Red clover grows abundantly in meadows throughout the UK,
its 3 leaves often leaving people disappointed
at not finding a clover with 4 leaves!
For medicinal purposes, we use only the red or pink clover
(not the white clover) and we use only the flower.
Red clover is a tonic herb, that is, it nourishes a particular system,
in this case, red clover nourishes the ovaries,
encouraging fertility as it boosts the body's natural production of oestrogen,
in fact, it is said to be so effective that if sheep
eat clover while pregnant they will give birth to twins!
For this reason, it is also often used to support women going through the menopause
and to ease symptoms such as vaginal dryness
and dry skin.
Red clover is also soothing to the lungs
and can be used as part of a mixture to help stubborn coughs,
it was used in the past to treat whooping cough and bronchitis.
To make one cup of red clover tea,
take a handful of fresh flowers
or a teaspoon of the dried flower
and add a cup of boiling water.
Let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes, strain and drink.