Clover meadow: medicinal properties and contraindications

Clover meadow is a perennial herb that is widely used in folk medicine and even in cosmetology. He has a long history of use. It is also used as a feed plant, and is also considered a good honey plant. In agriculture, it plays an important role, since it enriches the soil with nitrogen compounds, and this helps to increase fertility. But, of course, the healing properties of this plant are much more important, which will be discussed below.

Chemical composition

Currently, studies have established that in the aerial part of the plant during flowering contains:

1. Plant proteins (depending on the variety - up to 25%, which makes clover a valuable forage crop).
2. Free amino acids.
3. Fats (up to 3.5%).
4. Fiber, necessary to improve digestive processes - up to 26%.
5. Vitamins are mainly ascorbic acid, which improves the state of blood vessels, as well as carotene, which has a beneficial effect on vision.
6. Flavones and flavonols with antioxidant properties. In particular, clover contains quercetin with its anti-inflammatory effect.
7. Tannins.
8. Various trace elements that play an important role in all processes of the functioning of the body.
9. Phytoestrogens and plant steroids.

Both in the aerial part of the plant, and in the roots, the substance trifolizin is present. Science has proven that it has antifungal properties.

How it looks and where it grows

Clover meadow is a whole group of plants. Most species are perennial, although biennials are also found. This plant reaches a height of 15–55 cm. It is distinguished by a rather powerful branchy stem and characteristic triple leaves. The latter consist of elliptical platelets that are integral along the edges, and on their upper side there is most often a white pattern. In many species, leaflets fold overnight. The stem root of the plant looks interesting. It most often branches strongly, and nodules are visible on its branches - these are nitrogen-absorbing bacterial cultures.

Inflorescences are spherical loose heads, which are surrounded by apical leaves from below. Moth flowers, most often have a pale pink or dark red hue. This plant blooms from May to September, and fruits ripen in the fall, which from a botanical point of view are egg-shaped beans with small flattened seeds that have a yellowish or brown hue.

Clover meadow spread throughout Europe. It is found in North Africa (in the territory of Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria), as well as in Asia. In Russia, clover is distributed almost everywhere, with the exception of the Far North. You can find it in the meadows (both moderately humid and upland), forest glades, as well as along the outskirts of the fields. This applies to wildlife, since in many areas meadow clover is purposefully grown - as a forage crop or to increase soil fertility.

Views

In antiquity, only two species of meadow clover were distinguished - with white and red flowers.Today it is known that from a botanical point of view, much more of its species can be distinguished - for example, American clover (it is pubescent), alpine, etc. All of them have approximately the same properties and insignificant external differences.

Hybrid clover is often confused with meadow clover. It is also a herbaceous perennial with a branched stem, spherical inflorescences and triplet leaves, but in fact it is an intermediate option between white and red clover (this is another name for meadow). Its distinguishing feature is that during the flowering period its corollas change their color from white-pink to saturated red, and then become brown. In terms of medicinal properties, it is close to meadow clover - anti-inflammatory properties allow it to be used in the treatment of tonsillitis and bronchitis.

Collection and storage

In official and folk medicine, only the clover flowers themselves and its apical leaves are used as raw materials. The collection of raw materials is recommended to be carried out directly during the period of active flowering. Depending on the climatic features of the terrain, this time may come in May and last until September. At this time, you need to tear off your hands or cut off whole inflorescences with a sharp knife, but only without peduncles.

After this, the raw materials are transferred to willow baskets so that it lies loose and does not compress. These baskets are dried in the shade - you can keep them under a canopy. The second option - you can speed up the process by using a dryer for vegetables and fruits (but provided that the temperature is no higher than 60–70 degrees). It is very important to follow these recommendations, because if the raw material dries, it will lose its healing properties. At correctly dried clover, the heads of inflorescences do not fall and do not crumble.

With regard to storage, it is best to keep the medicinal raw materials in fabric bags. Store them in a dark and dry place. In this case, the grass can only be kept for 1 year. But the inflorescences can be stored for 2 years. If done correctly, the grass will smell like dried hay. The presence of an external smell, as well as the appearance of a bitter taste, indicates that the raw material has deteriorated.

Some traditional healers recommend using the roots of clover meadow. They can also be collected during active flowering or immediately after. Dry them should be in vivo.

The healing properties of red clover

Currently, studies have proven that meadow clover has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Also, its leaves and inflorescences contain substances that have choleretic, diuretic, anti-sclerotic action. A number of studies have shown that this plant also has antitumor properties (unless it is an estrogen-dependent neoplasm). In addition, it stops the blood and helps to remove toxic substances.

The healing properties of clover are so diverse that this plant can be used:

1. With anemia due to lack of iron.
2. Painful menstruation.
3. Cystitis and other inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
4. Rheumatic pains.
5. For the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, including tonsillitis and bronchitis, some chronic kidney pathologies.
6. To reduce cholesterol, as well as the prevention of atherosclerosis.

As an external remedy, compresses from freshly chopped clover leaves are used to stop bleeding. They are used to treat burns, and in the presence of abscesses and suppuration.

For women

Long-term studies have shown that meadow clover contains hormone-like substances called phytoestrogens. Moreover, in the maximum concentration they are present in the flowers of this plant. In particular, formononetin, daidzein and genistein are contained here. All these phytoestrogens in their action resemble female sex hormones, including because they affect the same receptors.

For women, therefore, clover is useful in that:

1. Reduces the severity of pain during menstruation.
2. Normalizes the condition of the body during menopause.
3. It has a general healing effect and prevents premature aging. Outwardly, this is manifested in the fact that wrinkles become less noticeable, skin tone and its elasticity increase.
4. Restores calcium metabolism and strengthens bones.
5. Normalizes cholesterol metabolism.

Thus, the use of meadow clover in a sufficiently large amount performs the same functions as hormone therapy. Only this herb is devoid of so many side effects.

For men

Clover has anti-inflammatory properties, which is very important for the treatment of urethritis and prostatitis. But at the same time, it also contains plant steroids. Therefore, clover is considered an excellent tool in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This plant has aphrodisiac properties. However, it should be noted that the most effective remedy from this point of view is tincture of seeds, and not the aerial parts of clover.

In addition, the use of drugs based on this plant helps to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood and is therefore considered a good tool for the prevention of atherosclerosis, and it is often men who face this problem (it is much less common in women before menopause).

For children

Children under the age of 3 years are not recommended to give tea and clover infusion for ingestion. But older children, such remedies can be useful - for example, to improve digestion, as well as with a tendency to colic and increased gas formation. What is absolutely contraindicated for children is the use of alcohol tincture.

From clover make decoctions and infusions that are used to prevent and treat rickets in children - they make baths on their basis. These funds can be used in a similar way with diathesis to relieve skin inflammation. But it is advisable to consult a pediatrician first. Since, like any other herbal remedy, they can cause allergies.

The use of red clover in folk medicine

Clover meadow is used for various diseases - depending on the specific diagnosis, it can be a decoction, infusion, and alcohol tincture.

With bronchitis and respiratory diseases

In the aerial part of the plant contains substances that help thin the sputum, that is, with bronchitis, clover facilitates the removal of secretions and prevents pneumonia. After three days of use, the result will be noticeable. The mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of clover led to its use in whooping cough and other diseases of the respiratory system, accompanied by an accumulation of secretions and a wet cough.

In such cases, you can use either an infusion of flowers and clover leaves (100 g of raw material is boiled in a glass of water and left for a day in a thermos, periodically shaking this vessel). Or they drink tincture of clover - add 100 g of vodka to the resulting broth. In any case, the medicine is taken 3-4 times a day before meals.

For infections of the genitourinary system

As a rule, with such diseases they drink the finished plant extract, since under industrial conditions it is possible to maintain the maximum amount of active substances. In this case, both anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties of clover are important, since it helps to remove pathogenic bacteria along with urine. To get the desired diuretic effect, you can drink a glass of clover infusion during the day (the recipe will be presented below), dividing it into 3-4 equal portions of the same volume. Drinking it at night is undesirable, as this can lead to sleep disturbances.

When using clover infusion for several days, it is very important to observe the drinking regimen. At least 2 liters of fluid per day should be ingested to prevent dehydration and quickly remove pathogenic bacteria.

In inflammatory joint diseases

Clover meadow is considered an effective remedy for both arthritis and rheumatism. In this case, it has a complex effect. On the one hand, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, on the other hand, its analgesic effect is important. And since the clover infusion is a diuretic, the removal of excess fluid allows you to relieve swelling, which is accompanied by arthritis.

You can use:

1. Clover infusion (2 tbsp.spoons of dry raw materials per glass of boiling water). In this case, 200 ml is divided into 3-4 servings and taken during the day.
2. Fresh chopped clover leaves as a compress, which is applied to the problematic joint for half an hour.

In addition, clover may be relevant for arthrosis. Its flavonoids and amino acids can contribute to the production of collagen, which restores joint tissue. In this case, it is advisable to combine the infusion or decoction of clover with the use of chondroprotectors.

With liver diseases

The active substances contained in this plant can also fight with inflammatory diseases of the liver and gall bladder, especially since clover has the ability to remove toxins. Therefore, it can be used as one of the means of complex therapy for liver diseases. In this case, it is recommended to make a weak infusion or decoction of this herb and take 100 ml of the drug 3-4 times a day before meals. The course of treatment should be at least two weeks, then you need to take a break.

With hypertension and vascular disease

Clover meadow contains active substances that help not only lower blood cholesterol, but also stabilize blood pressure, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and make them more elastic. For these purposes, clover extract in capsules is often taken - a course of 10 days. Between courses you need to take a break for 3 weeks. You can also take drops based on the extract.

If you fully prepare the product at home, then you can use one of two options:

1. Brew only fresh flowers - 100 g per 0.5 l of boiling water (you need to bring the product to a boil and keep on low heat for another 5-6 minutes, and then leave it to infuse for 2-3 hours). Within to drink this entire volume several sips at a time.
2. Brew 4 tbsp. tablespoons of dried raw materials per 0.5 l of boiling water. Insist in a thermos for 6-8 hours. Drink 100 ml at a time before each main meal.

If desired, you can add a little honey to any of these drinks to improve the taste. Before use, the product must be filtered!

With coronary heart disease and to lower cholesterol

In order to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, fresh inflorescences can be used. Enough 15 pieces per glass of boiling water - the product is insisted until it cools, filtered and drunk like tea (you can with honey). The second option - take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of chopped dried flowers in a glass of boiling water, bring to a boil and keep on low heat for 5 minutes, and then cool and filter through cheesecloth. This tool is taken in 1 tbsp. spoon 5-6 times a day.

In order to lower cholesterol, an infusion is usually prepared - 20-25 fresh inflorescences are taken per 1 liter of boiling water and insisted for 20 minutes. Then the tool is passed through a filter. During the day they drink all this volume - in small cups instead of tea.

Another option is to fill in 15 inflorescences with a glass of boiling water, insist for half an hour, and pass through two layers of gauze. Such an infusion is drunk in equal portions three times a day. The total duration of the course of treatment is 20 days. In addition to the fact that such tea lowers cholesterol and prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, it has a beneficial effect on the overall health, as it improves blood circulation.

For headaches associated with vasospasms, it is recommended to brew clover and meadowsweet, taking both types of plant material in equal proportions, instead of tea.

With gynecological diseases

The effectiveness of meadow clover with such pathologies is due, on the one hand, to its anti-inflammatory properties, and, on the other hand, to its high phytoestrogen content. The latter is important in the treatment of ovarian dysfunction, since it is usually caused by a deficiency of such hormones. In addition, if there are inflammatory diseases of these organs, then clover will contribute to a quick recovery (although in the presence of a bacterial infection it, of course, cannot replace antibiotics).

With inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, such a remedy is prepared - 2 tbsp. tablespoons of clover flowers are poured with 2 cups boiling water, put in a water bath and left to warm over low heat for half an hour, then filtered and drunk 1 tbsp. spoon no more than 4 times a day. Also, such an infusion can be used for sitz baths.

With painful menstruation, clover infusion is also taken, only in a higher concentration - 2 tbsp. tablespoons of raw materials in a glass of boiling water. Insist the product in a thermos for 6-8 hours. Drink it at 100 ml per day, starting 2-3 days before the expected start of the next cycle. This tool will not only relieve pain, but also allow you to establish a cycle as a whole.

Another direction of use is the treatment of mastopathy, since this disease is also often associated with improper production of hormones. In this case, prepare a decoction of clover root - 3 tbsp. tablespoons of raw materials in a glass of boiling water. You can mix them in equal proportions with the dry flowers of the plant. Cook this remedy for 20 minutes. Ready broth turns out to be very concentrated, it is taken in 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day. However, first you need to take tests and consult with a gynecologist, since mastopathy is not always associated with a lack of estrogen, sometimes it is all about the poor functioning of the thyroid gland.

For anemia and colds

In case of anemia, it is recommended to take the following infusion - 20 g of dry inflorescences per glass of boiling water. This volume is divided into four identical servings that are drunk throughout the day. It is believed that such an infusion restores strength in anemia and generally has general strengthening properties.

In this regard, some traditional healers recommend taking red clover preparations after surgery to shorten the rehabilitation period. To do this, take the same 20 g of inflorescences per 200 ml of boiling water. They drink this remedy 3 times a day - approximately 70–80 ml.

But if you increase the concentration of active substances, taking 40 g of plant material, you get a diaphoretic that can be used to treat colds and SARS. Together with sweat, toxins are also eliminated from the body.

With hemorrhoids

Since meadow clover has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, it can be useful for hemorrhoids. To do this, use its infusion, which is added to the bath water. Prepare it like that - on 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dry raw materials take a glass of boiling water. It is advisable to insist such a means in a thermos for 8 hours, that is, in the evening. It has a hemostatic effect and improves the condition of blood vessels. Therefore, paradoxically, the same infusion can be used to rinse the mouth in the treatment of stomatitis.

The use of meadow clover in dermatology and cosmetology

Clover in the form of a decoction or infusion is used internally for various dermatological problems - for example, with an allergic reaction. It not only relieves inflammation, but also reduces itching, and also reduces the permeability of the vascular walls.

With burns and boils, lotions are made from a decoction of clover inflorescences. The broth can also be used to rinse the scalp and wash your face with seborrheic dermatitis. Baths are made of it with hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum). In addition, a warm broth is used to treat acne - they rub areas of the skin covered with acne.

Fresh clover juice or its decoction is rubbed into the roots of the hair to avoid premature graying.

So, meadow clover in cosmetology can be used as follows:

1. Mask for moisturizing the skin. Take 4 fresh inflorescences and the same number of leaves, chopped, add 1 tbsp.spoon of honey and grind all the ingredients to a homogeneous consistency. The product is applied to the skin for 15 minutes, then washed off with cool water. The mask not only moisturizes, but also helps smooth small wrinkles.
2. Lotions for the skin around the eyes. Take 1 teaspoon of crushed dry raw materials per 100 ml of boiling water, insist until cool, filter, dip cotton buds into this product, which are then applied to the eyes for 20 minutes. At the end of the procedure, wash with the remaining broth. The product smoothes the skin and relieves swelling.
3. The mask is anti-aging for all skin types. Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed fresh inflorescences and clover leaves, 1 raw egg, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of kefir. All these ingredients are mixed until smooth and applied to cleansed face skin. The mask is left for 20 minutes, then washed off with cool mineral water without gas. Due to kefir, the product has some whitening effect, so making such a mask more often than once a week is undesirable. The mask gives the skin firmness and elasticity, smoothes fine wrinkles.

As for the other properties of clover, they can be used to give the curls shine and strengthen hair. To do this, you can use the following infusion - 3 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed dry raw materials take 2 cups boiling water. The resulting product is insisted for three hours, covered with a lid, and then filtered. This infusion is rubbed daily in the evening into the hair roots and scalp. It can be stored for two days in the refrigerator, and then a new portion is prepared.

Types of healing compounds

There are several uses for meadow clover. Below will be considered options for preparing funds based on it.

Tincture

As a rule, alcohol tincture is used only in the treatment of infectious diseases, in the complex therapy of malignant neoplasms, and also as an external agent for various inflammations. But she has contraindications - she can not be drunk with high blood pressure, and she can not handle burns and areas affected by atopic dermatitis.

To prepare this tool you need to take 4 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed dried raw materials per 0.5 l of vodka or ethyl alcohol, which is diluted to a fortress of 40 degrees with distilled water. Tincture is kept in a dry and dark place for 10 days, periodically shaking. In the future, it is taken 1 teaspoon three times a day. Sometimes doctors recommend a lower dosage.

If there is no increase in blood pressure during atherosclerosis, but tinnitus occurs, then take such a tincture - 40 g of dried plant material per 50 ml of vodka. This tool is drunk in 20 ml every day before dinner for three months. The treatment course, if necessary, can be repeated, but only after a break of 10 days.

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, tincture is made from seeds. To do this, take 1 tbsp. tablespoon of raw materials, pour a glass of dry red wine and heat in a steam bath for an hour. Means take 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day.

Infusion

Take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dried plant material in a glass of boiling water and insist for an hour, and then filtered through two layers of gauze.

Decoction

There are two options for preparing this type of medicine. For ordinary broth take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried inflorescences in a glass of boiling water and leave over low heat for a couple of minutes, and then insist for an hour. Such a tool must be taken before meals. The second option is a cool decoction. It is considered more concentrated. For him, take 3 tbsp. tablespoons of raw materials in a glass of boiling water.

In folk medicine, a decoction of clover roots can also be used. Basically, this tool is considered effective in diseases of the respiratory system. For cooking, take 20 g of dry chopped root and brew a glass of boiling water, after which it is left on low heat for half an hour. Then remove from the stove, cool and filter the product. It loses part of the volume, and it is restored with boiled water. This broth is considered concentrated, it is taken in 1 tbsp. spoon up to 5-6 times a day.

Tea

This is the safest tool of all those listed, it can even be given to children to prevent SARS and improve digestion. Take 1 teaspoon of dry raw materials and pour a glass of boiling water. Insist the product for no longer than 5 minutes. After that, they drink it in small sips, stretching the volume for the whole day.

To prevent various diseases, tea can be brewed in another way - 20 fresh inflorescences per 1 liter of water. Such a drink can be drunk with almost no restrictions, but not longer than 7 days in a row. After this, you need to take a break for 3-4 days, and then you can drink another course.

Juice

Meadow clover juice contains almost all those ingredients that are in the leaves and inflorescences, but only in a higher concentration. This is ascorbic acid, and B vitamins, and tocopherol, and tannins. Thanks to this, the juice has not only anti-inflammatory, but also antiseptic and even antipyretic properties. This makes it an almost universal tool that can be used for diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, and the treatment of burns and abscesses (this compares favorably with alcohol tincture). In addition, unlike decoction and water infusion, this remedy can also be used to treat diarrhea. In folk medicine, juice is also considered effective in treating certain eye diseases and middle ear inflammation.

Clover juice can be used in cosmetology. It can be rubbed into the scalp instead of the decoction described above. They rub their face so that the skin becomes smooth and velvety. It can also be used to prepare a unique mask for the neck and décolleté - juice is infused with gauze, which is applied to the corresponding areas of the skin as a compress.

Juice, unlike plant materials, is best harvested before flowering, that is, in May, maximum in June. To do this, cut off the aerial parts of the plant along with inflorescences. All these raw materials are carefully sorted, the dried and spoiled parts are thrown out, washed in cold water, then they are slightly dried and passed through a juicer. All the liquid obtained is consumed almost immediately, it cannot be stored for a long time even in the refrigerator, but should be enough for one course of treatment.

Juice has a high concentration of active substances, so it is recommended to drink it in a dosage of not more than 50 ml per day. Its taste is astringent, it may seem unpleasant, to soften it, a small amount of honey is added to the drink.

Oil extractor

This tool can also be prepared at home. The aerial part of clover contains essential oil and fatty acids, but to get an extract you need to take high-quality olive oil. To prepare the product, take dried branches and clover inflorescences, 6 parts of distilled water are poured into 1 part of plant material and left in a dark and cool place for a day. Then the infusion is brought to a boil and left over low heat until it evaporates by 2/3. After that, the same amount of olive oil is added to it and kept on fire until the water has completely evaporated.

An oil will be obtained that needs to be filtered and drunk every day for 1 teaspoon, for example, for joint pain or for gynecological diseases. However, herbalists warn that if this dosage is exceeded, sore throat may occur.

Contraindications

Since clover contains phytoestrogens, it is contraindicated in pregnant women. After all, the action of these substances can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Because of phytoestrogens, clover preparations are contraindicated in certain oncological diseases (mainly in the presence of estrogen-dependent tumors), since in such cases they can greatly worsen the situation.

Meadow clover preparations are also contraindicated in diseases such as thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. In no case should you take them with pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Doctors forbid this to be done with a stroke.

Any infusions and decoctions of clover can not be taken if there is a tendency to diarrhea - it will only intensify. This plant is also contraindicated for pain in the stomach, including those caused by gastritis or peptic ulcer.

The use of drugs based on meadow clover sometimes leads to the development of adverse reactions of varying severity - these can be dizziness and skin rashes, and myalgia (muscle pain), nausea, vomiting, and even uterine bleeding. If any adverse reactions occur, further administration of drugs should be abandoned.

Means based on meadow clover are not recommended to be used simultaneously with tableted estrogens (this can cause an overdose). In no case can you combine them with liver enzymes and aspirin. Do not use them at the same time as heparin, as this can lead to the development of severe side effects.

Interesting Facts

Clover has become such a familiar crop that it seems as though it has always been grown. But in fact, it began to grow only about 600 years ago in northern Italy. From there it began to spread throughout Europe. First, clover came to Holland, then to the German principalities and England. And in Russia they started growing it at all about 200 years ago.

In olden days, dry and shredded clover leaves were used, as they would say today, as a dietary supplement. They were ground into powder and mixed with flour, which was then used to bake rye bread. In addition, clover was used as an additive for the preparation of certain types of cheeses and sauces in European cuisine. Today, clover flour is used mainly in animal husbandry, as it is a source of many valuable substances. Nevertheless, scientists continue to study the properties of clover, therefore, perhaps, new areas of its application will soon be found.

Photo of clover meadow