Herb Spotlight: Red Clover

In addition to dandelions, one of the herbs of summer for me is a little pinkish-purple bloom. Farmers and gardeners love this herb as a cover crop to bring nutrients back to the soil. For others, it may seem like a nuisance in their yard. I’m hopeful though that you will come to appreciate this little powerhouse available to you from spring to early fall.

Red clover is a cheery little flower that we can find on roadsides, in meadows, fields, and lawns. Farmers and gardeners will plant this herb as a cover crop to help build up soil nutrients in between growing seasons. This herb blooms from spring to early fall, making it easy to harvest as needed.

This herb can help to bring calm and well-being. I love this herb as it helps to soothe us when we are feeling tension from grief and stress. Energetically, red clover helps to release grief by letting the heart open.

Also often used when a person is having trouble making their own decisions. Red clover is great for that person who needs a little support in separating from a group’s energy in order to feel confident in their own decisions.

It has a sweet, neutral and moistening flavor profile. As with all herbs, red clover has a complex relationship with our bodies when we consume it.

Physically, it soothes irritated tissues, eases headaches from stress and tension, and relaxes muscles. It is an herb that helps to support the lymph system as well as removing waste and build-up in the blood. This herb is often used to support the body’s respiratory system when experiencing dry spasmodic coughs. Also used in situations for skin conditions, menopausal/post-menopausal support, when overworking affects memory, and as a general nutritive herb.

Overall, red clover is generally considered safe. Research is on-going on whether there is a concern with using red clover while having (or have had) estrogen-receptor positive cancer. It has not yet been proven in either way so a person with this situation may want to avoid red clover until more is known.

Wanting to try red clover? The flowers can be added fresh into salads or fried. You can also try it in Woodland Spring tisane!