Take a Ride on the Wild Side: History and Traditional Uses

Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, is a perennial plant originating from Central Asia, Europe and Africa (All 4 Natural Health, 2010). It was naturalized to North America and Australia upon the discovery of its medicinal purposes, and has been used since the 19^th century (All 4 Natural Health, 2010). Historically, it has been part of herbal treatments in traditional Chinese Medicine, Russian and Western folk medicine, and Native Indian remedies (Herbs for Menopause, 2010.) It was commonly used for the treatment of respiratory illnesses, cancer, skin conditions and blood “purification” (University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 2006.) Red clover was believed to help expel mucus and reduce inflammation of the lungs; thus it was used to treat bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma and irritated throats (UMMC, 2006.) Furthermore, ancient healers believed that elevated toxins in the blood were the source of all disease and red clover was used as a blood purifier (Herbs for Menopause, 2010.) It was believed to remove toxins by expelling surplus fluids, improving circulation and thinning the blood (UMMC, 2006.) In addition, red clover was believed to aid the healing of wounds and to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema as well as insect bites (All 4 Natural Health, 2010).

Red clover was prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the nature of the problematic condition. Usually it was consumed as a tea, with the dried flowers soaked in hot water to release their therapeutic properties (UMMC, 2006.) Other times the flower heads were ground and mixed in with several other herbs to produce an ointment for external application (Herbs2000, 2010.) 

Red clover tea
http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1566/200607/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1566-293879.jpg

Red clover ointment
http://www.fairchancepharmacy.com/red-clover.jpg

For those who are interested, here is the recipe for traditional Indian tea:

INDIAN TEA OR ESSIAC

• 3 oz (90 g) red clover flowers
• 3 oz (90 g) wood sorrel flowers
• 3 oz (90 g) common burdock root
• 1 oz (30 g) kelp
• 1 oz (30 g) slippery elm powder
• 1 oz (30 g) Canada thistle head

Combine all the plants.
Boil 1 t (5 ml) of the mixture in 1 cup (250 ml) water for 5 minutes. Drink 3 cups (750 ml) per day for 1 to 3 months. This is the closest recipe to the original famous North American Indian tea used to fight cancer. It is also an excellent lymphatic and blood depurative.

(Information copied directly from http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_red_clover.htm)