Clover (Mu)

Botanical Name: Red Clover – Trifolium pratense. White Clover – Trifolium repens.

Red clover’s sweet flavor and medicinal properties make it a wonderful ingredient for teas. A member of the bean family, red clover is used as a tonic in Chinese Medicine to treat colds and flus. Clover is very good at treating chronic and degenerative ailments.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – A Question of Toxicity…

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of cl, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of clover.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Flower Top, Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Slightly Sweet, Bland, Cool

Caution: Considered safe though pregnant or nursing women should not be taking red clover, as the effects of the plant’s isoflavones on fetuses and infants is not yet clear. It is also not recommended for anyone on blood thinning medications (coumadin).

Key Constituents: Isoflavones, Phenolic, and Cyanogenic glycosides, Salicylates, Coumarins, Volatile oil (including Furfural), Sitosterols, Starch, Fatty acids, Caffeic acid, Silicic acid, Phytoestrin, Flavonoids (including Genistein)., Resin, Tannins. Also high in Calcium, Chromium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Vitamins C, E, A, B1, B2, B3, and B12

History/Folklore: The name “trifolium” derives from the Latin words tres (“three”) and folium (“leaf”). Both red and white clovers have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and both can be used to purify the blood and lymph. Red clover is considered one of the richest sources of isoflavones, which are water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens. It is therefore high on the list for treating menopausal hot flashes, PMS, breast health, lowering cholesterol, and increasing urination and blood circulation. Still, while early studies are encouraging, it is still inconclusive if, and to what degree, red clover’s healing properties do in fact impact menopausal hot flashes, blood clotting, cardio conditions, and cancer.

Red clover is used as a flavoring in foods and beverages, even though white clover is considered to have the better flavor!

In Ancient China the plant was used as incense and burned at altars. It was considered a sacred plant by many cultures and thought to bring good luck, prosperity and health to all who wore it. In contemporary Europe, a red clover extract called Uzarin paralyzes smooth musculature. It is marketed as UZARA in drop and tablet form and is used to treat diarrhea.

White clover (Trifolium repens) is traditionally used to purify and cleanse blood. All parts of the plant are edible: leaf, flower, stem, and seed pods. The dried leaves and flowers are slightly sweet with a mild vanilla-like flavor. They are often used fresh or dried in baked goods, salads, and teas. Considered more delicious than red clover, white clover is high in protein, minerals, and other nutrients. White clover honey is the most commonly used table honey available.

White clover wash is used to soothe skin and as an eyewash. A tincture made from the leaves can be used to make an ointment to help treat gout.

Both red and white clovers have been used to break curses and help revitalize a person’s spirit.

Red Clover can cause sterility and liver disease in some animals if they eat too much of it. It is grown as a fodder crop and tilled for green manure.

White clover symbolizes happiness, promise, and “Think of me” or “Be mine.” Clovers in general are associated with good luck, especially a four-leaf clover. Often associated with male energy, covers are also understood to be a symbol of protection and a charm against snakes, hexes, and other forms of negative energy.