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Pharmacy Links

HERBS: RED CLOVER

30th March 2009

Trifolium pratense

Action: Alterative, vulnerary.

Systems Affected: Blood, skin.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowers, dose 0.5-4.0 grams by infusion.

Red Clover is of great importance as a forage crop in temperate zone agriculture. The flowers are a deep red or rose-purple, but in some cases appear paler and even white in colour. (White Clover, however, is another species, Trifolium repens.)

The herb was known to the ancients but was not used medicinally except occasionally as a vulnerary. Introduced to America, it soon became naturalized and the American Indians found it useful externally for sores and internally for skin disease. It then became a part of American and European herbalism.

The strong metallic flavour of Red Clover results from its high concentration of iron, copper and trace elements such as molybdenum. It also contains various glycosides, flavonoids and a plant oestrogen, coumestrol.

Red Clover functions as a blood tonic and ‘blood cleanser’ or alterative: according to the Australian herbalist Dorothy Hall ‘it can improve the blood’s hemoglobin levels and the quality of blood platelets’. It is useful in treating anaemia and is specific for chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, for which purpose it is usually combined with Burdock, Yellow Dock and other herbs.

The flowers are used externally for their vulnerary or healing action, applied as a poultice, compress or ointment to ulcers, burns, sores and skin complaints.

Cautionary Notes: Because of its high concentration of minerals and other constituents, Red Clover should not be taken in very large doses for indefinite periods of time. It is best used with other herbs as part of a formula for treatment of a particular problem.