Red Clover - History, Identification, Benefits, Uses and Magical Properties

Searching through a field of clover to find a 4 leaf clover is a childhood memory that I am sure many of us hold close to our hearts. I can remember several attempts to find that lucky leaf, but it wasn’t until adulthood that I became aware of the many amazing properties of this backyard weed.

I know I say this every week, but red clover is one of my favourite herbs to work with. I have seen it help many people to be alleviated of their ailments, and its prevalence in gardens and out in nature makes it one of the easiest natural medicines to forage for and use in your home apothecary.

History of Red Clover

The use of red clover can be dated back to the 11th century, and it’s quite possible that it was used many years before that. In addition to its many medicinal benefits, red clover has an important place in agricultural and religious history as well. 

Red clover was used as a cover crop by early farmers to help improve soil health and to feed livestock. As a fodder crop for cattle, it is incredibly high in protein and vitamins and to this day is an important source of food to livestock. 

 

In many cultural and religious practices, red clover was used in ceremonies and rituals to promote good luck and protection from evil spirits. Its use has been noted by Greeks, Romans, Celts and Christians. 

While native to Europe and Asia, it was only introduced to North America in the 1600s, when European settlers brought it over. It has since become an important herb in many cultural traditions.

Did you know?

Red clover is a member of the legume family (like peas and beans). This means it can transform atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form which is released into the soil when the plants decompose. It has long been used to improve the quality of soil, improve soil structure, and enhance water retention.

How to identify red clover

Red clover is most easily identified by its leaves, which are made of 3 small leaflets that have a white v shape, and the beautiful blooms that grow from slightly hairy stems. Despite the name red clover, the flowers are actually more of a magenta, purple-ish colour. Not to be mistaken with white clover, who's flowers often turn a pinkish red colour as they age.

What are the medicinal benefits of red clover?

Menopause 

Perhaps one of the most notable and well known uses of red clover is its ability to help alleviate menopause symptoms. Several studies have suggested that red clover can be useful in managing and treating hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. These benefits come from the flavonoids present in red clover that closely mimic estrogen. These natural compounds, known as phytoestrogens, can help to maintain healthy estrogen levels. 

Red clover may also help to reduce the loss of bone density during menopause. As estrogen is crucial in maintaining bone density, declining estrogen levels put some women at risk of developing osteoporosis. The phytoestrogens in red clover may help to reduce this risk by increasing mineral levels and bone density in menopausal women.

Respiratory Health

Red clover has been used to treat respiratory conditions like whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma for hundreds of years. With its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, red clover can help to thin mucus and expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract.

Skin and Hair Health

Used externally, red clover can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It can help to improve circulation which may help to remove waste build up under the skin and reduce redness and acne. The phytoestrogen may also help to promote younger looking skin and reduce wrinkles.

There are some studies that suggest that red clover extract may also help to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.

Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Like many backyard weeds, red clover is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus and vitamin C.

How to Use Red Clover

Tea: red clover flowers can be brewed in boiling water for 5-10 minutes for a lovely, floral tasting tea. I like to blend the flowers with other herbs like dandelion, mint, or goldenrod to create a soothing and nourishing cup of tea.

Tincture: red clover tincture is a great way to take advantage of the medicinal benefits, particularly for those seeking to address menopause symptoms. Doses range from 2-5mls taken 2 or 3 times daily.

Extract: red clover extract can be applied topically to alleviate skin conditions and to promote healthy skin. It can also be used to help promote hair growth.

Magical Uses of Red Clover

As mentioned in the beginning of this blog post, red clover has long been used in religious ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and to promote protection. Many cultural and religious traditions made use of this magical flower. With the three-lobed leaves, the Greeks and Romans associated it with triad Goddesses like Hecate or Capitoline, and it has also been associated with the Holy Trinity. Celtic priests considered it a symbol of the sun, and Druids believed it could ward off evil spirits. Even today the 4 leaf clover is still considered to be a sign of good luck.

Red clover is also sometimes used in lust potions, or worn near the heart to help one heal from the pain of a broken heart. It has also been said that if you place red clover in your left shoe, it will protect you from evil. Red clover is a masculine plant, of the planet mercury, and the element of air.

Are there any negative side effects of red clover?

While red clover is generally considered safe to use, it should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also highly recommended to speak with your healthcare practitioner before starting red clover supplements, especially if you or your family members have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions like ovarian or breast cancer. It is not recommended if you are taking blood thinning medications or if you are on birth control.

Have you worked with red clover before? Let me know your experiences with this amazing plant!

Disclaimer: this blog post is for your reading pleasure only. The information contained in this post is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. As always, it is strongly recommended that you do your own research and that you consult with your health care practitioner before starting any herbal supplements. Plant medicine is powerful and should be respected.

Much love <3