Red Clover is a wonderful little gem of a plant that is so common most people don’t even realize they’ve seen it before. It grows wild all over most of Colorado, especially in grassy fields and other areas where animals graze. It particularly likes areas above 7,000 feet but has been found growing almost anywhere in Utah, Oregon, New Mexico, and sometimes California.
It’s action as a blood-purifier (or alterative) is probably due to its high nutrient content. If you are giving your self high levels of nutrients, your body will be healthier and more likely to fight off whatever issues you may have going on. In addition to being highly nutritive, it is also very tasty, and an herb that is relatively safe to drink every day; both of these aspects, along with its potential cancer-fighting qualities, are reason enough to drink some Red Clover tea every day. Red Clover is also great for wet and mucousy coughs; it helps to expel the mucous more effectively as well as calming down the excessive cough reflex that happens when someone can’t get stuff out of their lungs.
As a member of the legume family, red clover is related to soy, and like soy, it contains phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens can be helpful in balancing hormones.
How to use as a tea: 1-3 teaspoons of dried flowering tops in 8 ounces of hot water, steep for half an hour to overnight (the longer you steep, the more minerals will be extracted) and drink 2-3 cups/day.
Precautions: Due to its phytoestrogen content it may be contraindicated in people with estrogen-dependent cancers, however, the jury is still out on this one. Contains coumarins and may interact with blood thinning medications, do not take if you are on any or have a blood clotting disorder. Avoid one week before surgery. Do not take in large amounts during pregnancy (a small amount mixed into an over-all blend is just fine)
This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All aspects, properties, contraindications of every product are not listed; please do your own research. Always seek the counsel of a licensed healthcare professional if you are planning to use herbs or any other product from Manipura Apothecary.
