Grass red clover useful properties and contraindications. Clover red (meadow)

Hello, friends!

I have already mentioned clover twice in my publications: both for cleansing blood vessels, and about a herb that is useful for women. It's time to talk about it in more detail, so today the red clover is on the agenda: medicinal properties and contraindications. We will learn what this weed that grows under our feet helps and how to use it.

Meadow clover: description, photo

Clover is a herbaceous plant of the legume family. The name meadow, most likely, from the fact that it grows in nature in meadows everywhere: these are the southern regions, and the central ones, Siberia and the Far East.

Red clover can be found on forest edges, along river banks, along roadsides and field edges, and blooms from May to September.

The height of the plant is from 20 to 50 cm. Beautiful flowers of irregular round shape of pink or red color are also sweet in taste, so bees love them very much, this is a very good honey plant.

There are red clover, and white creeping clover, which has inflorescences white color and smaller. Clover, both red and white, have the same properties and can be used equally, even mixed in the same raw material. But simply red meadow clover is the most popular with us.

Clover is grown in agricultural land as a valuable fodder plant useful for animals. But they are used, observing the norms, if exceeded, poisoning is also possible.

In many countries, dried clover flowers are seasoned with soups and salads.

Clover can be bought in seeds and organized in the country a circle of beautiful medicinal herbs.

Flowers and top leaves have medicinal properties. It is noteworthy that they can be collected from spring to autumn, only by all means in a clean place away from roads.

Be sure to dry in the shade and be sure to ventilate the place, because the color of the clover should not change. When the color changes, the raw material is not suitable, the flavonoids that are there are simply destroyed.

Medicinal properties of red clover

Clover has a very positive effect on the body, helps with very, very many diseases, even protracted ones, thanks to an interesting composition, which includes:

squirrels
carbohydrates
saponins
coumarins
calcium
iron
sodium
vitamins C, A, E, K, B1, B2
glycosides
carotenes
flavonoids
fatty acid
tannins
essential oil.

This herb with beautiful flowers has long been used as part of anti-cold, chest and stomach preparations, for the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, scrofula.

Tea and a decoction of meadow clover cleanse the blood, remove salts of heavy metals, uric acid salts, while puffiness is removed.

See what many useful properties it has.

Red clover: medicinal properties:

diaphoretic
weak diuretic
choleretic
anti-inflammatory
antiatherosclerotic
expectorant
cleansing
wound healing
antibacterial
antiseptic
painkiller
antifungal
antitumor
restorative.

Clover thins the blood, this must be borne in mind both for benefit, and in some cases, on the contrary, about harm.

Perhaps the most important property of clover is that it can help to cope with all the troubles associated with hypertension: high blood pressure, dizziness, headaches. Therefore, it is the first remedy for hypertension.

Clover helps for heart activity and blood vessels, because it removes bad cholesterol, making blood vessels elastic, soft and strong, and thus preventing the threat of stroke.

You can read more about it in my separate post.

It is also used for joint pain, gout, arthritis, it strengthens the skeletal system, and also for oncology, for women during menopause, as well as for the treatment of wounds and burns.

What meadow clover helps from, we found out, and now some information on how to use it.

The use of red clover

Tea (or infusion), decoctions are prepared from clover, and they also make alcohol tinctures who drink as usual and other herbs three times a day half an hour before meals.

It is taken orally in courses, be sure to take breaks. No matter how good this herb is, do not overdo it in order to avoid addiction. In addition, it belongs to the category of hormone-like, and such things cannot be taken uncontrollably, so as not to harm yourself.

Red clover: tea

Clover tea significantly reduces dizziness, tinnitus, headache.

It is useful to drink it with anemia, inflammation Bladder, bronchitis, cough with phlegm, asthma, shortness of breath.

A large amount of flavonoids prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood, so tea is good for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Red clover improves gastrointestinal motility, tea from it will be useful in case of poor digestion of food, if there is flatulence, bloating.

And in general, clover tea is useful for everyone to strengthen immunity and prevent health.

How to cook

We brew one tablespoon of dried crushed flowers with 250 ml of boiling water, it is better to do this in a thermos, but you can also just like regular tea. We insist 30 minutes, strain and divide this pleasant drink into three parts to drink during the day.

Decoction

It is better to make a decoction of fresh flowers, it is no different from tea, only the herb (2 tbsp) filled with boiling water (250 ml) must be boiled over low heat for 5 minutes.

Tincture

Although tea is also acceptable for cleaning vessels, tinctures of red clover on vodka are sometimes prepared. I met a lot of cooking recipes, I will write one that I liked the most, so to speak, standard for most herbs:

50 grams of dried flowers per 0.5 liters of vodka. We insist in a dark place for 10 days. After straining, take 20 ml, diluted in a small amount of water. The course of admission is two weeks, then a ten-day break should be taken.

Clover tincture is indicated for both oncology and angina pectoris.

Red clover for women

I would also like to say separately about the benefits of clover for women's health.

This is a very pleasant female herb, an infusion of which is drunk both for painful menstruation and for uterine bleeding.

For gynecological diseases, douching is done: 2 tablespoons of flowers are infused in 2 liters of water or brought to a boil and cooled to a very warm state.

But red clover is especially valuable during menopause. After all, it contains phytoestrogens - natural hormones, the lack of which clover makes up for in women, improves hormonal levels, helps with nervousness, excitability, bad dream, improves general state organism.

Content

Red clover grass is considered useful - the medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant are used in traditional medicine. Its other name is meadow. The plant is rich in biologically active substances, used to treat inflammation, skin diseases, helps to cope with menopause due to the content of phytoestrogens. How to use grass for good and not for harm?

What is red clover

Meadow or red clover Trifolium (botanical name Trifolium pretense) is a member of the legume family. Treatment plant reaches a height of 20-90 cm, has complex trifoliate leaves of an elliptical shape with wide triangular shamrocks. They have whitish spots, jagged edges with a network of veins. The flowers are papilionaceous, small, have the form of spherical lilac-red heads.

The stable blooms in June-July, bears fruit at the end of summer. Its stems are erect, ascending. The fruit is an egg-shaped bean, one-seeded, membranous. Meadow clover grows in meadows, edges, in the steppes, thickets of shrubs, in glades. Found throughout Russia. FROM medicinal purpose use the ground part of the grass, the stems are rich in protein, can be eaten as an additive to salads. Flowers are considered excellent honey plants, 100 kg of honey can be collected from 1 hectare. Red clover is harvested during the flowering period, dried in the air without direct exposure to the sun.

Compound

Diverse and rich chemical composition leaves and flowers of red clover. It contains the following substances:

essential oils - aromatic substances that relieve inflammation and pain, eliminate nervous strain, have an antimicrobial effect;
flavonoids, phytosteroids, isoflavones - components that have antibacterial, anti-radiation, antispasmodic and antitumor effects;
glycosides (trifolin, isotrifolin) - complex compounds for the functioning of cardio-vascular system;
fatty oils (linoleic, palmitic, stearic acids) - are responsible for the absorption of vitamins;
organic acids (coumaronic, salicylic, succinic) - substances needed to relieve inflammation, regulate metabolism, remove toxins;
resins, ash - viscous compounds with powerful bactericidal properties;
therapeutic tannins - with astringent, hemostatic, regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties;
alkaloids - toxic compounds that positively affect the nervous and respiratory systems;
amino acids (asparagine, tyrosine) - proteins involved in all metabolic processes;
cellulose - vegetable fibers needed for positive bowel function;
vitamins A, carotene, group B, ascorbic acid, E;
trace elements - magnesium, potassium, selenium, chromium, iron, calcium, phosphorus;
phylloquinone - a substance that supports the function of hematopoiesis;
tannins, xanthines, furfural carotenoids, bioquinones, coenzymes, coumarins, proteins.

Properties

Due to such a rich composition, the medicinal properties of red clover are also wide, including the following indications:

removal of inflammation;
elimination of beriberi;
lowering the temperature;
body toning;
stop bleeding;
cough relief;
relieving eye fatigue, help with cataracts;
choleretic, immunostimulating, tonic properties;
cleansing of the lymphatic system;
analgesic, hypotensive, antifungal, antitumor effect;
elimination of mastopathy;
relief of menopause;
antiseptic, antiviral, sedative action;
restoration of damaged tissues;
expectorant, thinning sputum;
diuretic effect;
slowing down baldness;
stimulation of collagen production;
elimination of toxins;
analgesic, anti-sclerotic, antiallergic, astringent, diaphoretic, antidepressant, emollient.

Benefits of clover body

Useful properties of red clover are used in folk and official medicine. It is used for the following diseases and ailments:

decreased immunity, exhaustion;
the threat of atherosclerosis;
menopause;
sexually transmitted diseases;
menopause, hot flashes, tenderness and pain in the chest (there are contraindications);
fragility of the walls of blood vessels, angina pectoris;
decrease in potency in men;
purulent wounds, eczema, psoriasis, burns;
loss of strength (for cheerfulness);
pain in the joints;
urolithiasis disease;
cough, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, thrombosis;
allergies.

Decoction

For oral administration for inflammation, liver problems, the need to remove toxins, a medicinal decoction is used without contraindications. To make it:

Take 300 ml of water and a teaspoon of red clover inflorescences.
Heat water, add raw materials and boil for six minutes.
Cool the broth, filter, drink four times / day in a tablespoon.
The course of treatment lasts a month, then it can be extended.

Infusion

To prepare baths skin rashes, ingestion for headaches, colds, coughs, use an infusion of red clover. To make it:

Take two tablespoons of dried flowers and a glass of water.
Mix ingredients and boil.
Let it brew for 40 minutes, strain.
Take orally three times a day for half a glass or pour a warm infusion into the bath.

Ointment

For the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, psoriasis or cancerous tumors, a healing ointment made on the basis of red clover inflorescences is used. They insist on pure olive or sunflower oil in a ratio of 1:2. Leave the mixture for two weeks in a dark, warm place, constantly stirring. At the end of the exposure period, filter and lubricate the affected areas with a cotton swab with a wound healing agent.

Extract

For general strengthening of the body, immunity and fatigue relief, a medicinal extract of red clover on vodka is used:

Take a glass of dried flowers and 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka.
Mix the ingredients, insist in the dark for at least 10 days, more if possible.
Drink the prepared extract drop by drop three times a day before meals.
The course of therapy is a month, then a break is made for 10 days and the treatment is repeated for two more cycles.

Red clover in folk medicine

Red clover is widely used in folk medicine due to its medicinal properties. It successfully treats tuberculosis and prevents its recurrence, serves as a means of prevention in case of malignant tumors and after their removal. For women during menopause, it helps to cope with hot flashes and normalizes hormonal balance. It can be given to children as an anti-cold disease without contraindications.

With tuberculosis

Fresh juice of the plant and a decoction of meadow clover inflorescences with medicinal properties can be used to treat the inactive stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, its prevention, anemia:

Pour 20 g of dried inflorescences with a glass of boiling water, cool. Drink 2-3 tablespoons three times/day.
Twist fresh flowers through a meat grinder, squeeze the juice through gauze, dilute the resulting juice with water in a ratio of 2: 1. Drink a third of a glass three times / day before meals.

From cholesterol

The plant is rich in tannins, essential oils and glycosides, which helps to show its medicinal properties with an increased concentration of harmful cholesterol. Red clover breaks down fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels, removes excess naturally, while restoring and strengthening blood vessels. For treatment, alcohol tincture and tea are used without contraindications:

Take a two-liter jar and fill half with fresh inflorescences (or a quarter dry), pour 500 ml of vodka, close the lid. Keep in a dark cool place for 15 days, filter. Take three months with a break of 10 days after each. In the first month, the dosage will be 15 ml 1r / day before lunch, in the second - 20-22 ml, the third - 15 ml.
Pour dry herbs of clover and meadowsweet in equal amounts with hot water, drink tea once a day for half a glass.
Brew 10 flower heads with a glass of boiling water, hold for 2 minutes, strain. Three weeks, take half a glass three times / day.

With menopause

Red clover contains phytoestrogens, which are similar in action to female sex hormones. With menopause, the latter are quantitatively reduced, so that the infusion and decoction of flowers will help normalize sleep, enhance sexual function, improve the condition of the skin and hair, and eliminate dry skin without contraindications:

Take three tablespoons of crushed roots and flowers, pour a glass of boiling water, cook in a water bath for 20 minutes, leave for an hour. Strain and drink throughout the day in equal portions, diluted with water. Combine herbal medicine with medication.
Pour 40 g of young leaves and 30 g of flowers with a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour and filter. Use to douche the vagina, or drink orally 50 ml 4 r / day to eliminate painful periods.

With hypertension

The healing properties of red clover are applicable for hypertension. The decoction dilates blood vessels and normalizes the heartbeat, stabilizes arterial pressure, serves as a means to increase potency:

Pour three tablespoons of dried flowers with 1.5 cups of boiling water, keep in a water bath for 10 minutes, leave for half an hour. Strain, drink 75 ml three times / day.
Brew a tablespoon of raw materials with 250 ml of hot water, boil for five minutes. Drink 5 times / day for a tablespoon for at least a month.

For sore throat

From inflammation of the lungs, for the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough, an express tincture or a medicinal decoction with a minimum of contraindications will help:

Pour two tablespoons of flowers with two glasses of water, leave for five minutes. Drink the resulting amount in equal portions throughout the day. Stay warm after use.
Pour a glass of flowers and leaves with 200 ml of boiling water, insist in a thermos for a day, shaking occasionally. Strain, mix with an equal amount of vodka, hold for a couple of hours. Drink a tablespoon 3-4 r / day before eating.
Pour two glasses of dry raw materials with a liter of hot water, leave for an hour. Drink a tablespoon three times a day to prevent colds.

For skin diseases

To eliminate the manifestation of psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, scrofula, decoctions, infusions and baths with red clover are used:

Take such a quantity of flowers that they can be applied to the affected area in a thick layer. Pour boiling water over, leave for an hour, wring out and wrap in gauze. Make a compress for the night.
Brew three tablespoons of inflorescences with a glass of boiling water, cook in a water bath for two minutes. Infuse for two hours, strain, add to the bath. It will also help to cope with the manifestation of the fungus on the skin.

With atherosclerosis

In addition to cleansing the blood, the use of decoctions and clover tea will help normalize blood pressure, calm nervous excitability:

100 pieces of inflorescences pour 500 ml of water, cook for six minutes. Insist three hours, strain. Mix with honey and drink the resulting amount throughout the day.
Pour two cups of boiling water to four tablespoons of leaves, leave for seven hours. Drink three times a day for half a glass.

With oncology

For a general strengthening of the body, suppression of the growth of cancerous tumors or the prevention of their occurrence, take a decoction or tincture of red clover with medicinal properties:

Pour 300 ml of water into three tablespoons of plant roots, boil in a water bath for half an hour. Strain, supplement the volume of evaporated water with clean liquid. Drink five times / day before meals for a course of three weeks. Repeat after a month break.
Pour a glass of inflorescences with 500 ml of vodka, leave for 14 days in a dark, dry place. Shake the jar every five days. Drink a teaspoon on an empty stomach 15 minutes before meals for a month. Take a break for 10 days, repeat twice more. Read the contraindications before taking.

Contraindications

You can buy red clover in a pharmacy or prepare raw materials yourself. Contraindications to the use of phytopreparations based on it are:

pregnancy;
breast-feeding;
hormonal imbalance;
blood disorders (may cause bleeding);
indigestion;
allergic reactions;
heart disease, stroke;
the period two weeks before surgery and the same time after them;
estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (fibroids, inflammation of the ovaries, breast cancer, endometriosis);
thrombophlebitis.

In addition to contraindications, you should also learn about side effects that may occur while taking red clover:

skin rash;
muscle pain;
dizziness;
vomit;
uterine bleeding.

In addition to contraindications and side effects the herb itself, it is worth being wary of drugs based on it and interactions with certain drugs: estrogens in tablets, contraceptives with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, liver enzymes, aspirin, heparin, warfarin, tamoxifen. It is important to get competent advice before treatment (this is the rule for both men and women).

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The beneficial properties of red clover are undeniable - the plant effectively prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system, has practically no contraindications and can be used at any age. Regular consumption of clover tea will help relax the central nervous system, improve sleep and normalize the protective functions of the body.

Description

Red clover belongs to the legume family. This perennial herbaceous plant has characteristic trifoliate leaves and red inflorescences in the form of a ball - heads formed by small flowers.

Clover is a biennial or perennial plant. Of the two cultivars of red meadow clover, late-ripening and early-ripening varieties are distinguished.

This plant has a well developed tap root. It has numerous lateral and adventitious roots. Clover has nodules with bacteria that absorb nitrogen from the air. The content of nitrogen in clover nodules depends on its biotype. It increases with the age of the plant.

Clover has a cylindrical stem. There are also lateral stems, they grow from the axils of the leaves. Stipules membranous and narrowed. Clover inflorescences are capitate and many-flowered. Flowers are sessile and moth type. Their colors are red, rarely purple

Interesting to know! Each clover flower has 10 stamens (nine fused and one standing), a pistil with a rounded stigma.

Mature clover anthers are reniform with a longitudinal groove. They burst when touched by pollinating insects, mainly bees and bumblebees. Ripe clover pollen is reddish-yellow.

It contains a lot of sugars, which attracts bees. From clover nectar, bees make very healthy honey, which also contains life-giving clover pollen.

Chemical composition

Commonly used in folk medicine, the red clover herb inflorescences contain the following chemicals:

polysaccharides, flavones (pectolinarin) - improve the detoxification function of the liver;
saponins, fatty acids, sitosterols - normalize lipid metabolism in the liver, preventing its fatty degeneration;
flavonoids (isoramnetin, kaempferol, quercetin), vitamins A, E, C - provide protection for liver cells and blood vessels;
glycosides (trifolin, isotrifolin) - enhance the secretory functions of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
organic acids (salicylic, coumaric) - improve bowel activity;
essential oil (furfural, methyl coumarin) - has an antibacterial effect;
isoflavones (formononetin, genistein, daidzein, trifozid) - have a hormone-like (estrogenic) effect;
vitamins B1, B3, microelements (cobalt, copper, zinc) - a source of vitamins and microelements.

Medicinal properties

In folk medicine, it is used to treat many diseases:

relieves inflammation;
lowers the temperature
tones the body;
gets rid of fungus
stops the blood;
relieves cough;
eliminates eye fatigue;
has choleretic properties;
cleans the lymphatic system;
works as a pain reliever.

Clover red and white can be used as:

decoction and infusion on a water basis;
extract as part of dietary supplements;
vodka tinctures;
leaf compress.

Red clover has found the greatest distribution in folk medicine due to the effective solution of the following problems.

Tinctures increase immunity and normalize metabolic processes in the body.
Clover preparations lower the level of bad cholesterol, which is additionally a good prevention of atherosclerosis.
For women - an indispensable assistant in gynecology: irregular periods, inflammation of the appendages, premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). During menopause, it eliminates hot flashes, sensitivity and pain in the chest.
Red clover due to isoflavonoids strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, increases the elasticity of large arteries. Helps with angina.
Herbal tinctures restore potency in men.
Leaf poultices, infusions and infusions (based on vegetable oils) help in the treatment of purulent wounds and chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, and treat burns.
To improve the overall well-being of the body and restore strength, it is recommended to take a bath with a shamrock.
To treat cough, the herb is added to tea and drunk several times a day. Healing for asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough.
It is used to thin the blood and treat thrombosis.
Meadow red clover is used as an astringent for stomach and intestinal problems.
Fresh juice is suitable for treating allergies.
For disease prevention oral cavity, throat, lungs apply tinctures.
Red clover can be used to prevent some cancer, since it contains many biological active compounds: biochanin-A, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, formononetin, genistein, isohamnetin.
Important! But if there is a predisposition to estrogen-dependent forms of cancer, treatment can backfire.
The plant owes its analgesic properties to the anti-inflammatory compounds in its composition, such as eugenol, myricetin and salicylic acid.

Contraindications

For most people, red and white clover are not dangerous either when taken orally or when applied to the skin.

The plant cannot be used:

Pregnant and lactating women. Clover acts like estrogen, so it can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. This prohibition also applies to external use.
In people suffering from blood diseases, the use of this medicinal plant may cause bleeding. Since clover thins the blood, it is forbidden to take it 2 weeks before surgical operation and after it.
With stomach disorders.
For heart patients and stroke survivors.
With estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (myoma and uterine cancer, endometriosis, ovarian and breast cancer), the patient's condition may worsen.
If you suffer from thrombophlebitis, clover will only harm you. This plant increases the risk of blood clots in people with protein S deficiency.

In addition, the following side effects may occur after consuming red clover:

skin rash;
muscle pain;
headache;
nausea;
vaginal bleeding in some women.

But the harm of red and white clover is not limited to this. There are a number of drugs with which red clover categorically cannot be combined:

Estrogen tablets (they may contain estradiol, ethinyl estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens - premarin).
Contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel - triphalis, ethinylestradiol and norethindrone - orthonovum.
Liver enzymes and other drugs for the treatment of the liver. Clover can increase the side effects of drugs and prevent them from being broken down.
Anti-clotting drugs: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin and others.
Tamoxifen is used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Red clover preparations reduce its effectiveness.

Folk recipes

With anti-inflammatory properties, clover flowers are often used for skin diseases and rheumatism.

Thanks to the presence salicylic acid it is brewed for cough, whooping cough and other lung diseases: bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma.

For the treatment of various diseases, ointments or decoctions are prepared from it, which are used in the form of compresses and poultices.
Decoctions from the grass help with anemia, and from the roots - with a hernia, tumors and inflammation of the appendages.
As a hemostatic agent, they drink it for hemorrhoids, heavy periods, and bleeding.
Lotions from the decoction help to cope with migraines and headaches. The same lotions can be done on the eyes of those who work a lot at the computer or whose work is associated with a heavy load on their eyesight.

This medicinal plant reduces tinnitus and dizziness, helps to reduce high blood pressure. most popular and effective recipes traditional medicine are presented below.

Tincture from atherosclerosis
2 tbsp. l. crushed flowers and leaves pour 500 ml of vodka. Close the lid and leave for 10-14 days in a dark place. Strain and store in a dark glass container. Accept according to Art. l. daily at night. The course of treatment is 2 weeks and a break of 10 days. Then drink another 2 weeks.
Infusion for cough
Pour two cups of dried herbs with a liter of boiling water and insist until the water has cooled. Drink when coughing, bronchitis, 100 ml warm. The same decoction can be used to gargle a sore throat, make lotions for wound healing.
Headache infusion
1 st. l. flowers and leaves of clover brew 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 40 minutes. Filter and drink 2 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals. This decoction can be drunk with anemia, atherosclerosis.
Tea to improve lactation
Mix 10 g of dried clover flowers and the same amount of dried St. John's wort, 20 g of blackcurrant leaves. Grind and brew like tea. Drink throughout the day.
Blood thinning tea
Brew 5 dried inflorescences with a glass (250 ml) of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Drink tea by adding 1 tsp to it. honey, 2 cups a day. Clover contains coumarins, which allow you to "dissolve" blood clots, thereby preventing the likelihood of stroke and heart attack.
Decoction of clover roots
Such a decoction is drunk with inflammation of the appendages and a cancerous tumor. Pour 10 g of crushed roots with hot water (100 ml) and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Strain and add boiled water to the original volume. Take no more than 5 times 1 tbsp. l. during the day.
Decoction with clover seeds
The decoction is useful for men with impaired sexual function. For its preparation 1 tbsp. l. red clover seeds (beans) are poured with dry red wine (1 glass) and kept in a water bath for half an hour. Then filter and drink 1 tbsp. l. three times per day.
For coughs and complicated colds
1 st. l. inflorescences pour 200 ml of boiling water, let it boil, leave for at least two hours in a warm place. Strain and take a third cup three times a day half an hour before meals.
With anemia
3 tsp inflorescences steam 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 60 minutes, strain. Take a quarter cup 4 times a day 20 minutes before meals.
For migraine attacks
Pour boiling water over 1 tbsp of inflorescences, leave for half an hour and squeeze. Take 100 ml three times a day for 14 days.
With dysmenorrhea
2 tbsp. l. clover steamed in 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew in a thermos for half a day. Strain, drink 50 ml 4 times a day half an hour before meals.
With cystitis
1 st. l. inflorescences pour 0.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil. Drink 2 tbsp. l. with an interval of two hours.
With atherosclerosis, accompanied by headache and tinnitus
Under the condition of normal blood pressure, clover tincture is useful: 40 g of dry raw materials are infused in 0.5 liters of alcohol with a strength of 40 degrees for 10 days. Strained tincture drink 20 ml before lunch and in the evening, before going to bed. The duration of treatment is 90 days, with a break of 10 days.
To improve digestion
A mixture of red clover inflorescences, peppermint leaves and centaury grass (1 tbsp of all herbs). Raw materials pour 300 ml of boiling water, let it brew and take 100 ml three times a day for half an hour before meals.

Update: October 2018

Red clover (meadow, honey color, trinity, woodpecker, redhead, red porridge, woodpecker, stable) is a herbaceous perennial plant from the legume family. The benefits and harms of the plant have long been studied, so clover is widely used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, antifungal, astringent, wound healing, expectorant and analgesic, has many useful properties and is even eaten.

It is unpretentious to growing conditions and is found almost everywhere throughout Europe, North Africa, Central and Western Asia. In Russia, it is most common in the European part of the country, in Siberia, Kamchatka and the Far East. Clover is sensitive to the influence of anthropogenic factors: under adverse conditions, it dies and does not recover well. Grows in upland and moderately moist meadows, clearings, forest edges, in thickets of shrubs, on the outskirts of roads.

It is a valuable honey plant, but only species of bees with long proboscises can get nectar, so the productivity is no more than 6 kg of honey per hectare of crops. Such honey is considered the best in quality and medicinal value, it does not get candied for a long time and retains its properties.

The plant is a fodder value for farm animals, planted for decorative purposes. Used as a soil fertilizer. It is also used for food purposes: young shoots and leaves are eaten as an additive to salad, cabbage soup is prepared from them. In the Caucasus, young inflorescences are fermented for the winter. Essential oil Plants are used in perfumery and cosmetology.

Morphological description

The root is taproot, has a small length and gives many shoots. Blisters are formed on the root with nitrogen-assimilating bacteria (they absorb nitrogen and accumulate air from the air), so fields are sown with clover for natural soil fertilization.

Branched stems reach a height of 20-60 cm, are ascending or erect. The leaves are trifoliate, have an ovoid or elliptical shape, a long petiole, are painted in bright green color with a light spot in the center. The lower leaves have serrated edges.

Flowering occurs in June-July, and may continue until August. Red clover flowers are zygomorphic, sessile, irregular shape, 11-14 mm long, located in capitate inflorescences, framed by two leaves. The inflorescence is an elongated ovoid or cylindrical head 1.5-3.5 cm wide and 2-3 cm long. It bears fruit in July-August: beans are membranous, ovate-spherical, with one brown achene.

Chemical composition

The rich chemical composition of the plant determines numerous medicinal properties:

flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, pratoletin);
phytosterols;
fatty oil (especially a lot in seeds);
essential oil containing methyl coumarin and furfural - the strongest antimicrobial substance;
organic acids (salicylic, p-coumaric, ketoglutaric);
amino acids;
glycosides (trifolin and isotrifolin);
alkaloids;
tannins;
cellulose;
resins;
proteins and fats;
vitamins E, C, A, P, K, B1 and B2;
salts of calcium and phosphorus.

After mowing the grass, nitrogen accumulates in the roots of the plant (up to 150 kg/ha).

Useful properties of red clover

How useful is clover? Plant preparations have the following therapeutic effects:

astringent;
anti-inflammatory;
painkiller;
wound healing;
secretory;
diuretic;
choleretic;
restorative;
diaphoretic;
expectorant;
antiseptic;
regenerating;
hemostatic;
antiatherosclerotic;
vascular strengthening;
antitumor.

Collection and preparation

Red clover heads are of medicinal value, which are harvested during the flowering period, while they are fresh and juicy. Withered and drying inflorescences are not suitable for harvesting. It is best to cut inflorescences with upper leaves, which are also rich in nutrients.

Dry raw materials in natural conditions - under sheds or in attics. It is important not to overdry the herb, because in this case, the red clover loses its medicinal properties. Ready dry heads should not fall apart and crumble. They are neatly folded into cloth bags and stored in a dry place for 12 months. The raw material has no smell, but is bitter in taste.

Indications for use

Despite the well-studied medicinal properties and contraindications of red clover, plant preparations are mainly used in folk medicine for internal and external treatment. What red clover helps with:

CCC: atherosclerosis and its prevention, hypertension (lowers blood pressure, and also reduces concomitant symptoms - headaches and dizziness);
Hematopoietic system: anemia;
Musculoskeletal system: myositis, rheumatism, polyarthritis;
Respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, influenza, SARS, ENT pathologies;
Pathologies of the urinary system: urolithiasis, cystitis;
Reproductive system: inflammatory diseases of the female genital area, especially the ovaries, painful menstruation. Good for menopause. Men recommended for sexual impotence;
Oncological diseases. When defeated internal organ taken orally, and for skin cancer - externally, in the form of lotions and ointments;
Skin diseases: skin lesions with bleeding, fungal infections, burns, ulcers, psoriasis, vasculitis, vitiligo;
Inflammatory processes with the formation of purulent discharge: boils, panaritium, purulent wounds, abscesses, ulcers and bedsores.

Plant preparations are recommended as a biogenic stimulant and general tonic for prevention. viral diseases, with chronic fatigue, beriberi, sudden weight loss or gain, alcohol intoxication.

Application of red clover

Traditional medicine recipes:

Decoction and infusion

It's universal dosage forms shown in all of the above diseases. In addition to internal use, they are indicated for external treatment in the form of compresses, lotions, poultices and additives in therapeutic baths. A steep decoction helps well with purulent abscesses and accelerates the healing of tissues.

Decoction: 1 tbsp. l. pour dry inflorescences with boiling water (1 cup) and boil over low heat for 1 minute, then leave for another hour. Strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day, before meals.

Cool decoction for external use: according to the above principle, just take 3 tbsp. raw materials.

Infusion: 2 tbsp. l. pour dry inflorescences with boiling water (1 cup) and stand for 60 minutes, insist, strain. Take half a glass 3 times a day or ¼ cup 4 times a day, before meals. Especially indicated as an astringent and expectorant.

A decoction of the roots of the plant

It is indicated for the treatment of bronchopulmonary pathologies and oncological diseases.

Grind 20 gr. dried roots, pour them with 1 cup of boiling water, put the product in a water bath to languish over low heat for about half an hour. Cool the resulting broth, strain and add boiled water to the original volume. Take 1 tbsp. l. decoction up to 6 times a day, before meals.

red clover tincture

It is indicated for headaches, tinnitus and high cholesterol in atherosclerosis. They are taken for the prevention of influenza and SARS, with anemia, overwork, oncological diseases. Externally used for the treatment of the throat and oral cavity (half diluted with water). Do not use to treat burns, open wounds and dry skin. Take with caution at high blood pressure.

Take 4 tbsp. dry raw materials and pour 500 ml of vodka or alcohol diluted to 40%. Insist 10 days in warmth. Take 1 tsp. before meals 3 times a day and 1 more time at night.

Seed tincture

Take 1 tbsp. l. clover seeds and pour 1 glass of red wine, steam the product in a water bath for half an hour. Take for a long time, at least 1 month, 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

Tea

Taken as a means of strengthening the immune system during the season of colds and SARS, to improve appetite in children.

1 tsp dry raw materials pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 5 minutes and take during the day in small sips.

Juice

Fresh juice has the same effect as infusion and decoction, but is considered more effective. It strengthens the immune system very well. It is especially recommended after a long illness, for recuperation after operations. Juice is also used externally, with suppuration of the finger and nail bed, skin tuberculosis.

Take fresh leaves, inflorescences and stems, pass through a meat grinder and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Oil extract

It is used to treat the skin with ulcers and wounds, used for the speedy healing of burns and softening of the skin.

Take 1 part of dry inflorescences and pour 2 parts olive oil, insist 2 weeks. Apply only externally, for skin treatment and compresses at night.

fresh crushed leaves

They are used externally to heal wounds, stop minor bleeding, abscesses, burns and rheumatic pains.

Take fresh leaves, rinse with water and grind them in a mortar or grinder, put the gruel in a sterile bandage and apply to the skin for 15-20 minutes.

Fresh inflorescences

Freshly picked inflorescences are used as an additive to salads, soups and are recommended for patients with beriberi.

Pharmacological preparations

In a pharmacy, you can buy the following preparations of red clover: drops, capsules, extract and dry raw materials.

Drops, 50 ml. Recommended for strengthening and cleansing blood vessels, lowering blood cholesterol levels, preventing atherosclerosis and hypertension. Price - 110 rubles.
Capsules, 60 pcs. Applicable for respiratory diseases, anemia, polyarthritis, hormonal disorders in women, with complex treatment atherosclerosis, as well as for the treatment of skin diseases: eczema, psoriasis, furunculosis, burns and trophic ulcers. Price - 900 rubles.
Red clover extract in tablets of 500 mg, 50 pcs. Recommended as food supplement to maintain women's health, strengthen cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system during menopause. Price - 2200 rubles.
Extract on wax, 100 gr. Indicated for external use for burns, abscesses, eczema, allergic rashes, swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes. Price - 500 rubles.
Dry raw materials (grass and flowers), 50 gr. Recommended for colds, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, cough, chest pain, pulmonary tuberculosis, anemia. It is used for headaches and dizziness, insomnia, angina pectoris, hypertension, edema of various origins, inflammatory diseases rectum and vagina. Externally used for wounds, abscesses, burns, scrofula, festering ulcers, inflammation of the eyes. Price - 20-80 rubles.

Features of use in women, men, children

For women. The decoction is used externally for douching inflammatory processes vagina, and inside - with painful menstruation. During the experiments, it was proved that the decoction of the plant helps to eliminate the phenomena of menopause due to the content of phytoestrogens - substances that are included in hormone replacement therapy during menopause. In women who took a decoction of the plant during menopause, mood stabilization was observed, the frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause decreased.
For men. Clover has long been attributed to natural aphrodisiacs that increase male sexual activity (use a tincture of seeds).
For kids. Tea from the plant is used to improve appetite and activate digestion, helps with colic and abdominal cramps. It works very well with exudative diathesis: you can bathe babies in water with the addition of a decoction or rinse the body with clover infusion after bathing. Alcohol tinctures of clover are contraindicated for children.

Contraindications and precautions

Among the contraindications to the use of red clover:

thrombophlebitis;
Phlebeurysm;
Acute forms of chronic pathologies of the kidneys and liver;
Pregnancy;
Estrogen-dependent oncological diseases;
Chronic diarrhea and constipation of various etiologies;
Children's age up to 18 years (for alcohol dosage forms).

At serious illnesses heart, after a stroke, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of treating red clover - in these cases, the plant can be harmful to health.

Red clover, which is familiar to everyone and literally grows under your feet, can work wonders. Its healing properties were used by Avicenna, who used red clover flowers to cure many ailments.

Red clover is often used to prevent osteoporosis, blood clots, and to relieve symptoms of menopause. What other useful and healing properties this herb has, how to use it and prepare medicinal preparations, you will learn from this article.

Red clover where the description grows

Going for a walk in the park or on your suburban area, you will definitely meet this plant. Most often it can be seen in meadows, along paths and roads, lawns or forest edges.

Red clover or red clover is a perennial plant belonging to the Legume family of the Clover genus. The branched stem can reach a length of 15 to 45-55 centimeters. Inflorescences are ovoid, tubular, red or light red. It blooms from June to September. Small trifoliate leaves are covered along the edges with small delicate villi.

It grows throughout Europe. England, America, northern part of the African continent. In our country, it grows almost throughout the entire territory, starting from the European part and ending Far East and Kamchatka.

Red clover is a very valuable plant for soil science: it fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, thereby improving the soil. This grass property is used to renew pastures.

Benefits of red clover

There are over 125 chemical compounds in red clover. active substances. The most important are:

Flavonoids;

Isoflavones;

Coumarins;

Phenolic acids;

Essential oil;

sitosterols;

Amino acids;

glycosides;

Fatty acid.

In addition, it contains:

vitamins;

Minerals;

Tannins;

Cellulose.

This is not a complete list of all useful substances. Of the vitamins, vitamin C, carotene, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin should be noted.

During the flowering period, it contains the most calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen-free substances. It also contains potassium, magnesium, chromium and other mineral salts.

Isoflavones (formononetin, daidzein, biochanin A, genistein, and others) found in flowers and leaves have an estrogen-like effect. Due to their similarity to estrogens, they are often referred to as phytoestrogens. This property is used in hormone replacement therapy. Isoflavonoids improve the condition of blood vessels, improve the elasticity of large arteries, and help reduce pressure in women in the postmenstrual period.

Salicylic acid has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavones and flavonoids are among the most powerful antioxidants. The flavonoid pterocarpan found in the leaves of the herb gives them fungicidal and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you use red clover in the form of tea, you can get a significant portion of antioxidants that protect the body from the oxidative effects of free radicals, serve as a preventive measure for many infectious, viral and bacterial infections.

The beneficial substances contained in this plant are able to cleanse the body of harmful substances, toxins and toxins.

red clover medicinal properties

Many people grow this flower in their flower beds. Its bright inflorescences captivate with their beauty and give some sophistication. Interestingly, with the sunset, the flower closes and blooms again with sunrise. You can determine the weather from them: before the rain, its inflorescences close and the leaves fold.

And yet, the medicinal properties of the plant, which also attract the scientific world, are of greater interest. The main interest in it arose because of its similar properties to soy. But, as some studies show, the properties of red clover are superior to soy in many ways.

Red clover flowers have properties such as:

Anti-inflammatory;

expectorants;

Antispasmodic;

estrogenic;

Wound healing;

soothing;

Diuretic;

Cholagogue;

Hemostatic;

Antiseptic.

The substance trifolirizin isolated from the roots has an antifungal property.

Scientists consider it as a means:

substitutive hormone therapy with menopause;

Improving the conditions of the cardiovascular system;

Prevention of osteoporosis and increase in bone density;

Prevention and treatment of cancer.

Red clover application

Its flowers, leaves, and roots help with dozens of ailments, ranging from the common cold to more serious ailments.

Traditionally, grass flowers have been used as an expectorant for coughs and bronchitis. Traditional healers recommended it for the treatment of breast cancer. Actual use of clover for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, rash.

Decoctions, infusions, tea, alcohol tinctures are in no way inferior in effectiveness to many medicines.

Currently, herbal teas, tinctures and juice from it are used for the preparation of therapeutic baths, compresses, irrigation of the throat with pharyngitis.

A decoction is used in the pathology of the gallbladder and bladder. It has a strong diuretic and mild choleretic, diaphoretic and pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Medicines made from it can be used to treat bronchitis and other upper body problems. respiratory tract as it has excellent expectorant properties.

They can treat wounds to stop bleeding.

It helps to clear blood vessels from cholesterol. With regular use of clover decoction, the level of high-density lithoprotein cholesterol increases to normal level prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The first effects become noticeable even after a short course of treatment.

The decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties of clover flowers make it suitable for varicose veins veins. Flower poultices, when used regularly, greatly improve appearance veins.

It is recommended to take red clover during menopause. It contains in its composition substances similar to hormones, so it is much easier for women to endure the difficult period of menopause and the risk of osteoporosis is reduced.

Clearing blood vessels from cholesterol leads to an improvement in the cardiovascular system. In addition, red clover has positive influence on the composition of the blood, hemoglobin is normalized.

Red clover has another amazing property - it helps fight cancer and fungal diseases. But in such cases, it is impossible to fully trust traditional medicine, which can lead to unpredictable and sometimes catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is better to take it as additional funds for blood purification.

The use of decoctions and infusions with red clover will help reduce high blood pressure. For greater effect, it can be brewed with alfalfa.

Red clover, brewed as a tea, improves production breast milk among women.

Vodka or alcohol tincture has been successfully used to treat acne and pimples on the skin. By adding honey, you can only enhance its effect.

What does red clover cure?

The healing properties of red clover are recognized not only folk medicine but also traditional. It can be used to treat:

Disorders of the digestive system;

Gastrointestinal diseases;

irritable bowel syndrome;

Cleansing the body;

allergies;

Skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis;

Headache;

osteoporosis;

Fibromyalgia;

Varicose veins;

Stomatitis;

Throat diseases;

atherosclerosis.

It is also used in gynecology for the treatment of:

Hormonal disorders;

premenstrual syndrome;

Symptoms of menopause;

endometriosis;

Red clover contraindications

The use of red clover in medicinal purposes usually does not cause any side effects and adverse reactions, provided that it is taken in a strictly recommended dose. In case of individual intolerance or overdose, it can cause headache, rash, nausea, loss of appetite.

Its use is contraindicated for those people who take anticoagulants. They definitely need to consult a doctor about the advisability of using clover.

Do not use this herb for people with estrogen-dependent forms of cancer, such as:

Uterine cancer;

endometrial cancer;

Mammary cancer;

Ovarian cancer.

The contraindication is:

Pregnancy (phytoestrogens may affect the fetus);

Childhood;

thrombophlebitis;

Aggravation peptic ulcer stomach;

Conditions after a heart attack and stroke;

Stones in the kidneys;

High blood pressure;

Also, you can not be treated with clover when taking oral contraceptives, hormonal drugs including progesterone.

People with bleeding disorders should be used with caution, as this plant contains coumarins that can thin the blood. In any case, before starting treatment with drugs based on this medicinal plant, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

When conducting a course of treatment with red clover, you need to remember that long-term use can cause a violation menstrual cycle in women and weaken the potency in men. Therefore, you need to take it in courses and take breaks.

How to prepare red clover

Red clover flowers should be harvested during their active flowering period. Raw materials are collected in the morning, after the dew has come down.

Dry them in a ventilated room, away from the sun, laying out in one layer. For uniform drying, the inflorescences can be turned over. Clover leaves are prepared and dried in the same way.

The dried raw material is stored in a tightly closed opaque jar at room temperature.

Do not collect flowers and leaves of the plant near the roadway, highways, harmful enterprises.

Do not cut or uproot the entire plant. It is enough to cut with scissors only inflorescences with a pair of upper leaves. Clover reproduces mainly through the root system.

How to take red clover

As dietary supplements to replenish the body with isoflavones, it is recommended to take no more than 40-80 mg per day, which is 2 tablets.

How to make tea

To receive clover as tea drink brew 1-2 teaspoons of inflorescences and leaves in a glass of boiling water. Insist for 10 minutes. Drink 3-4 glasses a day.

red clover tincture

Compress with clover

Brew the inflorescences in a small amount of boiling water and let stand for a few minutes. While it is still warm, put it on a cloth and apply it to the affected areas.

Red clover in cosmetology

Like many other herbs, clover is also used in cosmetics. Lotions, ointments, poultices and compresses are made from it. It will help to cope with boils and acne, ulcers, get rid of dandruff and strengthen hair follicles.

In the presence of purulent wounds, acne, prepare a decoction by brewing 3 tablespoons of crushed inflorescences with a glass of boiling water. Put on low heat and boil for 1 minute. Remove and leave to infuse for 2 hours. Then filter.

Powdered red clover leaves and inflorescences can be added to salads and other dishes as a vitamin remedy, which will also serve to preserve beauty.

Red clover can be called a storehouse of vitamins and many other useful substances. its use for the maintenance and preservation of health is truly priceless. In addition, it is very easy to brew and take in the form that suits you best.

But we must not forget the contraindications that this medicinal plant has.

How red clover is useful, see the video