Red clover

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Botanical Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

Botanical Description

Trifolium pratense is a familiar perennial growing 20-60cm tall. The characteristic trifoliate leaves often bear a pale chevron marking. Round, reddish-pink flower heads are composed of many tiny florets that bees adore. The whole plant has a mild, sweet scent when fresh.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Alterative, phytoestrogenic, expectorant, antispasmodic, lymphatic.

Traditional uses: Long history as a “blood purifier” for skin conditions, particularly eczema and psoriasis. Also traditionally used for coughs and as a gentle women’s tonic. Contains isoflavones including genistein, daidzein, and formononetin.

Modern focus: Studied extensively for menopausal symptoms due to isoflavone content. Results are mixed but some women find it helpful.

Body Systems Affected

Integumentary: Traditional alterative for chronic skin conditions.

Reproductive: Phytoestrogenic support for menopausal symptoms.

Respiratory: Expectorant for coughs.

Lymphatic: Supports lymphatic function.

Safety Information

Generally safe for most people in moderate amounts.

Hormone-sensitive conditions: Due to phytoestrogenic effects, avoid in hormone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis, or fibroids unless under professional guidance.

Blood thinners: Contains coumarins; may enhance anticoagulant medications.

Pregnancy: Avoid due to hormone effects.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 3-9. Very adaptable.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Adaptable; fixes nitrogen and improves soil.

Sowing: Sow in spring or fall. Easy from seed.

Spacing: Broadcast sow or space 15-20cm apart.

Harvesting

Part used: Flower heads.

When to harvest: When flowers are fully open and bright colored.

Drying & Storage

Dry quickly at 35°C (95°F) – flowers brown if dried too slowly. Store in airtight containers away from light for up to 1 year.