Red Clover

Red Clover closeup of the flower head- Image by Kanoelani Achi

Red Clover- Trifolium pratense

Red Clover is an ancient British plant that was brought to North America by settlers. It is perennial, likes to grow in meadows, and can be gathered in the wild. Red Clover has a symbiotic relationship with bees and is an important nourishment for livestock. It is a member of the Leguminosae family and is a nitrogen fixing plant that improves soil health. Each plant has several stems 1-2 feet high, with red, pink, or purple flowers, and 3 leaves with a white chevron on it.

Caution: Do not use if you have had breast cancer, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking oral contraceptives or oestrogen or progesterone therapies.

Red Clover with a Bumblebee- Image by Kanoelani Achi

Red Clover Fact & Folklore

In the language of flowers, Red Clover stands for industry. Bees energetically devote their tasks to the flower which gives them a sweet, light nectar. Red Clover has an affinity to the liver and has an industrious effect on this organ in the body.

Red Clover’s Latin name Trifolium refers to its three leaves. In Christianity the plant is connected to St. Patrick’s Day & is a symbol for the Trinity. In modern Wicca the three leaves represent the Maiden, Mother, & Crone. Druids believed the flowers could keep away spells & evil spirits, and in Celtic folklore, Red Clover represents the three lobed symbol of the sun.

Irish rhyme

One leaf for fame,

One leaf for wealth,

One leaf for a faithful lover,

And one leaf to bring glorious health.

All are in the four-leaf clover.

Native American Uses

Red Clover flower heads in a basket- Image by Kanoelani Achi

Red Clover Benefits

Red Clover contains quercetin (found to have antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, & antitumor properties), Vitamins A, C, B-complex, & Minerals calcium, chromium iron & magnesium.

Red Clover gradually helps to restore normal functions to the liver, kidneys, lungs, & digestive tract. It works to increase overall vitality and health by helping the body better eliminate toxins. Red Clover helps restore the nervous system and works to relax the body & mind. It was traditionally used to support skin health and was known to get you glowing from the inside out.

Red Clover bunch of flower heads closeup- Image by Kanoelani Achi

Red Clover- Herbal Uses

Red Clover is rich in phyto-oestrogens and helps bring the body’s hormone levels into balance. It is known to relieve hot flushes, menstrual cramps, reduce the pain from ovarian cysts, prevent osteoporosis, and help improve libido in some menopausal women. Native American healers held respect for this herb and used Red Clover to support women’s health.

Red Clover Flower Essence is helpful during emergency situations when there is conflict, mass hysteria, panic, or fear. It helps maintain a state of inner calm, self-control, & serenity. Red Clover helps with centering & focus, letting go of fear & brings soothing, calm vibrations to help you find peace & safety.

Sources:

Red Clover- Traditional Medicinals

Earth Mother Herbal: Remedies, Recipes, Lotions, and Potions from Mother Nature’s Healing Plants, by Shatoiya De La Tour

Healing Plants of the Celtic Druids: Ancient Celts in Britain and their Druid healers used plant medicine to treat the mind, body and soul, by Angela Paine