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Wild clover has medicinal properties. Red clover: beneficial properties and sowing on the site

Clover is a genus of plants that includes about 300 annual and perennial species. Clover flowers attract bees, and the honey they make is very tasty.

People use some types of clover for medicinal purposes. For example, red clover flowers and leaves are added to ointments. Infusions are used to treat fungal infections, burns, wounds, gout and eye diseases. Red clover flower tea helps treat fever, whooping cough, measles and asthma.

For a plant to be beneficial, it needs to be.

Composition and calorie content of clover

Red clover contains vitamins A, B, C, F and PP. Composition 100 gr. fresh clover as a percentage of the daily value:

  • cellulose– 26%. Improves intestinal motility, removes toxins and waste from the body;
  • vitamin A- 19%. Protects eyes and skin;
  • vitamin C- eleven%. Strengthens the immune system, prevents the development of bacterial and viral infections;
  • iron- 9%. Prevents anemia.

The calorie content of fresh clover is 23 kcal per 100 g.

Benefits of clover

The medicinal properties of clover are manifested in antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative and tonic effects.

Red clover has long been used in folk medicine to treat cancer, whooping cough, skin diseases and as a diuretic.

Flavonoids in clover flowers and leaves are beneficial for menopause.

Clover helps maintain bone mass and speeds up the healing of fractures. It reduces the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, when their bones become brittle and brittle.

Red clover lowers “bad” cholesterol and protects against cardiovascular disease.

The plant is useful in the treatment of eye diseases, age-related changes in visual receptors, because it contains a lot of vitamin A.

Clover is used as a cough remedy. It is useful in treatment respiratory diseases upper respiratory tract, because it removes mucus well.

The benefits of clover also include detoxifying the body, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases and strengthens the immune system.

Herbal poultices are used topically for treatment. malignant neoplasms, and consuming the herb helps with breast and ovarian cancer.

Harm and contraindications of clover

Harm:

  • phytoestrogens in clover may cause fertility problems in men;
  • red clover can cause side effects in women - headaches, swollen neck glands, breast tenderness and dizziness.

Clover contraindications:

There are many varieties of clover. But for medical purposes and in traditional medicine recipes, red clover is usually used; some medical and homeopathic preparations are produced on its basis.

We will consider the features of using and growing the plant in the article.

Botanical description

This plant is better known as red clover, and its botanical name is Latin- Trifolium pratense. It belongs to the genus of clover of the moth subfamily of the legume family. It is usually a perennial herb (sometimes biennial), growing to a height of 15–55 centimeters.

It blooms from June to September with red-pink loose tubular flowers collected in a ball-shaped head. The inflorescences are sometimes found in pairs and have a patchy or whitish color. The stems of this plant branch, and trefoil leaves grow on them.

The fruits ripen in August-October and look like a small oval bean with one seed. These seeds can be used to propagate the plant. Clover can also reproduce vegetatively.

Did you know? Red clover is an excellent forage crop with a high nutritional level. It is used to make hay and silage for livestock. In addition, it can accumulate nitrogen on the roots and be used as green manure.

Spreading

Red clover is quite widespread in Eurasia and northern Africa. Grows in meadows, clearings, and along roads. Grown as a fodder plant.

Chemical composition

Clover contains the following vitamins:

  • C, ascorbic acid;
  • B1, thiamine;
  • B2, riboflavin;
  • E, tocopherol;
  • carotene.
Clover grass contains minerals, most of which are calcium and phosphorus. Potassium, magnesium, iron, selenium, and chromium are also present.
The herbaceous mass of this plant is known to contain the following substances:
  • essential oils;
  • tannins;
  • glycosides;
  • resins;
  • fixed oils;
  • amino acids;
  • organic acids;
  • coumarin;
  • phytoestrogens;
  • flavonoids (including quercetin, maaciain).

Medicinal properties of red clover

This rich composition gives red clover a number of healing properties:

  • anti-inflammatory;
  • antimicrobial;
  • antifungal;
  • immunostimulating;
  • rejuvenating;
  • tonic;
  • antioxidant;
  • anticancer;
  • antisclerotic;
  • diaphoretic;
  • diuretic;
  • expectorant.

Use in folk medicine

Due to the presence of natural phytohormones, the use of this plant for women and men has a positive effect on their health and well-being.

For women

Taking this herb affects the female body as follows:

  • increases libido;
  • facilitates menopause;
  • serves as a prevention of osteoporosis in women due to menopause;
  • helps with painful periods, inflammatory diseases female organs;
  • is the prevention of breast and female organs cancer;
  • promotes collagen production, which improves appearance skin and smooth out wrinkles.

Did you know? Red clover is included in some homeopathic medicines, for example, such as “Feminal” and “Femiwell”.

For men

Men can also benefit from eating red clover because it:

  • increases libido, potency;
  • helps with erection problems;
  • prevents prostate cancer;
  • cleans blood vessels from cholesterol, which is most often elevated in men.

Indications for use

This plant is used in the treatment of the following list of diseases:

  • cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, hypertension and others);
  • colds and flu (also for their prevention);
  • bronchitis and pneumonia;
  • skin diseases, including rashes in children;
  • wounds and burns;
  • cystitis;
  • physical exhaustion after illness or stress;
  • rheumatism;
  • diarrhea and intestinal disorders;
  • inflammation of the ovaries and other inflammatory processes in the female organs;
  • liver and gallbladder diseases.

Harm and side effect

This bioactive plant should not be consumed continuously. His long-term use due to the presence of phytohormones, it may disrupt natural cycle or lead to impotence. It is best to use it as a course of treatment.

Clover should not be consumed before planned operations and for some time after them, since this plant thins the blood and can cause bleeding.

Important! If you are taking blood thinning medications, you should not drink clover tea at the same time.

Contraindications

Red clover should not be consumed if:

  • pregnancy;
  • hormonal-dependent tumors of any etiology;
  • poor blood clotting;
  • individual intolerance (rare);
  • thrombophlebitis.

Infusion for external use

For external use, make a strong infusion using the following ingredients:

  • three tablespoons of crushed raw materials;
  • 250 ml water.
Boil water and pour it into the prepared container with raw materials. Let it brew until it cools and strain.
The resulting infusion is used to wash the skin for diathesis and other rashes, psoriasis. Lotions made of gauze or cotton wool are applied to wounds and burns, boils, and abscesses. It can also be used to wash sore eyes, rinse sore throat or oral cavity. This infusion is suitable for douching inflammatory processes in the vagina, leucorrhoea.

After cooling, the product is placed in the refrigerator: there it can be stored for no more than two days.

Infusion for internal use

Infusion for internal use made from the following ingredients:

  • three tablespoons of vegetable raw materials;
  • 1.5 cups clean water.
Bring water to a boil and pour it into the container with the prepared raw materials, let it brew for about an hour and take half a glass three times a day after meals.

This infusion will be useful for migraines, tinnitus, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, insomnia, as well as for colds, coughs, bronchitis and pneumonia. You can drink it for anemia, exhaustion, male and female problems, including menopause.

This infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, but it is best to prepare it daily.

Vodka tincture

For cooking medicinal tincture use the following ingredients:

  • one glass of fresh clover heads;
  • 0.5 liters of vodka (alcohol).
Place the meadow clover inflorescences, washed and dried from moisture, into a prepared container and fill with vodka (alcohol). Close tightly and leave in a dark place for 14 days. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap (or stopper).

This tincture is effective for high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.

To lower cholesterol levels, take it once a day 20 minutes before meals. To do this, dilute 15 ml of tincture in 50 ml of clean water. Similar treatment should last no more than three months.

For atherosclerosis, to cleanse blood vessels, drink this tincture once a day before bed, 20 ml. Drink for two weeks, then take a ten-day break and repeat the two-week course.

How to brew tea

The simplest and most delicious way to do this is medicinal plant- drinking tea.

To prepare it you will need:

  • one teaspoon of dry clover heads;
  • 250 ml of clean water.
Boil water and pour it into a glass with clover blossoms, cover and leave for 20 minutes. This tea should be drunk three times a day for colds and coughs, menopause, and loss of strength. It will perfectly clean the blood vessels and lymphatic system, will remove toxins. The course of application is 1.5 months.

One glass of this healing drink at night will help you fall asleep if you have insomnia.

You can add a little honey to this drink. Each time you should prepare new tea, since it is most tasty and aromatic when fresh.

Did you know? Red clover flowers can be added to green tea and tea blends. Fresh leaves are added to salads, like other greens. They can also be added to green borscht and sauces.

Growing clover

In some areas this meadow plant grows on its own, but you can grow it yourself. After all, red clover is a good green manure; it perfectly enriches the soil with nitrogen, restores it, and helps get rid of weeds. This beautiful, and also medicinal, plant will not only improve the soil, but also give the site a decorative appearance.

Choosing a location and lighting

Meadow clover is quite cold-resistant, but does not tolerate severe frosts below -7°C. He also doesn't like high temperatures- The summer heat is destructive for him. The first year of life it can easily tolerate frosts down to -17°C, but in the second and third years - no lower than -12°C. Optimal temperature regime for the growth of meadow clover is in the range from +17°C to +20°C.

This plant loves good light, but also tolerates shade. Good predecessors for it are cereals, potatoes and other root vegetables.

Soil preparation and fertilizers

Red clover loves moisture, but too much can kill it. This plant loves humic soils that are moderately moist, without stagnant water, and soils with low acidity. It is also well suited to low loamy soils. Does not like sand, acidic soil containing a lot of salts.

It would not be a bad idea to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to increase productivity. Not only mineral but also organic fertilizers “Optim-Humus”, as well as preparations of effective soil microorganisms (for example, EM preparations) are perfect for this purpose. In the future, fertilizing clover with fertilizers is carried out in autumn and spring.

Sowing and propagation

Before planting, it is advisable to treat clover seeds with risotorphin or nitragine. This process contributes to the faster appearance and reproduction of nodule bacteria, which in turn has a positive effect on the growth of this plant.
Red clover is sown in prepared soil in early spring, after the frosts have passed.

Red clover, or “meadow” in other words, belongs to the legume family. This unusual plant has been familiar to everyone since childhood. Fluffy, purple balls of meadow clover can be found almost everywhere: in meadows, fields, along roadsides, etc. A purple scattering of flowers creates bright, colorful landscapes. Red clover flowers have long been famous healing power. The medicinal plant was used to treat many ailments. People value clover for its medicinal properties and the ability to heal various diseases.

Traditional medicine uses clover flowers and herbs to prepare decoctions, teas and infusions. Let's look at what recipes there are with this ingredient below.

Chemical composition

The presence of a number of medicinal properties is due to the rich natural composition of clover. This meadow plant contains a lot of substances, various microelements and ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the human body. The flowers of the plant and its leaves are of greatest value.

IN chemical composition medicinal clover includes:

  • vitamins: E, C, K and a number of B vitamins;
  • macro- and microelements: chromium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium;
  • tannins;
  • essential and fatty oils;
  • glycosides (trifosilin, isotrifolin);
  • flavonoids;
  • alkaloids;
  • phytoestrogens;
  • resinous substances;
  • bioquinone;
  • organic acids (coumaric, salicylic), etc.

Each of these components helps to improve the health of the body and saturate it with nutrients.

Beneficial features


The medicinal properties of clover have been known since ancient times. The rich natural composition of the plant allows it to be used as an ingredient to treat many diseases.

Red clover has:

  • antiseptic;
  • antivirus;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • lymphogenous;
  • diuretic;
  • sweatshop;
  • choleretic effect.

The composition of red clover is unique. For example, trifosilin, which is part of the plant, helps destroy fungi and harmful bacteria.

Red clover is used for:

  • reducing sugar and cholesterol;
  • treatment of neuroses (to calm nervous system)
  • eliminating fungal infections;
  • treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system;
  • normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • cleansing lymph and blood;
  • gout treatment;
  • removal of waste and toxins;

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect ethnoscience uses clover as an ingredient in the treatment of hepatitis, colds and pulmonary diseases. The plant is also used for cleansing circulatory system.

Meadow grass normalizes digestion in some intestinal disorders; it also helps eliminate toxic substances and accumulated gas from the body. excess liquid.

Meadow grass is also used in the treatment of:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • insomnia and headaches;
  • tinnitus;
  • respiratory tract diseases (cough, bronchitis, tuberculosis);
  • colds;
  • constipation and rectal disorders;
  • skin infections;
  • eye diseases;
  • whooping cough and scarlet fever;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • rheumatism and arthritis.

The beneficial properties of clover are used to treat cardiac edema and atherosclerosis. The use of decoctions based on this plant helps to normalize work of cardio-vascular system and dissolution of cholesterol plaques.

Benefits for women


The medicinal properties of meadow clover are of particular value to a woman’s body. The plant is popularly called " female grass", as it helps in the treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.

Benefits of red clover for female body is that it contains phytoestrogens, that is female hormones. These natural substances normalize work reproductive system and improve women's health.

Diseases of the female reproductive system treated with clover:

  • ovarian diseases;
  • vaginal irritation;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • menopause symptoms;
  • inflammation fallopian tubes;
  • sexual infections;
  • painful periods, etc.

During menopause, the medicinal properties of meadow clover are used specially medicinal infusions. This ingredient allows you to minimize the symptoms of menopause: eliminate vaginal dryness, hot flashes, fever and insomnia.

To reduce symptoms menopause , a woman is recommended to use a special decoction. To prepare it you will need two tablespoons of fresh red clover inflorescences and leaves. We steam all parts of the plant in a glass of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour. We take the medicinal decoction three times a day, 1/2 cup. We use the product before meals. The course is one month.

Clover-based decoctions increase the level of estrogen, which decreases during menopause, and also normalize a woman’s hormonal levels.

When using this recipe, it is very important to pay attention to contraindications. Clover decoction is not recommended for use by women who have very low blood clotting. It is also prohibited to take it if you have had a previous heart attack or stroke.

It is recommended to use an infusion using clover for pain in menstruation time, as well as in case of violations hormonal levels. To do this, it is recommended to use either pharmacy (bagged) tea based on clover flowers, or a homemade infusion. To prepare it, brew two or three flowers of the plant in a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 15-20 minutes. Drink 0.5 cups 2-3 times a day. The course is one week.

Use in folk medicine

Meadow clover is widely used in alternative medicine. Based on it, various folk remedies which are used for treatment and prevention various diseases. Traditional medicine uses the flowers, stems and leaves of red clover to prepare recipes.

Very helpful to improve immunity clover based tea. To do this, steam several flowers, let them brew and add a spoonful of honey. By the way, red clover is an excellent honey plant.

Healthy honey is prepared on its basis. It can also be added to tea as the main ingredient, or eaten one or two teaspoons a day to prevent colds, as well as to increase the body's protective functions.

Tinctures


Clover-based tincture will help with hypertension. Take 1 tbsp. l. red clover (fresh or dried), pour 250 ml of water and place in a water bath. Bring to a boil, then let it brew for half an hour and strain. The application regimen is as follows: in the morning on an empty stomach we drink half a glass, then ¼ before lunch and ¼ before dinner. The course of treatment is 10 days. Then a break for two weeks.

This remedy has a number of contraindications, including: a tendency to diarrhea, increased blood clotting, thrombophlebitis, a course of taking estrogen, etc.

Red clover tincture is also prepared with vodka.. We take the flowers and leaves of the plant in equal quantities and pour them into a glass, airtight container. Fill with vodka. Let it brew for two weeks in a cool, dark place. Stir occasionally. We use 2 tbsp. l. daily before bed.

Indications for use:

  • headaches and tinnitus;
  • insomnia;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • angina pectoris;
  • high pressure;
  • anemia;
  • bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
  • joint pain;
  • uterine bleeding and painful periods, etc.

At uterine bleeding It is very important not to exceed the dosage indicated in the prescription. Otherwise, the product may cause a backlash.

A folk remedy for loss of strength and vitamin deficiency. Take two tablespoons of dry inflorescences and pour a glass of boiling water over them. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice and spoons of honey. We drink water instead of tea 2-3 times a day.

Clover infusion is suitable for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Prepare it according to the recipe:

  • We wash the fresh flowers of the meadow plant well.
  • Take a three-liter jar and fill it.
  • We compact it a little and put it on.
  • Pour two tablespoons of granulated sugar.
  • Fill with water, leaving two centimeters from the edge empty.
  • Cover the jar with gauze and let it brew for seven days.

The resulting infusion, if available cancer diseases We drink half a glass before each meal for several months. In order to prevent cancer, we drink the infusion twice a day - morning and evening.

A remedy for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis: Take two tablespoons of flowers and fill them with 200 ml of boiled water. Cover the ingredients with a lid and let sit for several hours. We use 2 tbsp. l. twice a day before meals. Course - 21 days. This recipe removes bad cholesterol and also cleanses the blood and blood vessels.

Decoctions


For a decoction to treat psoriasis and eczema you will need 100 g of red clover and violet inflorescences and 80 g of yarrow flowers. Mix the resulting mixture and pour two tablespoons of raw materials into 400 ml of boiling water. Leave for 6-7 hours, then strain. Drink half a glass four times a day, before meals.

A decoction of meadow clover will help normalize cholesterol:

  • You will need 1 tbsp. l. dry or fresh flowers and leaves of the plant.
  • Place the raw materials in a pan and pour 100 ml into it warm water.
  • Cook in a water bath over low heat for about 10 minutes.
  • Let the water broth brew for 40 minutes, then filter.
  • We use 2 tbsp. l. decoction during lunch and before bed. The course of treatment is four months.
  • After a month of taking it, you need to take a week's break, then continue the course of treatment.

For heart pain take 15 purple inflorescences of the plant and fill it with 200 ml of water. Cook the ingredients in a water bath for 5 minutes (over low heat). After this, let the broth brew for 10 minutes and then filter. We drink three times a day before meals.

A decoction of the herb is useful after surgery and radiation therapy. Take 2 tbsp. l. purple flowers and fill them with 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 10-20 minutes, then filter. We drink one glass before lunch and dinner. Women suffering from an estrogen-dependent form of cancer should avoid using the decoction, as it provokes the growth cancer cells.

For sore throats, colds and sinusitis you will need the following ingredients: 100 g rose hips, 2 tbsp. l. meadow clover flowers and half a liter of water. Grind the rosehip and pour it into a thermos, add the flowers. Pour boiling water over it and leave for 4-5 hours. Strain the infusion and drink half a cup in the morning and evening after meals.

Therapeutic bath and ointment


You can prepare a medicinal bath for hives and skin irritations. Fill the bath with water (the temperature should be 37-39 degrees Celsius) and pour the clover infusion into it. The procedure should last no more than 20 minutes. Classic infusion recipe: 2 tbsp. Pour spoons of inflorescences into a glass of boiled hot water and leave for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare an ointment based on red clover flowers:

  • Take 100 g of dried medicinal herb.
  • Fill it with 200 ml sunflower oil(you can also use olive oil).
  • Let it brew for ten days.
  • Strain the resulting product and put it in the refrigerator.
  • Use for surface application.

This product has disinfecting, healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

Indications for use: skin rashes (pimples, blackheads, acne, boils), fungal diseases, and infectious diseases skin (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and bedsores).

Use in cosmetology

Red clover is actively used in cosmetology. Based on it they make various means skin and hair care. The flowers of the plant are included in many creams, shampoos, gels and balms.

Used at home cosmetical tools in the form of masks and special water decoctions with this ingredient, which rejuvenate the skin and enrich it useful substances.

A mask based on this herb eliminates fine wrinkles, tightens the facial contour and enriches the skin with vitamins. Also, a product with its base can even be used to eliminate dandruff and hair loss by rinsing instead of water.

For face


For a rejuvenating mask You will need four inflorescences and six leaves of the plant. Grind everything thoroughly and add a spoonful of honey. Grind all components until smooth. Add a couple of drops of any essential oil. Mix and apply to face for 15 minutes. Then wash off with water.

Mask for all skin types:

  • Take 1 tbsp. l. both parts of red clover.
  • Grind in a blender, mortar or meat grinder.
  • Add one egg, a spoonful of honey and kefir.
  • Mix everything thoroughly until a homogeneous consistency is formed.
  • Apply to face and décolleté for 20 minutes.
  • It is important that the skin is pre-cleansed.
  • Wash off cool water and apply nourishing cream.

Decoction for puffy eyes easy to prepare at home. Brew one teaspoon of dry or fresh leaves and inflorescences of the plant and brew them in half a glass. Next, cool and filter. Take cotton pads and dip them in the resulting solution. We close our eyes and do lotions, timing 20 minutes. After this, we wash ourselves with the remaining broth and let it dry on our face and eyes on its own.

For hair


For shine and strengthening of hair You will need all parts of the plant (stems, leaves and inflorescences). Pour three tablespoons of crushed raw materials into two glasses of boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave for three hours. Strain and rub into already washed hair daily.

Preparing an anti-dandruff infusion. Pour two tbsp. l. purple flowers of the plant 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew and rub it into the scalp every evening. Movements should be light and massaging.

Clover juice helps against gray hair. Take 150 g of flowers and 100 g of meadow grass leaves, grind them with a blender. Rub the resulting juice into the scalp daily.

The conditioner is suitable for oily hair. Take the ingredients: 3 tbsp. l. chopped clover blossoms and 2 tbsp. l. juniper berries. Pour 400 ml of boiling water and let it brew. We use healing infusion for rinsing hair during each hair washing procedure.

Contraindications


Despite a number of medicinal properties, the plant has a number of very important contraindications. Red clover, if the dosage of ingredients is exceeded, can cause harm to the body. It is very important not to overdo it with herbal medicines.

The main contraindications to the use of red clover products:

  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • If you have had a heart attack or stroke.
  • Tendency to thrombosis and increased blood clotting.
  • Frequent diarrhea and intestinal disorders.
  • Estrogen-dependent forms of cancer, fibroids, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine and breast cancer.
  • Gastrointestinal diseases: ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, etc.

It is very important to use any clover-based folk remedies correctly. It is necessary to observe the dosage of ingredients, otherwise various side effects in the form of:

Collection and preparation

To use the plant in medicinal purposes It is very important to know how and where to collect the plant. The product can be purchased in dried form in pharmacies, or can be collected in places remote from industrial enterprises, gas stations and roads.

Blooming clover meadows are a stunning sight. A dense carpet of bright crimson flowers creates a delightful landscape. But these cute flowers can not only please the eye - they have enormous benefit and strength. This was known many centuries ago, but even today red clover is incredibly popular in the medical field. This plant is part of medicinal herbal preparations and is also often used independently. Let's look at all the medicinal properties and contraindications of red clover. This information will allow you to get the maximum benefit from it and cure many diseases.

For cooking healing agents All parts of red clover are used, and they are harvested during the flowering period

Impact on the body

Red clover exhibits the following medicinal properties:

  • suppresses the growth of cancerous tumors and slows it down. It is used for prevention oncological diseases, as well as during the rehabilitation period, to support protective functions body and prevent recurrence of this disease. Especially high efficiency This plant is effective in cancer of the mammary glands, ovaries and lymph nodes. In addition, it can also be used to treat mastopathy, which is a precursor to oncology.

    Interesting fact! For many patients who were able to overcome cancer, the list medicines there was red clover.

  • This plant exhibits expectorant properties, due to which it is often prescribed for pneumonia and bronchitis. Red clover preparations help thin mucus and help remove it from the bronchi. This property also becomes relevant for whooping cough - it facilitates and stops attacks of suffocating cough, which it is characterized by;
  • diuretic effect is applicable for genitourinary infectious diseases and edema – excess fluid is removed from the body;
  • Due to its wound-healing property, the use of red clover is completely justified in treatment dermatological diseases: psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. And as a result - fast healing wounds, elimination of rashes, reduction of the area of ​​the affected skin area and long-term remission;
  • plant preparations can stop or slow down baldness, and also stimulate the process of collagen production, which helps to shed youthful skin and eliminate existing wrinkles;
  • red clover is an excellent cleanser that helps remove toxins, waste and other harmful substances from the body;
  • analgesic properties are used for vasculitis, arthritis, colic, joint pain and during menstruation;
  • red clover preparations tone the body, as a result of which lost strength is quickly restored, and you forget about physical exhaustion.

Treatment with red clover may be indicated in the following situations:

  • gout;
  • gallbladder diseases;
  • liver diseases;
  • intestinal disorders and bowel diseases;
  • angina;
  • tonsillitis;
  • acute respiratory infection;
  • flu;
  • colds;
  • rheumatoid arthritis.

Use of plant preparations

Red clover is used in folk medicine to prepare healing decoctions and infusions, which can be used both as an internal and external remedy. We present to your attention some of them.

Hypertonic disease

Red clover exhibits medicinal properties for hypertension. Its decoction helps dilate blood vessels and soothes heartbeat, due to which blood pressure drops to normal levels.

You can prepare this product according to the following recipe:

  • Place 3 tablespoons of dried inflorescences in a saucepan;
  • pour in 300 ml of boiling water;
  • place the container with the mixture in a water bath and cook for 10 minutes;
  • Remove the broth from the stove and leave for half an hour;
  • filter.

Take the finished drug 75 ml three times a day.

Climax

The healing properties of red clover during menopause are due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the plant, which are similar in their effect to female estrogens. Thanks to the use of the infusion, sleep normalizes and increases sexual function, improves the condition of nails and hair, eliminates dry mucous membranes and skin.

On a note! By using clover for douching, you can not only eliminate vaginal dryness, but also cure inflammation in it.

The infusion is prepared as follows:

  • young leaves and shoots of the plant in the amount of 40 g are combined with 30 g of flowers;
  • pour a glass of boiling water;
  • cover and leave for 1 hour;
  • filter.

Accept ready-made product 50 ml four times a day.

Cholesterol

Red clover is rich in glycosides, tannins and essential oils, which allows it to exhibit medicinal properties in cleansing blood vessels from cholesterol. His drugs are broken down body fat, accumulated on the walls of blood vessels, and cleanse the blood of cholesterol, removing it naturally. At the same time, the vessels themselves are restored and strengthened.

Alcohol tincture of clover for cholesterol can be prepared from both dried and fresh raw materials.

On a note! In the latter case, it should first be thoroughly washed under running water and laid out on a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. After an hour, the herb is ready for use.

The recipe for preparing the product is as follows:

  • Fill a 2-liter jar halfway with clover blossoms;
  • pour in 500 ml of vodka;
  • close the container nylon cover and put it in a cool, shaded place;
  • insist for 15 days;
  • filter and store in the general compartment of the refrigerator.
Take the finished product as follows:
  • 1st month – 15 ml once a day before lunch;
  • after a break of 10 days;
  • the next course also lasts 1 month - 20-22 ml once a day before lunch;
  • after a break of 10 days;
  • duration of the third course is 1 month - 15 ml once a day before lunch.

Possible harm

Undoubtedly, red clover brings incredible benefits to our body, but in some cases, its preparations can cause harm.

  1. The use of red clover-based products can adversely affect the development of the fetus, so they should not be used during pregnancy.
  2. It is not recommended to use this plant if you have an upset stomach.
  3. If you suffer from heart disease or are undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke, then red clover is contraindicated for you.
  4. Children under 3 years of age are strictly prohibited from using this plant.
  5. Varicose veins, kidney stones and thrombophlebitis are also contraindications.

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Mar-6-2017

What is clover

Meadow clover, or red clover (lat. Trifolium praténse) is a plant from the genus Clover (Trifolium), family Legumes (Fabaceae), subfamily Moths (Faboideae).

Grows throughout Europe, North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), Western and Central Asia. On the territory of Russia it is found in the European part, Siberia, the Far East and Kamchatka.

Grows in moderately moist meadows, forest clearings, along fields and roads.

Wikipedia

Clover is a perennial herbaceous plant from the legume family with a strongly branched tap root, up to 50 cm high. Its stems are straight, slightly pubescent. The leaves are on long petioles, with wide triangular stipules, compound, trifoliate, with elliptical leaflets. The flowers are dark red, small, collected at the ends of the stems in spherical heads. The fruits are small ovoid single-seeded beans. The plant blooms in July–August. It is found in meadows, fields, grassy slopes, forest edges, along roads in forest and forest-steppe zones. Cultivated as a valuable fodder plant.

The Latin name for clover is trifolium, which literally means trefoil. Indeed, in almost all types of clover, the leaf necessarily consists of three small leaves. This genus includes about 300 species. There are thirteen of them in central Russia, and we are only interested in three species, usually the most common.

The old Russian name for clover is kashka, and for good reason. Children eat its inflorescences literally filled with nectar with pleasure. In July, even our ordinary bees take bribes from red clover, which, as you know, is usually pollinated only by bumblebees that have a longer proboscis. At this time, there is so much nectar in the clover that it not only completely fills the flowers, but also flows out of them.

Clover has long been considered one of the most valuable grasses in meadows - they make very nutritious green fodder, dry well in hay, and grow quickly and well after haymaking. Clover grass contains a large number of protein, a lot of sugars, starch, vitamins, including vitamins C, P, carotene, E, folic acid.

The most famous and visible is the red one, also known as red clover (Trifolium pratense). It has large, purple-red heads, often two together on one stem with a wrapper of leaves. Stems erect, straight, with appressed hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with a clear, lighter pattern. In red clover you can clearly see that the head consists of individual flowers. They do not bloom at the same time, the outer ones do not bloom earlier, and sometimes on a completely faded head you can see one or two flowers that remain unpollinated and are waiting for their bumblebee.

Red clover is pollinated only by bumblebees, its flower is too long for a bee to reach the columns with its short proboscis, although they sometimes get nectar, they pollinate only small flowers. The Americans bred bees with longer proboscis by selecting them, but they did not become particularly widespread.

The grass of this type of clover contains up to 14% soluble sugars. Clover leaves and young shoots are used as lettuce or spinach. Dried and crushed leaves are ground into flour and added to bread, which increases its nutritional value, such bread is dietary product. In addition to sugars, the green mass of clover contains up to 25% protein, about 5.6% fat, and the protein is contained in an easily digestible form.

Another type is hybrid or pink clover (T. hybridum). It is also a perennial with one to eight stems, creeping at the bottom, then rising. The leaves are on petioles, which become smaller from the leaf rosette to the inflorescences. Inflorescences are spherical heads up to 2.5 cm in diameter, without leaves near the head, always solitary, on long peduncles in the leaf axils. The corolla at the beginning of flowering is almost white, then pale pink or even almost red, turning brown during flowering, but not falling off when fruiting.

Under natural conditions, this is a purely European plant, but as a cultivated plant it is introduced into Asia, North Africa and North America. This is a typical meadow plant. Loves water meadows and tolerates excess moisture better than lack of it. In spring, during high water, it can live under water for up to two weeks. Like other clovers, it grows well only in sunny places. Also has clover years. Blooms from May to autumn. Rarely lives in culture for more than six years.

Hybrid clover is a little bitter, so it is less palatable for both animals and humans. A wonderful honey plant. It has shorter flowers and allows bees to get to the nectar easily. If this type of clover predominates in a meadow, such a meadow produces from 52 to 125 centners of honey per hectare.

And the last species is creeping clover, or white (T. repens). This is a smaller species with big amount shoots rooting at the lower nodes and rising at the top. Leaves with large stipules, characteristic of all clovers, are trifoliate with small teeth along the edges of the leaflets.

This is the most common type of clover in our country. It is difficult now to decide where he is an aborigine and where he was brought artificially. Its inflorescences are small, up to 2 cm in diameter, loose, on long, bare stalks. Flowers with a white corolla, sometimes pinkish or greenish, turning brown when flowering. The most unpretentious of clovers, it grows on almost any soil. It is also undemanding to humidity - it grows well in excess humidity and at the same time is drought-resistant. Very light-loving, like all clovers. It is resistant to trampling, so it is sown at airfields and sports fields. This is the earliest of the clovers - it blooms already in May and blooms almost until frost, it is pollinated by bees and is an excellent honey plant. It reproduces more weakly by seeds than by creeping ground shoots.

All clovers improve the soil because, like all legumes, they have nodules on their roots in which bacteria live that absorb atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into compounds digestible by plants.

Medicinal properties of meadow clover

The aerial part of clover contains glycosides trifolin and isotrifolin, ascorbic, coumaric and salicylic acid, carotene, essential oil, alkaloids, resins, fatty oils, pigments, B vitamins.

In folk medicine, decoctions and vodka liqueurs inflorescences have long been used for bronchitis, cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, as an expectorant for whooping cough, anemia, angina pectoris, poor appetite, tinnitus, painful menstruation and as a diuretic for edema of cardiac and renal origin. Inflamed eyes are washed with infusion of inflorescences and used as lotions for wounds, tumors, scrofula, and burns. Clover is believed to be good for headaches and dizziness.

Clover contraindications

For most people, red and white clover are not harmful when taken orally or applied to the skin. The plant cannot be used:

Pregnant and lactating women. Clover acts similarly to estrogens, so it can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. This prohibition also applies to external use.

For people suffering from blood diseases, the use of this medicinal plant may cause bleeding. Since clover thins the blood, it should not be taken 2 weeks before or after surgery.

For stomach upsets.

Heart patients and stroke survivors.

With estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (fibroids and uterine cancer, endometriosis, ovarian and breast cancer), the patient's condition may worsen.

If you suffer from thrombophlebitis, clover will only bring you harm. This plant increases the risk of blood clots in people with protein S deficiency.

But this is also the harm of red and white clover not limited. If you decide to use the plant for medicinal purposes, you should know which medications have negative interactions:

Estrogens in tablets (they may contain estradiol, ethinyl estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens - premarin).

Contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel - triphaliz, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone - ortho-novum.

Liver enzymes and other drugs to treat the liver. Clover can increase the side effects of medications and interfere with their breakdown.

Medicines that slow down blood clotting: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin and others.

Tamoxifen, used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Red clover preparations reduce its effectiveness.

In addition, it should be remembered that treatment with medicinal herbs requires compliance with:

Recipes for medicines based on clover:

Red clover for cholesterol

This medicine helps well with atherosclerosis. Take 2 parts each of clover herb, sage leaves and calendula flowers, 3 parts each of lingonberry leaves, capitula herb and sweet clover, 4 parts each of oregano herb and chicory flowers, 1 part each of mint leaves and flax seeds. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink warm in three doses 30 minutes before meals.

At said disease An infusion prepared according to the following recipe can also help. Take 1 part each of clover flowers, sweet clover and coltsfoot herbs, mint, strawberry, raspberry and plantain leaves, 2 parts each of speedwell and dandelion herbs, chamomile flowers, sage leaves and hawthorn fruits, 3 parts each of thyme herb and rose hips. . Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink warm in three doses 30 minutes before meals.

For the treatment of atherosclerosis, traditional medicine offers the following remedy. Liter jar Fill halfway with clover flowers, pour in 0.5 liters of vodka, close tightly and leave for two weeks in a dark place. Strain the finished tincture and take 1 tbsp. l. per day - before lunch or at night. The course of treatment is 3 months. After a two-week break, repeat the three-month course.

In atherosclerosis with normal blood pressure accompanied by headaches and tinnitus, this tincture can help. Take 5 tbsp. l. leafy clover tops, pour into glass jar, pour 0.5 liters of vodka, leave for two weeks, strain and take 1 tbsp. l. before lunch or bedtime. The course of treatment is 3 months with a break of 10 days. After 6 months, the course of treatment can be repeated.

Treatment of blood vessels with clover

For thrombophlebitis, it is recommended to take clover and chamomile flowers, knotweed, motherwort and celandine herbs, dandelion root, coltsfoot leaves, bean leaves, chicory root or herb in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix thoroughly, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and take half a glass 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.

Thrombophlebitis can be cured using this remedy. Take equal proportions of clover flowers, raspberry and birch leaves, dandelion and primrose roots, willow bark, sweet clover grass, bean leaves. Grind everything, mix thoroughly, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and take 3 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.

When treating thrombophlebitis, this medicine is also recommended. Take in equal proportions clover flowers, birch and raspberry leaves, knotweed grass and sweet clover, dandelion and primrose roots, bean leaves. Grind everything, mix thoroughly, 2 tbsp. l. Pour the mixture into an enamel pan, pour 1 liter of boiling water, bring to a boil and cook over low heat, covered, for 10 minutes. Then pour everything into a thermos and leave for 8 hours. After this, strain and drink half a glass throughout the day, 30 minutes before meals. To improve the taste, you can add honey, sugar or jam.

In addition to infusions and decoctions, ointment can be used to treat thrombophlebitis. To prepare it, you should take clover, calendula and chamomile flowers, flax seeds, mint and eucalyptus leaves, knotweed and dandelion roots, sweet clover and celandine herbs in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 3 tbsp. l. pour half a glass of boiling water over the mixture, simmer over low heat with constant stirring for 5 minutes, add 5 tbsp. l. melted inner pork fat And vegetable oil, mix thoroughly, cool and store in the refrigerator. Fat can be replaced with butter.

Treatment of angina pectoris with clover

This medicine helps with angina pectoris. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow clover, borage, calendula and immortelle, lily of the valley leaves, fennel fruits, apple peels, shoots of bud tea, horse sorrel roots. Grind everything, then grind it into powder in a coffee grinder and 1 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos. Then pour 1½ cups of boiling water, leave for 3 hours, strain and drink half a cup warm 4 times a day an hour before meals.

This infusion also helps with angina. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow clover, borage, calendula and lily of the valley, rose hips, blackberry leaves, oat straw, oregano grass, chicory rhizome. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the mixture, heat in a water bath for 10 minutes, then leave in a warm place for 1.5 hours, cool and strain. Take half a glass warm 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals. For nocturnal attacks of angina, you should take half a glass of the infusion hot.

An infusion prepared according to the following recipe can also help with angina. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow clover and borage, the rhizome of valerian, the herb of nettle and oregano, the leaves of mantle, the petals of rose flowers, the fruits of rose hips and rowan. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the mixture, heat in a water bath for 10 minutes, then leave in a warm place for 1.5 hours, cool and strain. Take half a glass warm 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

For angina pectoris, it is recommended to take 2 parts each of meadow clover, hawthorn and calendula flowers, sweet clover and motherwort herbs, top part wild strawberry plants, 1 part each of rue and yarrow herbs, birch leaves and hoofed grass. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1½ cups of boiling water, leave for 3 hours, cool, strain and take half a cup warm 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

To treat angina pectoris, take equal quantities of red clover and calendula flowers, valerian rhizome, mantle leaves, motherwort herb, rose flower petals, dandelion root, rose hips, oat straw, wild rosemary shoots. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the mixture, simmer over low heat for three minutes, leave in a warm place for 2 hours, strain and take half a glass 5 times a day. Last drink an hour before bedtime.

Treatment of colds with clover

For bronchitis, tracheitis and asthma 2 tsp. Brew a glass of boiling water of red clover flowers, leave for 10 minutes, dilute 1:20 and drink ⅓ glass 4 times a day warm instead of tea with honey.

At chronic cough An infusion of clover flowers helps as an expectorant and antipyretic. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. l. Brew flowers with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain and drink 3 tbsp. l. 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

For chronic bronchitis, the following remedy effectively helps. Take 1 part each of meadow clover flowers and cuckoo adonis grass, 2 parts each of yarrow grass and coltsfoot leaves. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of water into the mixture, bring to a boil, remove from heat and leave for

3 hours. Then strain and drink half a glass warm 3 times a day before meals.

cure Chronical bronchitis You can use this medicine. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow or red clover, as well as scepter-shaped mullein, St. John's wort and yarrow, and coltsfoot leaves. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of hot water over the mixture, cook for 4 minutes, remove from heat, leave for 2 hours, strain and drink half a glass 4 times a day.

Treatment of chronic lung diseases

At bronchial asthma This medicine helps a lot. Take 2 parts each of meadow clover, sweet clover and capitula officinalis, 3 parts each of black elderberry and blue cyanosis. Grind everything, mix, 3 tbsp. l. pour 2 liters of boiling water over the mixture, leave for an hour, strain and take ½ cup 6 times a day.

At chronic diseases the lungs can be helped by the following infusion. Take 3 parts of meadow clover, Crimean rose petals, rosemary, 2 parts of spring primrose, 1 part of peppermint. Grind everything, mix, 6 tbsp. l. pour 1.5 liters of boiling water over the mixture, leave for an hour, strain and take ⅔ glass 6 times a day.

For chronic lung diseases, this infusion can also help. Take 4 parts of meadow clover, 3 parts of common myrtle, 2 parts each of kupena officinalis and lungwort, 1 part of oregano. Grind everything, mix, 6 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, leave for an hour, strain and take half a glass 6 times a day.

Clover treatment for eczema

This medicine helps a lot with eczema. Take equal proportions of clover and calendula flowers, elecampane root, fireweed, coltsfoot and plantain leaves, agrimony and yarrow grass, and blueberry shoots. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

For eczema, take clover and chamomile flowers, knotweed root, geranium herb, centaury, nettle, mint, wormwood and horsetail in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

Also, for eczema, it is advised to take clover flowers, cocklebur grass, St. John's wort, lavender, agrimony and string, burdock root, and currant leaves in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

For the above disease, you can take in equal proportions clover flowers, knotweed and licorice roots, mantle and blueberry leaves, caraway fruits, horsetail grass, string and centaury. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

This product can be used for external use for skin diseases. Take 3 tbsp. l. clover inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, leave covered for an hour in a warm place, then strain. Use the prepared infusion to wash wounds, ulcers, and apply lotions to inflamed areas, carbuncles, and boils.

Treatment of neurodermatitis with clover

For neurodermatitis, the following remedy can be recommended. Take in equal proportions clover flowers, knotweed roots, wheatgrass and licorice, centaury herb, horsetail, string and marigold, cuff and blueberry leaves, caraway fruits. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, bring to a boil, cook covered over low heat for 10 minutes, then pour everything into a thermos and leave for 12 hours. Strain the finished infusion and drink half a glass throughout the day, 30 minutes before meals. You can add honey or sugar to improve the taste. The course of treatment is 3 months, after which you need to take a break for 2 weeks, change the herbal mixture and continue treatment. Such changes must be done every 3 months throughout the year, and then switch to preventive intake of infusions for 2 months each spring and autumn.

Clover and chamomile flowers, knotweed root, centaury herb, geranium, bedstraw, nettle, mint, wormwood and horsetail;

Clover flowers, speedwell grass, cocklebur, St. John's wort, lavender, agrimony and string, burdock and wheatgrass roots, currant leaves;

Clover flowers, roots of snakeweed, wheatgrass and licorice, centaury grass, horsetail, string and clasp, cuff and blueberry leaves, caraway fruits.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus with clover

For diabetes, it is advised to take clover flowers, centaury and mint herbs, mantle leaves, dandelion and wheatgrass roots, and red rowan fruits in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes in a sealed container. Then pour everything along with the herb into a thermos, leave for 12 hours, strain and take half a glass 30 minutes before meals throughout the day. The course of treatment is 4 months, after which you need to change the mixture and continue continuous treatment for two years. For a change, we can recommend the following herbal mixture: clover flowers, galega and yarrow grass, bay leaves, burdock and wheatgrass roots, blueberry leaves, rose hips. Or another: 1 part each of clover flowers, viburnum bark, mint leaves, rowan fruits, 2 parts centaury herb, rose hips, flax seeds, birch leaves or buds, 3 parts each bay leaf, galega grass, blueberry and lingonberry leaves, bean pods, burdock root.

For treatment diabetes mellitus baths can be used. The infusion for them is prepared like this. Take ½ cup of red clover grass, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for two hours, strain and pour into the bath. The water temperature should be 36–37 °C. The bath should be taken at night. Duration 10–15 minutes. Course - 12–14 baths.

General strengthening of the body

Due to the presence of vitamins, clover is used as a general tonic. For these purposes, you can make clover honey according to the following recipe. Pour 1 liter of water into a saucepan, bring to a boil and add 3 cups of clover flower heads. Boil for 20 minutes, cool, strain, add half a glass of sugar and drink as tea.

For anemia, vitamin deficiency, take 2 tbsp. l. clover inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, strain and drink ⅓ glass 3 times a day before meals.

Improved vision

For eye diseases, rinse fresh clover grass well, scald with boiling water, chop, mince and squeeze. Dilute the resulting juice with water in a 1:1 ratio and boil for 5 minutes. After this, cool and rinse your eyes.

To improve metabolism in the lens, you can squeeze Fresh Juice from red clover grass, strain and subject to instant pasteurization, i.e. heat to 85–90 °C, but do not boil and immediately remove from heat. Pour the juice into a sterile glass bottle and close tightly. Using a pipette, drop 2-3 drops into the eyes 2 times a day. Pasteurized juice, sealed, can be stored for 2-3 days.

Based on the book by O. A. Filatov “The Newest Herbalist. Healing plants from A to Z"