Meadow clover with its spherical flowers is widely distributed in domestic meadows and has been used since the early Middle Ages as a medicinal plant against various ailments. Particularly significant is its high content of hormone-like plant compounds, which make it interesting as a gentle and natural alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal women particularly benefit from its estrogen-like effects.
Occurrence and cultivation of meadow clover
As a tea infusion or internally applied tincture, meadow clover unfolds its anti-inflammatory effect against rheumatism, gout and other joint diseases. Meadow clover or Trifolium pratense describes a plant species within the butterfly family and is also known as red clover. It was originally native only to Europe and Central Asia, but through naturalization is now found on all continents. Meadow clover reaches heights of ten to thirty centimeters and has tapered, oval or elliptical leaves with white markings in the center. The spherical and delicately fragrant flowers, up to eighteen millimeters in size, are dark pink to red in color and appear from early summer. Wild meadow clover thrives in Europe in dry forage and fat meadows, forest clearings, roadsides, fields and semi-arid grasslands. As a natural remedy and protein-rich fodder plant for livestock, meadow clover is cultivated on a large scale in China and many countries in Eastern Europe. It thrives best in nutrient-rich and calcareous soils with a high proportion of clay and loam, and can be found in the lowlands as well as in mountainous areas up to 2600 meters above sea level.
Effect and application
In addition to waxes, fats, essential oils, trace elements and tannins, meadow clover contains high amounts of isoflavonoids, which are significant for human health and can also be detected in soy in similar concentrations. These secondary plant compounds are also known as phytoestrogens and are very similar in structure and effect to the female hormone estrogen. That is why the flowers and leaves of meadow clover are used in the production of various preparations that ease the hormonal transition for women during menopause. Meadow clover contains biochanin, daidezin, genistein and formononetin, four of the total five isoflavonoids. These are present in dissolved form in the cells of the plant and are used in meadow clover extracts. For some years now, preparations based on meadow clover have become increasingly important as a herbal alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Red clover extract can be taken in the form of capsules and liquid preparations made specifically for menopausal women. Additional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and natural oils in such medicines support the immune system and metabolism and make a valuable contribution to the health of skin, hair and nails. In addition to the plant hormone phytoestrogen, the strong anti-inflammatory and blood purifying effect of red clover is also important for human health. Tea infusions are used internally and prepared from the freshly collected or dried flower heads and leaves. These are poured over with boiling water and should steep for about ten minutes. After straining, the tea is to be drunk sip by sip, with three cups a day given as the maximum amount. For optimal effect, it is recommended to use it for at least four to six weeks. The dried leaves can also be added to herbal tea blends for their gentle hormone-stabilizing effects. Alternatively, a tincture can be made by pouring alcohol of wine over the clover flowers and placing them in a screw-top jar. After several weeks, the mixture can be strained. It is suitable for internal use, but can also be applied pure or in compresses on the skin and used as a bath additive.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The estrogen-like effect of isoflavonoids protects women and men from various ailments and diseases related to disturbed or altered hormonal balance. Taking preparations based on meadow clover has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast,ovarian, and uterine cancers, as well as prostate tumors.When hormone production decreases with age in men and women, taking medicinal substances based on meadow clover or drinking the tea can be used as a complementary therapy. Typical menopausal symptoms such as sweating, hot flashes and psychological symptoms such as imbalance, nervousness, sleep disturbances and depressive moods can be effectively alleviated by using meadow clover. Not only middle-aged women and men benefit from the positive effect on hormone balance, but also young people, because estrogen plays an important role in health at any age. A deficiency of this hormone can lead to concentration problems, reduced blood flow to the internal organs and high cholesterol levels, and can negatively affect mood, sleep and fat metabolism. Red clover extract or tea therefore reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, obesity and mental disorders. Numerous studies also show a preventive effect of meadow clover against osteoporosis, as the phytoestrogens maintain bone density. In naturopathy, red clover has been used for centuries against inflammations as well as against chronic skin diseases, flu-like infections and ulcers. As a tea infusion or internally applied tincture, meadow clover unfolds its anti-inflammatory effect against rheumatism, gout and other joint diseases. Due to its antioxidant properties, it protects cells from free radicals and thus reduces the risk of tumor diseases. Intestinal inflammation, constipation and diarrhea can also be alleviated by using red clover tea. Many healing therapists successfully use tinctures of meadow clover against skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema or acne. In homeopathy, clover extracts are used against parotid gland infections and upper respiratory tract diseases.
