Red clover is certainly not one of the most popular ornamental plants in the garden because it spreads quickly and is difficult to control. However, the plant is becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen and as a crop. Red clover has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times for a variety of ailments.
How can red clover be used?
Red clover can be used in both cooking and natural medicine. In the kitchen, sprouts, herbs and flowers are suitable for salads, teas or decoration. In natural medicine, red clover is used for blood purification, loss of appetite, gout, rheumatism, liver weakness and constipation, although its effect on menopausal symptoms is not certain.
Using red clover in the kitchen
Red clover sprouts have a mild taste. They are sown in the germination system. They are ready to harvest after six to eight days and are eaten in salads or as a topping for bread.
Herbal tea can be made from the fresh or dried herb of red clover.
The flowers have a very striking red or pink color. They therefore look good in flower salads, on bread, in soups or as an edible decoration for vegetable, cheese or sausage platters.
Well-known medicinal plant since ancient times
Red clover has a variety of ingredients that can be used against a whole range of ailments:
- Isoflavones
- tannins
- Proteins
- essential oils
- Glycosides
- phenolic substances
Red clover has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Old herbal books recommend its use for intestinal problems and constipation, as well as in the treatment of ulcers.
Use of red clover in modern natural medicine
Red clover is used externally as an ointment or internally as a tea or capsule.
Red clover is recommended for blood purification, for loss of appetite, gout, rheumatism, liver weakness and constipation.
Does red clover help with menopausal symptoms?
Today, red clover is valued primarily for its high content of isoflavones. They are said to be effective as phytoestrogens against symptoms during menopause. Red clover is taken as a tea or in capsule form.
However, no scientific evidence has yet been provided about the actual effect of red clover against hot flashes and other problems during menopause.
On the contrary, experts advise against using red clover as hormone replacement therapy, as serious side effects cannot yet be ruled out.
Tip
Red clover is very common in the wild in nutritious meadows and field margins. Before you pick the red flowers, you should check that fields and meadows have not been treated with pesticides. The locations should also not be used as dog playgrounds.
