Red clover: medicinal properties and contraindications. Meadow clover: medicinal properties, contraindications, reviews and photos of plants Meadow clover medicinal properties for women

Update: October 2018

Red clover (meadow, honey color, trinity, woodpecker, redhead, red porridge, woodpecker, stable) 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 useful 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 adverse conditions, it dies and does not recover well. Grows in upland and moderately moist meadows, clearings, forest edges, in thickets of shrubs, on the outskirts of roads.

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

The plant is a fodder value for farm animals, planted for decorative purposes. Used as a soil fertilizer. It is also used for food purposes: young shoots and leaves are eaten as an additive to salad, 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 taproot, has a small length and gives many shoots. Blisters are formed on the root with nitrogen-assimilating bacteria (they absorb nitrogen and accumulate air from the air), so fields are sown with clover for natural soil fertilization.

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

Flowering occurs in June-July, and may continue until August. Red clover flowers are zygomorphic, sessile, irregularly shaped, 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. It bears fruit in July-August: beans are membranous, ovate-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 a lot in seeds);
essential oil containing methyl coumarin and furfural - the strongest 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).

Useful properties of red clover

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

astringent;
anti-inflammatory;
painkiller;
wound healing;
secretory;
diuretic;
choleretic;
restorative;
diaphoretic;
expectorant;
antiseptic;
regenerating;
hemostatic;
antiatherosclerotic;
vascular strengthening;
antitumor.

Collection and preparation

Red clover heads are of medicinal value, which are harvested during the flowering period, while they are fresh and juicy. Withered and drying inflorescences are not suitable for harvesting. It is best to cut inflorescences with upper leaves, which are also rich in nutrients.

Dry raw materials in natural conditions - under sheds or in attics. It is important not to overdry the herb, because in this case, the red clover loses its medicinal properties. Ready dry heads should not fall apart and crumble. They are neatly folded into cloth bags and stored in a dry place for 12 months. The raw material has no smell, but is bitter in 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 red clover helps with:

CCC: atherosclerosis and its prevention, hypertension (lowers blood pressure, and also reduces concomitant symptoms - headaches and dizziness);
Hematopoietic system: anemia;
Musculoskeletal system: myositis, rheumatism, polyarthritis;
Respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, influenza, SARS, ENT pathologies;
Pathologies of the urinary system: urolithiasis, cystitis;
Reproductive system: inflammatory diseases of the female genital area, especially the ovaries, painful menstruation. Good for menopause. Men recommended for sexual impotence;
Oncological diseases. In case of damage to the 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 a biogenic stimulant and general tonic for the prevention of viral diseases, chronic fatigue, vitamin deficiency, sudden weight loss or gain, alcohol intoxication.

Application of red clover

Traditional medicine recipes:

Decoction and infusion

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

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

A decoction of the roots of the plant

It is indicated for the treatment of bronchopulmonary pathologies and oncological diseases.

Grind 20 gr. dried roots, pour them with 1 cup of boiling water, put the product in a water bath to languish 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

It is indicated for headaches, tinnitus and high cholesterol in atherosclerosis. They are taken for the prevention of influenza and SARS, with anemia, overwork, oncological diseases. Externally used for the treatment of the throat and oral cavity (half diluted with water). Do not use to treat burns, open wounds and 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%. Insist 10 days in warmth. 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 SARS, to improve appetite in children.

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

Juice

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

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

Oil extract

It is used to treat the skin with ulcers and wounds, used for the speedy healing of burns and softening of the skin.

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

fresh crushed leaves

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

Take fresh leaves, rinse with water and grind them in a mortar or grinder, put the gruel in 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 beriberi.

Pharmacological preparations

In a pharmacy, you can buy the following preparations of red clover: drops, capsules, extract and dry raw materials.

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

Features of use in women, men, children

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

In case of severe heart disease, after a stroke, you should consult a doctor about the possibility of treatment with red clover - in these cases, the plant can be harmful to health.

There are many plants that treat no worse than medicines, and sometimes even better, more efficiently. Just such herbs include meadow clover. Medicinal properties and contraindications (reviews about the plant note that the herb perfectly lowers cholesterol) should be studied in detail before use in order to avoid side effects.

Meadow clover: description

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

The flowering of the plant occurs in the middle and end of summer. Just at this time it should be collected for storage. The culture fully matures at the end of September. It is at this time that the plant produces beans in which the seeds are located.

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

The culture grows in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and on the territory of the Russian Federation. Grass can be found in meadows of medium moisture, along field roads or in forest clearings.

The plant is rich in nutrients and, when used correctly, can bring invaluable benefits to human health. Grass can be grown on your own plot or harvested yourself. If this is not possible, then the plant is purchased at a pharmacy. The price of 50 g of dry grass fluctuates around 50-70 rubles.

Chemical composition of grass

Red clover grass grows everywhere. Known to almost everyone. Despite this, only a few use it in traditional medicine, and even fewer people use it 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. It contains phenolcarboxylic 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 herb and endows it with a mass 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, antisclerotic 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.

The use of culture in medicine

What does red clover treat? This question is 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 orally, in the form of various tinctures and decoctions.

Fresh leaves of the culture are used for complex wounds and ulcers that do not heal for a sufficiently 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 diseases of the skin.

Red clover (properties and contraindications are described in detail in the instructions for use, but in the event that the grass was bought in a pharmacy) is contained in choleretic and chest collections. In the presence of rashes in infants, a decoction of this plant is added to the bath.

For the treatment of inflammation in gynecology, the root of the clover officinalis is used. It is also used as an adjunct in the treatment of cancer and tuberculosis.

The stems of the herb are effective in the treatment of scurvy, malaria, and rickets. Reduce cholesterol in atherosclerosis. A decoction of clover is able to relieve headaches, cope with dizziness and increase appetite. Herb tincture is used to treat asthma, anemia, shortness of breath, metrorrhagia. Clover juice will help to cope with coughs, colds, bronchitis, gout, poisoning. Effective in exudative diathesis and frequent fainting.

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

The plant is able to save women from discomfort during menopause: eliminate inflammation;

remove vaginal dryness;
stop hair loss;
get rid of insomnia;
increase libido;
relieve fatigue;
soften the tides.

The herb is used for epilepsy, tonsillitis, high blood pressure, boils. The plant is used for abscesses, bites of insects or animals. Indications for use are painful menstruation, gynecological diseases and anorexia.

Contraindications

It has special medicinal properties and contraindications meadow clover (reviews of people say that the plant gives a good result 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, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should refrain from treating clover. Do not use a herbal remedy for thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Contraindications to the use of culture are diseases of the gastrointestinal apparatus, which are in the acute stage. Do not use clover infusions and decoctions inside if there is a predisposition to diarrhea. People who are prone to allergic manifestations and people with individual intolerance to grass, as well as patients after a stroke and heart attack, should refrain.

Side effects

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

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

Before using the herb, you should consult a doctor, as a number of medicines 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.

Planting requires 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 the ground in a large container. In this form, the 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. Watered with water from a hose equipped with a sprayer.

The first shoots will appear two weeks after sowing the seeds. Since clover is a perennial plant, it does not need to be sown every year. Despite this, experts recommend updating the herbage every three years to improve the quality of the grass.

Clover is sown until the middle of summer, only in this case it will be able to ripen and gain a good foothold on the site.

Collection and preparation of raw materials

Red clover (photo shown above) refers to medicinal plants. Grass should be stored during the flowering period. For harvesting, you need to cut off the inflorescence and the leaves adjacent to it. Dry the culture in the shade. Use of electric dryer is allowed. In the latter case, the temperature should not exceed 60 °C. At a higher temperature, the grass will lose the lion's share of its beneficial properties.

If a rhizome is required for medicinal purposes, then it is harvested after the flowering period. The root is dug up and thoroughly cleaned from the ground, washed. Dry the rhizome, as well as the grass, in a ventilated and dry room or on the street, 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, they contain more harmful substances than useful ones.

Grass storage

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

Folk recipes

Red clover can have a wide variety of uses. Grass (the properties of this plant were described above) for lotions is used 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 put in a water bath for a minute. Used for skin diseases, boils and inflammation of the eyes.

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

With diseases of the internal organs, herbal infusion helps. To prepare it, two tablespoons of raw materials are poured into a glass of boiling water. They insist for about an hour. Filter and drink 100 g three times a day after meals.

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

For serious diseases, such as cancer and tuberculosis, they use only red clover as part of complex therapy. Medicinal properties and contraindications (reviews of women note that tea with clover not only makes you feel better during menopause, but also improves skin condition, rejuvenates) should be checked with your doctor before using this remedy.

Content

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

What is red clover

Meadow or red clover Trifolium (botanical name Trifolium pretense) is a member of the legume family. The medicinal plant reaches a height of 20-90 cm, has complex trifoliate leaves of an elliptical shape with wide triangular shamrocks. They have whitish spots, jagged edges with a network of veins. The flowers are papilionaceous, small, have the form of spherical lilac-red heads.

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

Compound

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

essential oils - aromatic substances that relieve inflammation and pain, eliminate nervous strain, have 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, remove toxins;
resins, ash - viscous compounds with powerful bactericidal properties;
therapeutic tannins - with astringent, hemostatic, regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties;
alkaloids - toxic compounds that positively affect the nervous and respiratory systems;
amino acids (asparagine, tyrosine) - proteins involved in all metabolic processes;
fiber - plant fibers needed for positive bowel function;
vitamins A, carotene, group B, ascorbic acid, E;
trace elements - magnesium, potassium, selenium, chromium, iron, calcium, phosphorus;
phylloquinone - a substance that supports the function of hematopoiesis;
tannins, xanthines, furfural carotenoids, bioquinones, coenzymes, coumarins, proteins.

Properties

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

removal of inflammation;
elimination of beriberi;
lowering the temperature;
body toning;
stop bleeding;
cough relief;
relieving eye fatigue, help with cataracts;
choleretic, immunostimulating, tonic properties;
cleansing of the lymphatic system;
analgesic, hypotensive, antifungal, antitumor effect;
elimination of mastopathy;
relief of menopause;
antiseptic, antiviral, sedative action;
restoration of damaged tissues;
expectorant, thinning sputum;
diuretic effect;
slowing down baldness;
stimulation of collagen production;
elimination of toxins;
analgesic, anti-sclerotic, antiallergic, astringent, diaphoretic, antidepressant, emollient.

Benefits of clover body

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

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

Decoction

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

Infusion

To prepare baths for skin rashes, ingestion for headaches, colds, coughs, an infusion of red clover is used. To make it:

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

Ointment

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

Take a glass of dried flowers and 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka.
Mix the ingredients, insist in the dark for at least 10 days, more if possible.
Drink the prepared extract drop by drop three times a day before meals.
The course of therapy is a month, then a break is made for 10 days and the treatment is repeated for 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 recurrence, serves as a preventive measure for malignant tumors and after their removal. For women during menopause, it helps to cope with hot flashes and normalizes hormonal balance. It can be given to children as an anti-cold disease without contraindications.

With tuberculosis

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

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

From cholesterol

The plant is rich in tannins, essential oils and glycosides, which helps to show its medicinal properties with an increased concentration of harmful cholesterol. Red clover breaks down fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels, removes excess naturally, while restoring and strengthening blood vessels. For treatment, alcohol tincture and tea are used without contraindications:

Take a two-liter jar and fill half with fresh inflorescences (or a quarter dry), pour 500 ml of vodka, close the lid. Keep in a dark cool 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 1r / day before lunch, in the second - 20-22 ml, the third - 15 ml.
Pour dry herbs of clover and meadowsweet in equal amounts with hot water, drink tea once a day for half a glass.
Brew 10 flower heads with a glass of boiling water, hold for 2 minutes, strain. Three weeks, take half a glass three times / day.

With menopause

Red clover contains phytoestrogens, which are similar in action to female sex hormones. With menopause, the latter are quantitatively reduced, so that the infusion and decoction of flowers will help normalize sleep, enhance sexual function, improve the condition of the skin and hair, and 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, diluted 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 to douche the vagina, or drink orally 50 ml 4 r / day to eliminate painful periods.

With hypertension

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

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

For sore throat

From inflammation of the lungs, for the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough, an express tincture or a medicinal decoction with a minimum of contraindications will help:

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

For skin diseases

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

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

With atherosclerosis

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

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

With oncology

For a general strengthening of the body, suppression of the growth of cancerous tumors or the prevention of their occurrence, take a decoction or tincture of red clover with medicinal properties:

Pour 300 ml of water into three tablespoons of plant roots, boil in a water bath for half an hour. Strain, supplement the volume of evaporated water with clean liquid. Drink five times / day before meals for a course of three weeks. Repeat after a month break.
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. Read the contraindications before taking.

Contraindications

You can buy red clover in a pharmacy or prepare raw materials yourself. Contraindications to the use of phytopreparations based on it are:

pregnancy;
breast-feeding;
hormonal imbalance;
blood disorders (may cause bleeding);
indigestion;
allergic reactions;
heart disease, stroke;
the period two weeks before surgery and the same time after them;
estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (fibroids, inflammation of the ovaries, 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 the contraindications and side effects of the herb itself, it is worth being wary of preparations based on it and interactions with certain drugs: estrogens in tablets, contraceptives with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, liver enzymes, aspirin, heparin, warfarin, tamoxifen. It is important to get competent advice before treatment (this is the rule for both men and women).

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The plant belongs to the legume family. Previously, it was used only as animal feed. Now, with the help of red clover, fabrics are dyed, dried heads are used as a dressing for soups, young stems and leaves are used as an additive for salads, crushed leaves are put in bread or brew tea with them.

Inflorescences are a storehouse of vitamins. They contain ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and other useful substances: isoflavones, coumarins, essential oils. 245 species of clover grow on earth, in our climatic zone there are a little more than 70 species, which are distinguished by a high content of protein, starch, folic acid, vitamins C, P and carotene.

One of the common species is creeping white shamrock or white porridge. It is the most unpretentious, light-loving, early flowering. The other is red meadow shamrock, or red clover. In the common people it is called "scrofulous grass", "God's bread".

In medicine, fresh and dried flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are used.

In folk medicine, it is used to treat many diseases:

relieves inflammation;
lowers the temperature
tones the body;
gets rid of fungus
stops the blood;
relieves cough;
eliminates eye fatigue;
has choleretic properties;
cleans the lymphatic system;
works as a pain reliever.

Clover red and white can be used as:

decoction and infusion on a water basis;
extract as part of dietary supplements;
vodka tinctures;
leaf compress.

Application in traditional medicine

Tinctures increase immunity and normalize metabolic processes in the body.
Clover preparations lower the level of bad cholesterol, which is additionally a good prevention of atherosclerosis.
For women - an 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 pain in the chest.
Red clover due to isoflavonoids strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, increases the elasticity of large arteries. Helps with angina.
Herbal tinctures restore potency in men.
Leaf poultices, infusions and infusions (based on vegetable oils) help in the treatment of purulent wounds and chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, and treat burns.
To improve the overall well-being of the body and restore strength, it is recommended to take a bath with a shamrock.
To stop coughing, the herb is added to tea and drunk several times a day. Healing for asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. More about .
White porridge is used to thin the blood and treat thrombosis.
Meadow red clover is used as an astringent for stomach and intestinal problems.
Fresh juice is suitable for treating allergies.
For the prevention of diseases of the 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 cancers, treatment may backfire.
The plant owes its analgesic properties to the anti-inflammatory compounds in its composition, such as eugenol, myricetin and salicylic acid.

Contraindications and side effects

For most people, red and white clover are not dangerous either when taken orally or when applied to the skin.

The plant cannot be used:

Pregnant and lactating women. Clover acts like estrogen, so it can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. This prohibition also applies to external use.
In people suffering from blood disorders, the use of this medicinal plant may cause bleeding. Since clover thins the blood, it is forbidden to take it 2 weeks before and after surgery.
With stomach disorders.
For heart patients and stroke survivors.
With estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (myoma and uterine cancer, endometriosis, ovarian and breast cancer), the patient's condition may worsen.
If you suffer from thrombophlebitis, clover will only harm you. This plant increases the risk of blood clots in people with protein S deficiency.

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

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

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

Estrogen tablets (they may contain estradiol, ethinyl estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens - premarin).
Contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel - triphalis, ethinylestradiol and norethindrone - orthonovum.
Liver enzymes and other drugs for the treatment of the liver. Clover can increase the side effects of drugs and prevent them from being broken down.
Anti-clotting drugs: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin, and others.
Tamoxifen is 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 has caused reproductive disorders 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". Sheep showed infertility, dystonia, lactation disorders and uterine prolapse.

Recipes

Cleansing the liver of toxins

Ingredients:

300 ml of water;
1 tsp clover inflorescences;

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

Strengthening the body

Ingredients:

1 st. flowers;
500 ml of vodka.

The components are mixed, insisted in a dark place for more than 10 days. Drink 3 times a day before meals. Course 30 days, break - 10. Then repeat twice.

Vessel cleansing

Ingredients:

100 clover inflorescences;
half a liter of water.

The components are mixed, brought to a boil, boiled for 6 minutes. Insist 3 hours, filter. For taste, add a spoonful of sugar or honey. The drink is drunk during the day.

Headache treatment

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences of red clover;
250 ml of water.

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

Getting rid of a cold

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. l. dry flowers;
2 tbsp. water.

Mix the ingredients, let it brew for 5 hours. Well filtered and drunk during the day. Portions should be the same. It is better to lie down warm after eating.

From inflammatory processes and tumors

Ingredients:

3 art. l. clover roots;
1.5 st. water.

Combine vegetable raw materials with water, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain the broth, add water to the original volume. Consume up to 5 times a day before meals. The maximum course is 3 weeks. Repeat is allowed only after a month break.

Procurement of raw materials

You will need to cut the stems, cut off the leaves and inflorescences from the plant. All this is finely chopped and left in a dark, well-ventilated area until dry. After the dried grass 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 can do you a disservice over the long term.

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

Red (or meadow) clover (lat. Trifolium pratense) is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. It is believed that red clover is useful for women during menopause, as it helps to cope with unpleasant ones.

WHAT IS RED CLOVER USEFUL FOR A WOMAN: HEALING PROPERTIES

Red clover extract is called a women's supplement due to the isoflavones it contains: genistein, daidzein, biochanin A (Biochanin A), formononetin (formononetin). Isoflavones, in turn, belong to a class of plant substances that weakly mimic the action of female hormones.

What are the benefits of red clover for women's health: does it help with hormonal disorders

Effect on estrogen

It is believed that flavonoids such as biochanin A and daidzein may affect estrogen receptors. However, independent studies have shown that in postmenopausal women who received 80 mg of red clover isoflavones daily for 90 days, there is no significant change in the content of 17β-estradiol compared with placebo ("dummy"). Another experiment showed the same result, where women took red clover (40 mg each) from three months to a year.

Despite the "estrogenicity" attributed to this plant, no significant changes in circulating estrogen concentrations were found in menopausal women treated with red clover extract.

Testosterone

In postmenopausal women who took 80 mg of red clover isoflavones every day for three months, there was no noticeable effect on testosterone compared to "dummy".

At the same time, one single study noted a 22% increase in testosterone when taking 40 mg of the extract 2 times / day.

FSH, LH, progesterone

Red clover extract does not interact with progesterone receptors (in vitro - “in vitro”). In postmenopausal women who received 80 mg of the active substance as a supplement for 90 days, there were also no significant changes in the levels of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones.

menopause symptoms

Taking 80 mg of red clover isoflavones daily for at least three months can reduce postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, the positive effect is not pronounced and disappears after the drug is discontinued.

Biochanin A, which is found in red clover, has melanin-suppressing properties and also prevents skin inflammation in response to UV radiation. Test-tube and mouse experiments have shown that biochanin A and formanonetetin can act similarly to arbutin - when applied to the skin twice a day for one week, a 2% cream with biochanin A resulted in skin whitening.

When taken internally, it is subjectively judged to improve hydration, texture, and overall skin condition.

Hair and nails

According to the subjective assessments of women, taking red clover improves the quality and thickness of the hair on the head, as well as the condition of the nails.

Anxiety

Long-term daily intake of isoflavones (about a year) may reduce symptoms of anxiety in women.

Benefits for the respiratory system

Traditionally, red clover (tea or tincture) is used to treat coughs and bronchitis. It is also believed that due primarily to biochanin A, this plant has some anti-asthma properties, acting as a bronchodilator (dilating the bronchi and increasing breathing). Rodent experiments have confirmed that oral biochanin A (100µM/kg, or 100µM/kg) reduces airway hypersensitivity and hyperresponsiveness.

Mammary cancer

As a rule, red clover does not show any estrogenic or antiestrogenic properties on breast tissue in women (without cancer) during menopause. Although a small antiestrogenic effect can sometimes be observed, especially in women with higher levels of estrogen receptors (genetics).

Biochanin A at the same time showed both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties in isolated MCF-7 cells, but estrogenic properties seem to appear at a lower concentration.

Parkinson's disease

Preliminary evidence suggests that higher-than-usual doses of red clover extract (about 2g for a normal-weight person) have modest protective effects against damage to dopaminergic (dopamine) neurons, which is thought to be due to general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, red clover isoflavones appear to protect dopaminergic neurons from inflammatory (LPS-induced) neurological damage.

Bone loss

Human studies have shown very little benefit at the level of the lumbar spine (but not the hip). No bone growth and no changes in biomarkers were found. At the moment, the anti-osteoporotic effect seems to be very small and probably mostly due to formononetin alone.

weight loss

Supplementation with Red Clover Extract does not appear to reduce weight even when taken at high doses for a year.

Type II diabetes

Isoflavones from red clover either have no significant effect or may worsen insulin sensitivity (increase).

Atherosclerosis

It may show a slight anti-inflammatory effect after oral administration, which theoretically can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in the long term. The effect appears to be less than many other nutritional supplements.

Triglycerides and cholesterol

Most studies to date do not support a significant reduction in triglyceride (THL) levels with oral supplementation of red clover extract in menopausal women. Although women with very high THL levels may experience a greater reduction in triglycerides at the start of treatment.

In diabetic women with high cholesterol levels (5–9 mmol), red clover isoflavone supplementation—40–80 mg for 12 weeks—failed to reduce any cholesterol biomarker. Red clover is not the best supplement for lowering cholesterol.

Thus, red clover does not have a pronounced positive effect on the hormonal background and the woman's body. A more noticeable effect, especially during menopause, is supplemented with (primarily with genistein).

How to Take Red Clover for Women's Health

Red clover extract supplements usually contain 40 mg of isoflavones and are taken once or twice daily (40 or 80 mg per day, respectively). Thus, the required dose is 40-80 mg of pure isoflavones, or approximately 5 grams of the plant without any specific extraction methods.

RED CLOVER: HARM AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

For most people, when taken in small amounts, red clover does not cause any negative reactions. In some cases, there may be:

headache,
rash,
muscle pain,
nausea,
vaginal bleeding.

Precautionary measures

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If red clover is taken orally in medicinal amounts, it can disrupt hormonal balance during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not enough is known about the safety of red clover when applied to the skin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. To avoid harm, it is best not to take extra supplements during this period.

Bleeding

Red clover is able to increase the likelihood of bleeding and slow down blood clotting. Avoid large amounts and use with caution. It may also increase the chance of additional bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking clover at least 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery and tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Hormone sensitive conditions

Breast cancer, uterine or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids - if you have any of these conditions, check with your doctor before taking red clover, as it can act like estrogen and worsen the condition.

Protein S deficiency

People with protein S deficiency have an increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis, blood hypercoagulability). There is some possibility that red clover may increase the risk of clots in these people because it has estrogenic effects.

Contraindications and interactions with other drugs

Birth control pills

Oral contraceptives contain estrogen. Red clover may also have estrogen-like effects. Taking it with OCs or COCs may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Medicines that affect the liver

Some drugs are converted and broken down in the liver. Red clover can affect how quickly the liver processes certain drugs. Taking it along with certain medications can increase their effects and side effects. These drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, etc.), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosin, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin , warfarin (Coumadin), amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, etc.), omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar), lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and others.

Interaction with Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen, Nolvadex)

Red clover may reduce the effectiveness of drugs used to treat estrogen-sensitive cancers.

RED CLOVER: WHERE TO BUY, PRICES IN PHARMACIES AND ONLINE STORES

Red clover can be purchased in tablet or capsule form, either as a single ingredient or in combination with other herbs. It is also sold as tea.

Drugs and dietary supplements: list

Especially popular in the West are clover supplements for women called Promensil (available on iHerb and eBay) and Menoflavon.

Promensil - 80 mg of isoflavones in 1 tablet, 30 pcs., 1650 r. ($25).
"Feminal" (Croatia) - 40 mg of active ingredient, 30 capsules, 715 rubles. ($10).
Now Foods - 100 capsules, 400 rubles ($6).
Nature's Answer - liquid, without alcohol, 30 ml, 620 r. ($9).
Alvita Teas, Organic - Caffeine Free Red Clover Tea, 1 sachet = 2 g, 24 sachets, 400 RUB ($6).