Latin Name
Trifolium pratense

General Description
The perennial plant known as red clover grows as high as 2 feet. Its medicinal parts are the red or purple ball-shaped flowers, which are gathered between May and September. Red clover has been used medicinally in many parts of the world. It was prescribed as an expectorant in China, and as a cure for asthma in Russia. Other cultures have used it to treat skin sores and eye irritations, and as a diuretic. Herbalists today prescribe red clover for skin ailments, indigestion, and coughs. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and also, as an expectorant, helps remove excess mucus from the lungs. In addition, the herb appears to act like the female hormone estrogen; it is believed that it might help women with menopausal symptoms.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, indigestion and menopausal symptoms.

Used internally and externally for:

• Skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

Preparations
Over the counter:
Red clover is available in dried bulk and tincture.

At home:
Infusion: 1 to 3 tsp. of dried flower tops steeped in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Compress: A clean cloth soaked in the infusion and applied to the skin.

Special Information

• WARNING: Do not use red clover if you are pregnant, because of its estrogen-like behavior.
  
• WARNING: Avoid the herb if you have estrogen-dependent cancer or a history of heart disease, stroke or thrombophlebitis.
  
• If you are taking birth-control pills, consult your doctor before using red clover.
  
• Do not give the herb to children under 2 years of age. Older children and people over 65 should start with a low dose and increase as needed.
  
• Red clover contains four anti-tumor compounds among its chemical components, and some herbalists believe it may find use in combination with more powerful drugs to treat cancers that are not aggravated by estrogen.