home Adviсe Useful properties and contraindications of white and red clover. Clover tea, benefits and harms, medicinal recipes

Useful properties and contraindications of white and red clover. Clover tea, benefits and harms, medicinal recipes

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. Medicinal plant used to cure 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;
ethereal and fixed 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:

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 work gastrointestinal tract;
cleansing lymph and blood;
gout treatment;
removal of waste and toxins;

Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, traditional medicine uses clover as an ingredient in the treatment of hepatitis, colds and pulmonary diseases. The plant is also used to cleanse the 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:

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 hormonal imbalances. 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 has found wide application in alternative medicine. Various folk remedies are prepared on its basis, 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.

Based on it they prepare healthy honey. It can also be added to tea as the main ingredient, or eaten one to two teaspoons per day to prevent colds, as well as to increase protective functions body.

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.

In case of 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 saucepan and pour 100 ml of warm water into it.
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. spoons of inflorescences pour 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 herbs.
Fill it with 200 ml of 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, as well as infectious skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and bedsores).

Use in cosmetology

Red clover is actively used in cosmetology. Various skin and hair care products are made on its basis. The flowers of the plant are included in many creams, shampoos, gels and balms.

At home, cosmetics are used in the form of masks and special water decoctions with this ingredient, which rejuvenate the skin and enrich it with 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.
Rinse off with 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 a healing infusion to rinse 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 as:

nausea;
skin rashes;
headache and muscle pain;
vaginal bleeding;
decreased potency, etc.

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.

There are many plants that heal no worse than medications, and sometimes better and more effectively. Just such herbs include meadow clover. The medicinal properties and contraindications (reviews of the plant note that the herb is excellent for lowering cholesterol) should be studied in detail before use to avoid side effects.

Red clover: description

Clover is a perennial plant. It has a slightly pubescent stem and small spherical flowers of red, lilac or white. Belongs to Pri favorable conditions grows up to 30-50 cm. The root system is branched and has small tubers at the ends.

The plant blooms in mid to late summer. It is at this time that it should be collected for storage. The culture fully ripens at the end of September. It is at this time that the plant produces beans containing seeds.

There are about 120 species of this plant. Red clover is considered the most useful. Clover is often grown as an herb. It is also used in folk medicine and cooking. The inflorescences are considered especially valuable.

The culture grows in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and in the territory Russian Federation. The grass can be found in meadows with average moisture, along field roads or in forest clearings.

The plant is rich in nutrients and correct use can bring invaluable benefits human health. You can grow grass on your own property or harvest it yourself. If this is not possible, then the plant is purchased at the pharmacy. The price of 50 g of dry herb fluctuates around 50-70 rubles.

Chemical composition of the herb

Red clover grass grows everywhere. Known to almost everyone. Despite this, only a few use it in folk medicine, and less people used in cooking. It is rich in useful substances, such as glycosides, steroids, coumarins, saponins. The plant contains vitamins K, B and E. Saturated with ascorbic acid. Contains phenol carbonic acids, as well as tannins. Contains quinones and fatty vegetable oils. Clover also contains carotene, flavonoids, salicylic acid and a number of valuable macro- and microelements. It is the rich chemical composition of the plant that classifies clover as a medicinal herbs and gives it a lot of useful properties.

Properties of red clover

Red clover is a storehouse of useful elements. It has anti-inflammatory, tonic, wound-healing, antitumor, antiseptic, diaphoretic, and anti-sclerotic properties. Able to have an expectorant and diuretic effect. The herb has an astringent and choleretic effect. Helps stop bleeding.

The properties of meadow clover have found their application in medicine, as part of many medicines.

Application of culture in medicine

What does red clover cure? This is the question asked by people who are at least a little familiar with the properties of this herb. Let's start with the fact that the plant can be used both topically and internally, in the form of various tinctures and decoctions.

Fresh leaves of the plant are used for complex wounds and ulcers that do not heal for a long time. They are finely chopped and applied to the sore spot. In the same way, the herb is used for burns, abscesses and other skin diseases.

Red clover (properties and contraindications are described in detail in the instructions for use, but only if the herb was purchased at a pharmacy) is contained in choleretic and breast training. If there are rashes in infants, a decoction of this plant is added to the bath.

To treat inflammation in gynecology, clover officinalis root is used. It is also used as additional means in the treatment of cancer and tuberculosis.

The stems of the herb are effective in treating scurvy, malaria, and rickets. Reduces cholesterol in atherosclerosis. Clover decoction can calm down headache, cope with dizziness and increase appetite. Herbal tincture is used to treat asthma, anemia, shortness of breath, and metrorrhagia. Clover juice will help cope with coughs, colds, bronchitis, gout, and poisoning. Effective for exudative diathesis and frequent fainting.

Clover decoctions have found their use in the treatment of anemia, gastritis, scrofula, asthma, chronic prolonged cough, diathesis, urolithiasis and cholecystitis.

The plant can relieve women from discomfort during menopause: eliminate inflammation;

The herb is used for epilepsy, sore throat, high blood pressure, boils. The plant is used for abscesses, insect or animal bites. Indications for use include painful menstruation, gynecological diseases and anorexia.

Contraindications

Red clover has special medicinal properties and contraindications (people's reviews say that the plant gives good results in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis, but you need to drink it for a long time), which must be taken into account before using the herb. Improper use of the plant can cause side effects.

In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using clover. You should not use a herbal remedy for thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Contraindications to the use of the culture are diseases of the gastrointestinal system that are in the acute stage. You should not take clover infusions and decoctions internally if you are predisposed to diarrhea. Persons prone to allergic manifestations and people with individual intolerance to the herb, as well as patients after stroke and heart attack.

Side effects

Clover, if used for other purposes, can cause such negative reactions in the body as:

nausea;
vomiting reflex;
decrease in pressure;
allergic reactions on the skin;
pain in muscle tissue.

Before using the herb, you should consult a doctor, as a number of medications cannot be combined with clover.

Growing clover at home

If possible, you can grow clover at home, especially since the plant is very unpretentious in care.

To plant the crop, you need a sunny or slightly shaded area. Seeds are collected only from two-year-old plants, but to ensure better seedlings, it is better to purchase them in a store.

About 300 seeds are taken per square meter. Pre-planting material is soaked in water for several hours. Immediately before planting, the seeds are mixed with soil in a large container. In this form, planting material is evenly distributed over the site and covered with a layer of earth, the thickness of which should not exceed one centimeter. During the first seven days after planting, the soil should be well moistened. Water with water from a hose equipped with a sprayer.

The first shoots will appear two weeks after sowing the seeds. Since clover is perennial, then there is no need to sow it every year. Despite this, experts recommend updating the grass stand every three years to improve the quality of the grass.

Clover is sown until mid-summer, only in this case will it be able to ripen and gain a good foothold in the area.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

Red clover (photo shown above) is a medicinal plant. Grass should be stored during the flowering period. To harvest, you need to cut off the inflorescence and the leaves adjacent to it. Dry the crop in the shade. Electric drying is permitted. In the latter case, the temperature should not exceed 60 °C. With more high temperature the grass will lose the lion's share of its beneficial properties.

If a rhizome is required for medicinal purposes, it is harvested after the flowering period. The root is dug up and thoroughly cleaned from the soil and washed. The rhizome is dried, just like the grass, in a ventilated and dry room or outdoors, in a place protected from the sun.

Raw materials are collected in dry weather, when the dew has left the plants. Harvested only in environmentally friendly places. You should not take grass near roads and landfills, there is a lot of harmful substances more than useful.

Herb storage

Storage is carried out in dry, tightly closed containers. It is allowed to keep the grass in a linen bag or paper box. The dry plant is stored for up to two years, and the root for up to one year. You should try to update the stock annually, since clover may lose its properties during long-term storage. useful qualities and its further use will lose all meaning.

Folk recipes

May have the most various applications red clover. The herb (the properties of this plant were described above) is used for lotions in the form of a decoction. To prepare it, dry flowers, in the amount of three tablespoons, are poured with a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath for a minute. Used for skin diseases, boils and eye inflammation.

For rheumatism and wounds, an ointment containing 100 g of clover flowers and 50 g of any vegetable oil will help. The mixture is infused in a dark and warm place for about 14 days, filtered and used for its intended purpose.

For diseases of the internal organs, herbal infusion helps. To prepare it, pour two tablespoons of raw material into a glass of boiling water. Leave for about an hour. Strain and drink 100 g three times a day after meals.

The tincture can also be made with vodka. To do this, fill the glass with 500 g of vodka. The mixture is infused for ten days. The tincture should be shaken from time to time. Take a teaspoon at night, after straining. The course of treatment is one month.

At serious illnesses, such as cancer and tuberculosis, are used only in the composition complex therapy red clover. Medicinal properties and contraindications (reviews from women note that tea with clover not only makes you feel better during menopause, but also improves skin condition and rejuvenates) should be checked with your doctor before using this product.

The plant belongs to the legume family. Previously, it was used only as animal feed. Nowadays, red clover is used to dye fabrics, dried heads are used as a dressing for soups, young stems and leaves are used as an additive for salads, crushed leaves are put into bread or tea is brewed with them.

This is an excellent honey plant, so read also about the benefits of clover honey.

Inflorescences are a storehouse of vitamins. They have ascorbic acid, B vitamins, others useful material: isoflavonoids, coumarins, essential oils. There are 245 species of clover growing on earth, in our climate zone there are a little more than 70 species, which are distinguished by their high content of protein, starch, folic acid, vitamins C, P and carotene.

One common species is the white creeping trefoil or white porridge. It is the most unpretentious, light-loving, and is distinguished by early flowering. The other is red meadow shamrock, or red clover. The common people call it “scrofulous grass”, “God’s bread”.

Fresh and dried flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are used in medicine.

How is clover useful?

In folk medicine it is used to treat many diseases:

Red and white clover can be used in the form of:

water-based decoction and infusion;
extract as part of dietary supplements;
vodka tinctures;
leaf compress.

The use of clover in folk medicine

Tinctures increase immunity and normalize metabolic processes in the body.
Preparations from clover lower the level of bad cholesterol, which is additionally a good prevention of atherosclerosis.
For women - 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 chest pain.
Red clover, due to isoflavonoids, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, increases the elasticity of large arteries. Helps with angina pectoris.
Herbal tinctures restore potency in men.
Poultices from leaves, infusions and infusions (based on vegetable oils) help in the treatment of purulent wounds and chronic skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, treat burns.
To improve the overall well-being of the body and restore strength, it is recommended to take a bath with shamrock.
To stop coughing, add the herb to tea and drink it several times a day. Healful for asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Read more about the benefits of clover tea.
White porridge is used to thin the blood and treat thrombosis.
Meadow red clover is used as astringent for problems with the stomach and intestines.
Fresh Juice Suitable for treating allergies.
For disease prevention oral cavity, throat, lungs, tinctures are used.
Red clover can be used to prevent certain cancers, as it contains many biologically active compounds: biochanin-A, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, formononetin, genistein, isohamnetin. But if you have a predisposition to estrogen-dependent forms of cancer, treatment may have the opposite effect.
The plant owes its analgesic properties to anti-inflammatory compounds in its composition, such as eugenol, myricetin and salicylic acid.

Contraindications, side effects and harm of clover

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.
In people suffering from blood disorders, consumption 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.

As you can see, the list of contraindications is quite extensive. Now let's talk about possible side effects:

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

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.

A few more words about the dangers of clover. A diet high in these compounds caused reproductive problems and liver damage in captive cheetahs. And farmers have noticed that the predominance of red clover in the diet of livestock leads to the so-called “clover disease.” Infertility, dystonia, impaired lactation and uterine prolapse have been observed in sheep.

Recipes with clover1. To cleanse the liver of toxins

Ingredients:

300 ml water;
1 tsp. clover inflorescences;

The water is heated, then the plant material is added and boiled for 6 minutes. Allow the broth to cool, filter and drink one tablespoon 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 30 days, it can be extended if necessary.

2. To strengthen the body

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. flowers;
500 ml vodka.

Mix the ingredients and leave in a dark place for more than 10 days. Drink 3 times throughout the day before meals. The course is 30 days, break - 10. Then repeat twice.

3. Cleansing blood vessels

Ingredients:

100 clover inflorescences;
half a liter of water.

Mix the ingredients, bring to a boil, and cook for 6 minutes. Leave for 3 hours, filter. For taste, add a spoonful of sugar or honey. The drink is drunk throughout the day.

4. Treatment of headaches

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. l. dried red clover inflorescences;
250 ml water.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it brew for 40 minutes, strain. Take half a glass 3 times a day.

5. Getting rid of colds

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. l. dried flowers;
2 tbsp. water.

Mix the ingredients and let it brew for 5 hours. Strain well and drink within a day. Portions should be the same. It is better to lie down in a warm place after drinking.

6. From inflammatory processes and tumors

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. l. clover roots;
1.5 tbsp. water.

Combine plant materials with water and boil in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain the broth and add water to the original volume. Use up to 5 times a day before meals. The maximum course is 3 weeks. Repeating is permissible only after a month's break.

Procurement of raw materials

You will need to cut the stems, tear off leaves and inflorescences from the plant. All this is finely chopped and left in a dark, well-ventilated area until dry. Afterwards, the dried herb is placed in a bag made of natural fabric.

It is extremely important not to get carried away with self-medication, even if you believe in the power of traditional medicine and have already tried several effective recipes on yourself. Red and white clover contain hormone-like chemicals called isoflavones, which when long-term use may serve you badly.

Period self-treatment without the supervision of a specialist should not last more than 3-6 months.

Today we are talking about red meadow clover, its medicinal properties and contraindications for use in folk medicine.

Previously, red clover was used only as animal feed. Nowadays, the plant is used to produce a dye for fabrics, and dried flowers are even used as a dressing for hot liquid dishes; its fresh leaves are added as greens to salads, and also add flavor to baking dough, and tea is brewed with it.

Clover flowers are rich in vitamins, substances beneficial to people and animals, and esters. In Russia there are slightly less than a hundred varieties, which differ both in inflorescences, leaf shape, and composition rich in vitamins and minerals.

Popular representatives of this type of flower in our area are white and red trefoil, as clover is called in Latin.

These types of clover are the most unpretentious, they love a lot of sunlight, and they bloom quite early.

In folk medicine, the herb red clover is very popular. Usually both fresh flowers and leaves and dried ones are used.

Main beneficial properties of clover

The benefits of clover for the body

How is clover useful?

Medicinal properties of red clover that few people know about:

the plant can relieve inflammation, be it an abscess on the surface of the skin or a sore throat;
can quite effectively lower a sharply risen temperature;
increases the tone of the body, gives a person strength and energy;
cleanses the body of fungus (on mucous membranes, on skin);
has a hemostatic effect;
softens severe coughs, soothes the throat mucosa;
improves the flow of bile, is used as a choleretic agent;
treats dry and tired eyes;
“cleanses” the lymphatic system;
has an analgesic effect.

In Russia, white and red clover are used in the following forms:

- water infusions, decoctions;
- extracts in medicines;
- alcohol tinctures;
- compresses.

Medicinal properties of clover and use in folk medicine

Traditional healers highly value red clover for its healthy composition and healing effects on the body.

The beneficial effects of clover preparations are manifested in the following:

Decoctions and infusions from clover will increase immunity and lead to normal condition metabolism.

Medicines with clover extract will lower the content of bad cholesterol in the blood, and, therefore, prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

The isoflavonoids contained in clover will strengthen capillaries and increase the elasticity of veins and arteries.

The healing properties of red clover will also help with gynecological diseases.

Consumption medicines from clover will eliminate PMS, regulate menstrual cycle, will prevent inflammation of the appendages, as well as some STDs, and will make you feel better during menopause. Tinctures will restore male strength.

Compresses and infusions from clover leaves will disinfect and heal purulent open wounds, and heal burns.

Infusions of flowers and leaves fight skin diseases such as acne, eczema, and relieve allergic itching.

Baths with brewed shamrock will help restore strength, calm the nerves, and establish a good, calm mood and peace of mind.

Tea brewed with the addition of red clover flowers will soothe the throat with a dry cough, is effective for asthma during acute periods, and is indicated for bronchitis. This tea should be drunk several times a day until the condition improves; it will not cause harm.

White clover copes well with thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and effectively thins the blood.

Therefore, if a person has thrombocytopenia (the concentration of platelets in the blood is reduced, the blood clots poorly), then he needs to be careful when consuming this medicinal plant.

If the stomach and intestines are upset, a decoction of red meadow clover will come to the rescue, as it has an astringent effect.

For stomatitis and wounds in the oral cavity, the mouth should be rinsed with a water infusion of clover after each meal; the healing properties of the plant include an antiseptic and wound-healing effect on the mucous membranes.

For varicose veins on the legs, clover grass is used externally, simply covering the affected areas with fresh crushed plants.

When the eyes are inflamed, apply steamed dry clover grass in gauze to them.

Red clover is used for low hemoglobin.

Red clover contains valuable biological compounds that can prevent the occurrence of certain cancers.

But here, too, you should be careful; if a person has a predisposition to hormone-dependent forms of oncology, then these properties of clover during treatment may have the opposite effect.

Red clover flower infusion

Leave a tablespoon of raw material in a glass of boiling water for an hour, drink a quarter glass half an hour before meals 3-4 times a day. Use in hot weather and colds.

In the treatment of climacteric disorders, for PMS treatment the infusion is made a little stronger - 3 tablespoons per glass. Drink half a glass twice a day.

Red clover tincture

Fill half a liter jar with clover flowers, top up with vodka, leave for a couple of weeks in the dark, filter, drink a tablespoon twice a day for signs of atherosclerosis, headaches and dizziness, and tinnitus.

Red clover decoction

3 tablespoons per glass of boiling water, keep on low heat for 10 minutes, let it brew, then take a tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals, half an hour.

Contraindications of clover, possible harm during treatment

For most people, clover is more beneficial than harmful, both externally and internally.

But, like any other medicinal plant, red clover has its contraindications:

The plant is contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as women during lactation, because the effect of clover compounds can provoke hormonal imbalance. This should be taken into account both when taken internally and when applied externally.

If there are blood diseases, then treatment with a medicinal plant can provoke bleeding, because clover thins the blood very well. That is why it is prohibited to use it several weeks before and after surgery.

For persistent stomach and intestinal disorders, clover is also contraindicated.

Those who have heart problems or who have suffered a stroke should also forget about using this medicine.

For hormone-dependent forms oncological tumors(such as, for example, cancer of the uterus, ovaries, breasts) the use of drugs with clover extract can worsen the well-being and condition of the patient.

The list of contraindications is, of course, impressive. In addition, the use of drugs containing clover can cause side effects such as skin rashes, hives, joint pain, discomfort in the muscles, headache, heaviness, nausea, bleeding in women.

Clover has a powerful effect on the body, so you definitely need to know its interaction with other medications:

hormonal drugs (tablets containing estrogen), contraceptives;

medications that increase the formation of digestive enzymes;

medications that slow down blood clotting;

strong drugs that are used in oncology - red clover will reduce their effect and effectiveness.

Thus, summing up the contraindications of meadow clover, it should be noted that the action of the chemicals contained in clover is similar to the action of human hormones, therefore, if taken for a long time, the plant will not be beneficial, but, on the contrary, will cause harm.

Treatment with red clover without the supervision of a professional should not last more than a month.

Due to the beautiful shape of clover leaves, their outline is used as a basis for jewelry design.

In ancient times, clover leaves were used to make amulets that protected against bad luck in business.

In Europe, the image of shamrock leaves is often used on coats of arms.

Psychics speak with confidence about the good magical power of clover, its warm aura and energy. The plant is the patron of all four elements.

Often modern people They wear jewelry and tattoos with the image of a four-leaf clover, because it is considered a symbol of luck. And they are right - clover is considered one of the most powerful healing plants with effective influence on the body.

If you know anything else about the beneficial medicinal properties of red clover and its contraindications, then please comment on the post on the website alter-zdrav.ru.

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

What is red clover

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

Konyushina blooms in June-July and bears fruit at the end of summer. Its stems are erect and ascending. The fruit is an ovoid, single-seeded, membranous bean. Meadow clover grows in meadows, forest edges, steppes, thickets of bushes, and clearings. Found throughout Russia. The above-ground part of the herb is used for medicinal purposes; the stems are rich in protein and can be eaten as an additive to salads. The flowers are considered excellent honey plants; 100 kg of honey can be collected from 1 hectare. Red clover is harvested during the flowering period and dried in air without direct exposure to the sun.

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

essential oils – aromatic substances that relieve inflammation and pain, eliminate nervous tension, having 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 the cardiovascular 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, and remove toxins;
resins, ash - viscous compounds with powerful bactericidal properties;
medicinal tannins – with astringent, hemostatic, regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties;
alkaloids – toxic compounds that have a positive effect on the nervous and respiratory systems;
amino acids (asparagine, tyrosine) - proteins that take part in all metabolic processes;
fiber – plant fibers necessary for positive intestinal function;
vitamins A, carotene, group B, ascorbic acid, E;
microelements – magnesium, potassium, selenium, chromium, iron, calcium, phosphorus;
phylloquinone – a substance that supports hematopoietic function;
tannins, xanthines, furfural carotenoids, bioquinones, coenzymes, coumarins, proteins.

Properties

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

relieving inflammation;
elimination of vitamin deficiency;
temperature drop;
toning the body;
stopping bleeding;
relief from cough;
relieving eye fatigue, helping with cataracts;
choleretic, immunostimulating, tonic properties;
cleansing the lymphatic system;
analgesic, hypotensive, antifungal, antitumor effect;
elimination of mastopathy;
relief of menopause;
antiseptic, antiviral, sedative effect;
restoration of affected tissues;
an expectorant that thins sputum;
diuretic effect;
slowing down hair loss;
stimulation of collagen production;
removal of toxins;
analgesic, antisclerotic, antiallergic, astringent, diaphoretic, antidepressant, emollient.

The benefits of clover to the body

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

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

For oral administration For inflammation, liver problems, and 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 blossoms.
Heat the water, add the raw materials and boil for six minutes.
Cool the broth, filter, drink a tablespoon four times a day.
The course of treatment lasts a month, then it can be extended.

An infusion of red clover is used to prepare baths for skin rashes and for oral administration for headaches, colds, and coughs. To make it:

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

For the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, psoriasis or cancerous tumors apply medicinal ointment, made from red clover inflorescences. They are infused with pure olive or sunflower oil in a ratio of 1:2. Leave the mixture for two weeks in a dark, warm place, stirring constantly. 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 relieving fatigue, a medicinal extract of red clover in vodka is used:

Take a glass of dried flowers and 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka.
Mix the ingredients and leave in the dark for at least 10 days, more if possible.
Drink the prepared extract drops three times a day before meals.
The course of therapy lasts a month, then a break is taken for 10 days and the treatment is repeated in 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 relapse, serves as a means of prevention for malignant tumors and after their removal. It helps women during menopause cope with hot flashes and normalizes hormonal balance. It can be given to children as a cold remedy without contraindications.

For tuberculosis

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

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

For cholesterol

The plant is rich in tannins, essential oils and glycosides, which helps to exhibit its medicinal properties with increased concentrations of bad cholesterol. Red clover splits body fat on the walls of blood vessels, remove excess naturally, while simultaneously restoring and strengthening blood vessels. For treatment, alcohol tincture and tea are used without contraindications:

Take a two-liter jar and fill it halfway with fresh inflorescences (or a quarter with dry ones), pour in 500 ml of vodka, and close the lid. Keep in a cool, dark 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 once a day before lunch, in the second - 20-22 ml, in the third - 15 ml.
Pour dry clover and meadowsweet in equal quantities hot water, drink half a glass of tea once a day.
Brew 10 flower heads with a glass of boiling water, hold for 2 minutes, strain. For three weeks, take half a glass three times a day.

During menopause

Red clover contains phytoestrogens, which are similar in action to female sex hormones. During menopause, the latter are quantitatively reduced, so an infusion and decoction of flowers will help normalize sleep and enhance sexual function, improve the condition of skin and hair, 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, diluting 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 for vaginal douching, or drink 50 ml orally 4 times a day to eliminate painful periods.

For hypertension

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

Pour three tablespoons of dried flowers into 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 a day.
Brew a tablespoon of raw material with 250 ml of hot water, boil for five minutes. Drink a tablespoon 5 times a day for at least a month.

For throat diseases

An express tincture or medicinal decoction with a minimum of contraindications will help against pneumonia, for the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough:

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

For skin diseases

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

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

For atherosclerosis

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

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

For oncology

To generally strengthen the body, suppress the growth of cancerous tumors or prevent their occurrence, take a decoction or tincture of red clover with medicinal properties:

Pour 300 ml of water into three tablespoons of plant roots and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Strain and add clean liquid to the volume of evaporated water. Drink five times a day before meals for a course of three weeks. After a month's break, repeat.
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. Before taking, read the contraindications.

Contraindications

You can buy red clover at the pharmacy or prepare the raw materials yourself. Contraindications to the use of herbal medicines based on it are:

pregnancy;
breast-feeding;
hormonal imbalance;
blood diseases (may cause bleeding);
stomach upsets;
allergic reactions;
heart disease, stroke;
a period of two weeks before surgical operations and the same time after them;
estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (fibroids, ovarian inflammation, 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, you should be wary of drugs based on it and interactions with certain medications: estrogens in tablets, contraceptives with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, liver enzymes, aspirin, heparin, warfarin, tamoxifen. It is important to obtain competent advice before treatment (this is the rule for both men and women).

Red clover (meadow, honey, trinity, woodpecker, redhead, red porridge, woodpecker, horsetail) 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 beneficial 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 unfavorable conditions it dies and recovers poorly. Grows in dry and moderately wet meadows, clearings, forest edges, in thickets of bushes, along the edges of roads.

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

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

Morphological description

The root is tap root, short in length and produces many shoots. Swells with nitrogen-assimilation bacteria form on the root (they absorb nitrogen and accumulate air from it), so fields are sown with clover to naturally fertilize the soil.

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

Flowering occurs in June-July, and can 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. Fruits in July-August: the beans are filmy, ovoid-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 in seeds);
essential oil containing methyl coumarin and furfural - a powerful 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).

Beneficial properties of red clover

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

Collection and preparation

The heads of red clover, which are collected during the flowering period, while they are fresh and juicy, have medicinal value. Withered and drying inflorescences are not suitable for harvesting. It is best to cut the inflorescences with the top leaves, which are also rich in useful substances.

The raw materials are dried in natural conditions - under canopies or in attics. It is important not to overdry the herb, as this will cause the red clover to lose its medicinal properties. Finished dry heads should not fall apart or crumble. They are carefully placed in fabric bags and stored in a dry place for 12 months. The raw material has no odor, but has a bitter 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 does red clover help with:

CVS: atherosclerosis and its prevention, hypertension (lowers blood pressure and also reduces associated symptoms - headaches and dizziness);
Hematopoietic system: anemia;
Musculoskeletal system: myositis, rheumatism, polyarthritis;
Respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, influenza, ARVI, ENT pathologies;
Pathologies of the urinary system: urolithiasis, cystitis;
Reproductive system: inflammatory diseases of the female genital area, especially the ovaries, painful menstruation. Helps well with menopause. Recommended for men for sexual impotence;
Oncological diseases. In case of damage to an internal organ, it is taken orally, and in case of 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 biogenic stimulant and a general strengthening agent for the prevention viral diseases, at chronic fatigue, vitamin deficiency, sudden weight loss or gain, alcohol intoxication.

Uses of red clover

Traditional medicine recipes:

Decoction and infusion

These are universal dosage forms indicated for all the diseases mentioned above. In addition to internal use, they are indicated for external treatment in the form of compresses, lotions, poultices and additives in medicinal baths. A steep decoction helps well with purulent abscesses and accelerates tissue healing.

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

Decoction from the roots of the plant

Indicated for the treatment of bronchopulmonary pathologies and cancer.

Grind 20 gr. dried roots, pour 1 glass of boiling water over them, place the product in a water bath to simmer 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

Indicated for headaches, tinnitus and high cholesterol with atherosclerosis. Taken for the prevention of influenza and ARVI, for anemia, fatigue, and cancer. Apply externally to treat the throat and oral cavity (dilute half with water). Cannot be used to treat burns open wounds and for 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%. Leave in a warm place for 10 days. 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 ARVI, to improve appetite in children.

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

Juice

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

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

Oil hood

It is used to treat skin for ulcers and wounds, and is used to speed up the healing of burns and soften the skin.

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

Fresh crushed leaves

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

Take fresh leaves, rinse with water and grind them in a mortar or mince, transfer the pulp into 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 vitamin deficiencies.

Pharmacological drugs

You can buy it at the pharmacy the following drugs red clover: drops, capsules, extract and dry raw materials.

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

Features of use in women, men, children

For women. The decoction is used externally for douching for inflammatory processes of the vagina, and internally for painful menstruation. During experiments, it was proven that a decoction of the plant helps eliminate the phenomena of menopause due to the content of phytoestrogens - substances that are included in hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Women who took a decoction of the plant during menopause experienced stabilization of mood and a decrease in the frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.
For men. Clover has long been considered a natural aphrodisiac that increases male sexual activity (tincture from the seeds is used).
For children. Tea from the plant is used to improve appetite and activate digestion, and helps with colic and abdominal cramps. It works very well for 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 chronic pathologies kidneys and liver;
Pregnancy;
Estrogen-dependent oncological diseases;
Chronic diarrhea and constipation of various etiologies;
Children under 18 years of age (for alcohol dosage forms).

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

This perennial legume family is found everywhere in meadows, along the banks of reservoirs, on small slopes, pastures and pastures. Clover is cultivated exclusively as a forage plant (due to its high protein content). Beekeepers also value it, since clover is an excellent honey plant. And here medicinal properties plants are used exclusively by traditional medicine and ignored by traditional medicine.

Clover flowers are small, pinkish-red (hence the name of this species). The inflorescences are loose and can be oblong or round. There are single heads, but more often you can see paired heads, wrapped in 2 small leaves. After flowering, clover produces a single-seeded, ovoid bean.

This plant is also called trefoil - indeed, its leaves are trifoliate, broadly ovate, petiolate. The upper leaves are more elongated, with small teeth visible along the edge of the lower ones. As the sun sets, the leaves fold.

Clover flower stalks can grow to different heights ranging from 15 to 60 cm. They are not located on the main stem, which is very short, but grow from the axils of the basal leaves. The root itself is taproot, but quite branched.

Are red and meadow the same thing?

There are 2 varieties of trefoil found in nature – red and white. It is the first one that is called meadow. The other type is popularly called porridge or white creeping clover.

In folk medicine, red meadow trefoil is mainly used. It contains a richer composition of useful components.

For medicinal purposes, inflorescences with upper leaves are taken. They contain a large number of various glycosides, organic acids (the main ones are coumaric and salicylic), carotene, sitostyrols, essential oils, flavonoids, minerals and vitamins. Clover is especially valued for components such as starch, ascorbic and folic acid, B vitamins.

Clover is used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, expectorant, diaphoretic, diuretic and hemostatic agent. The inflorescences are used in various forms to treat many diseases:

fresh raw materials are crushed and used externally for burns, abscesses, and wounds; with the help of this remedy they stop bleeding and treat conjunctivitis;
Fresh juice squeezed from the grass has the same properties;
tea from red inflorescences is recommended for women with uterine bleeding;
A water infusion of clover will help cope with vitamin deficiency;
decoctions give good results for diseases of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, shortness of breath, bronchial asthma, anemia, scrofulosis and malaria.

Regular consumption of drinks will prevent cholesterol plaques from settling on the walls of blood vessels, which helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Clover in any form relieves pain and reduces fever.

The herb disperses bile and cleanses the lymphatic system. Helps with various skin diseases and also gets rid of fungus. Clover drinks are also an excellent tonic and immunostimulant.

In folk medicine, clover is recommended as a generally applicable recipe for the treatment of diseases, so it is also taken into account individual approach, based on gender. With the help of the preparations of this plant, you can quickly solve women's and men's problems.

About help with heavy bleeding already mentioned above, but this is not all the benefits of clover for women. The herb helps regulate the menstrual cycle and cope with its syndrome (PMS). Various gynecological diseases are effectively treated and internal inflammation is eliminated.

Drinks from inflorescences are used for sexually transmitted diseases. At the same time, infusions are used externally as a means for douching. And for women during menopause, clover will help them enter menopause more easily by eliminating hot flashes and relieving chest pain.

Men can use folk remedies with clover to solve any health problems. But drugs are especially indispensable for “male weakness.” Clover-based products can compete with the popular Viagra, while being more useful for impotence due to their naturalness.

By taking clover decoctions, vodka or red wine tinctures, a man will not only regain his erection, but will also begin to show greater interest in opposite sex. So these remedies can be considered a kind of aphrodisiac and can be used even in cases where there are no problems with potency - for prevention.

How to brew correctly

Resorting to folk recipes, you need to know how to properly prepare this or that clover remedy. Only then will it bring the greatest effect.

In ancient times in Rus', clover was called a herb for the soul and invigorating teas were actively brewed from it. You can take as a basis classic version(steam dried herbs with boiling water), and then vary the composition of the tea leaves to suit your preferences:

mix clover with St. John's wort in a ratio of 4:2:2;
For 5 parts of meadow inflorescences take 1 part of St. John's wort and;
the aroma and taste of this composition are unique: 4 parts clover, 2 parts each St. John's wort, currant leaves and mint, 1 part oregano.

– it enhances the properties of clover. Sweeten the tea better with honey, and not sugar - it will be more healing.

To prepare a decoction, just pour a glass of boiling water over the inflorescences and clover leaves (3 tbsp) and put on fire. When it boils, simmer for another 1-2 minutes, remove and let it brew for 2-3 hours. Take according to the recipe, after straining. The drink can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

Preparation of red clover decoction: video

To use the infusion in each specific case, specific proportions of water and clover inflorescences are recommended, which should be taken into account. As a general strengthening and preventive remedy, they drink this infusion - 1 tbsp. per glass of boiling water. Leave covered for half an hour, strain and consume 1/3 cup before meals.

Dried and fresh clover inflorescences can be infused with medical alcohol, vodka and wine:

4 tbsp. raw materials are poured with alcohol (0.5 l), left for ten days at room temperature in a dark container;
a liter jar is filled to the top with fresh clover heads, filled with vodka (0.5 l) and left for 2 weeks in the dark;
and here you will need clover heads at the stage of seed formation - 1 tbsp. pour a glass of hot red wine and leave for at least a week.

Before use, all prepared tinctures must be filtered by squeezing out the clover raw materials.

As already mentioned, clover is excellent folk remedy for many diseases. Here is only a small list of recipes that make it easy to cope with these diagnoses.

Cooking vodka tincture clover according to the recipe above. Take 1 tbsp. on an empty stomach and before bedtime. The course of treatment lasts 3 months, and as a result, headaches go away, dizziness and tinnitus disappear, and intracranial pressure stabilizes.

Withdraw cholesterol plaques possible using this tool. Fresh inflorescences (100 g) are poured with boiling water (0.5 l). After boiling, cook for another 5-6 minutes and leave for 3 hours. The strained drink should be drunk during the day in several doses, adding 1 tbsp to the decoction. honey

During the inflammatory process, for greater effect, it is not the inflorescences that are used, but the roots of the plant. For one and a half glasses of water take 3 tbsp. raw materials, simmer in a water bath for half an hour, then filter. It is necessary to add boiled water to the decoction to restore the original volume, and only then take it 3-5 times before meals. The maximum duration of the course is 3 weeks, then a break of at least a month.

Pour a liter of boiling water over 20 heads of dried inflorescences and leave for 15 minutes. For a month, drink a glass of tea 2 or 3 times a day, after which not only the blood pressure will normalize, but also cleanse yourself. blood vessels, which will strengthen the functioning of the heart.

Drinks from clover, consumed internally, help cleanse blood vessels and restore metabolism. This has a positive effect on the treatment of many skin diseases. But it is also recommended to use the products externally, washing problem areas with decoctions and infusions, and making lotions and compresses from them.

Fresh crushed grass gives a good effect - it is applied to sore spots. And fresh clover juice is used to wipe the inflamed skin.

Dried clover flowers (2 tbsp) are poured with 2 glasses of boiling water, covered with a lid, wrapped and left for 5 hours. The strained drink is distributed into equal portions and drunk (warmed) throughout the day. After using this infusion, it is recommended to lie down under a blanket for a while - active sweating will occur, and with it the cold will go away.

The collection of meadow clover for medicinal purposes differs from that carried out in forage harvesting. Raw materials can be harvested throughout the entire flowering period - from late spring until frost. But the most valuable are the inflorescences collected in mid-summer. If the recipe recommends taking seed germs or roots, then preparations are made in mid-autumn.

You should not cut off all the inflorescences, carefully selecting the juicy heads. Collection time is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In this case, the weather should be dry and sunny. If there is moisture on the grass, you cannot collect clover - it will rot in the future.

It is necessary to dry the workpieces away from sunlight, choosing a dark, cool room with good ventilation. During the drying process, the grass laid in the 1st layer is mixed, checking the degree of readiness by touch.

Before dry grass is put away for storage, it is reviewed, discarding darkened inflorescences. After this, they are packaged in paper bags or fabric bags (not in jars or plastic!) and stored in a dark corner of the cabinet, away from moisture.

Beneficial properties of red clover and collection of raw materials: video

The composition of the plant not only brings benefits, but for some people the herb can be harmful. As always, everything depends on individual characteristics (or rather, intolerance to a number of components). There are also serious contraindications to the use of clover drinks:

Vessel cleansing should not be carried out in case of thrombophlebitis and varicose veins;
despite the beneficial effects of clover for hypertensive patients, it should not be used after strokes and heart attacks;
the herb can cause diarrhea, so it is not suitable for intestinal disorders;
not all forms of cancer are susceptible to clover drinks, and in the extragene-dependent form, the herb is generally contraindicated;
at long-term use In order to improve your menstrual cycle, you can bring yourself to the point of delaying your period.

Clover products are contraindicated during pregnancy - the inflorescences can cause a miscarriage. Excessive passion drinks to increase potency can cause the opposite effect, making a man dependent on this drug.

Clover, whose beneficial properties and contraindications are due to the presence of flavonoids and phytoestrogens in its composition, is recommended as an active food additive for certain hormonal disorders associated with the onset of menopause. If stored improperly, medicinal raw materials can cause irreparable harm health. Red and white clover flowers are used in folk medicine to treat bronchi and diseases of the internal female genital organs located in the pelvic area. Meadow clover is used by pharmaceutical factories to prepare various forms and is recommended by official medicine for hormonal disorders.

Why is the plant useful?

Red clover is used more often than white creeping clover, which contains the same beneficial components, but in smaller quantities. Fresh white clover juice is used externally in folk medicine to treat skin diseases, wounds, and burns. It helps in treating rheumatic symptoms and will help stop bleeding.

At the red clover greatest number active components are found in the stems and roots, but for treatment at home, if you turn to folk practice, flowers with upper leaves are collected. The aerial part of the plant and the root contain:

The benefits of red clover for the female body are explained by the presence of four hormone-like substances in it that slow down the aging process. In case of individual intolerance, taking the extract may be harmful due to large quantity phytohormones.

Preparations made from this herb can also be used by men. The benefit of the extract is that it suppresses testosterone production in adolescents suffering from oily seborrhea and juvenile acne. Taking clover preparations is useful for young men in whom an excess of male hormone leads to persistent acne and early baldness.

Any type of clover (both red and white) traditional healers It is recommended to use it to improve the health of the body. An infusion of flowers and upper leaves helps:

cleanse the body after intoxication with chemicals;
increase protective functions;
make up for the deficiency nutrients with a poor diet;
relieve an acute allergic reaction;
improve the condition of the skin with dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrhea;
remove excess water from cells and relieve swelling;
reduce the number of asthma relapses;
improve health during menopause.

Although conventional medicine believes that both red clover and white clover have minimal health benefits and may cause harm, women use this herb to reduce symptoms during menopause and receive significant relief from herbal medicine.

When should the plant be used?

White clover is not recommended for use in official medicine, and no studies have been conducted with it. Observations of experimental groups made it possible to find out when it is possible to obtain undoubted benefits from taking red clover extract. The medicinal plant is recommended for:

Extracts prepared at home can be taken for up to six months. Such long-term treatment is recommended if such pathological conditions body, such as precancerous breast diseases, increased sweating and nervousness that accompany menopause.

Despite the presence of a large amount of hormone-like substances in the plant, clover extract will be useless when female infertility. Active components cannot stimulate the production of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones.

Can weed be harmful to health?

Clover extract may harm pregnant women, causing a risk of miscarriage. Nursing mothers, using an infusion of herbs rich in phytoestrogens, can harm the baby, causing long-term disturbances in the functioning of the internal secretion organs.

Official medicine warns that uncontrolled use of clover preparations for a long time in large volumes can cause heavy bleeding.

The active component in the plant - coumarin - has the property of strongly thinning the blood, preventing the formation of platelets. This effect of the active substance can be dangerous in case of weak blood vessels and high blood pressure, which clover is not able to regulate.

Only dry crushed raw materials, which were prepared with violations of technology, have the ability to strongly thin the blood. If, during drying, the flowers and leaves of the plant were affected by microscopic mold fungi, then the resulting raw material will contain poisonous toxins, which, in combination with coumarin, greatly thin the blood. To avoid causing such harm to the body, it is recommended to use only fresh flowers and leaves.

To get the expected benefits from red or white clover extract, you need to collect 100 inflorescences and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. This amount is enough to get daily dose phytoestrogens. Treatment with an extract from fresh flowers can be continued as long as this plant blooms in the meadow.

For those who do not have the opportunity to constantly collect raw materials for daily consumption, we can recommend making an alcohol tincture by filling a glass vessel with flowers and pouring vodka over them. To obtain safe dry raw materials, you need to collect clover flowers in dry weather and dry them in the oven at a temperature of 60°C. Store medicinal raw materials in glass jars one year.