but mainly in rural areas, most likely because there is an unlimited supply of it. Tea is made from it. Clover tea, sweetened with honey (not for diabetics!), is good for coughs and liver diseases. It is also considered an excellent blood purifier. There is no need to worry about side effects.

Side effects. Creeping or white clover (Trifolium repens L.) is distinguished by its white flowers, creeping stem and smaller leaves. In folk medicine it is used for rheumatism and gout. Tea is prepared in the same way as from red clover.