πŸͺΆIndigenous / Native American

Clover (Red)

Trifolium pratense

About Clover (Red)

Clover (Red) (Trifolium pratense) is a herb used in the Indigenous / Native American tradition to help with Menopause, Cholesterol, Bone Health, and Skin Health. The flower buds are the part traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Trifolium pratense, the red clover, is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalised in many other regions.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Flower Buds Β· both
🍡

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Clover (Red) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
πŸ’§

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3Γ— daily
  • Pack dried Clover (Red) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
πŸ’Š

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3Γ— daily
  • Grind dried Clover (Red) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
πŸ–οΈ

Topical / Poultice

1–2Γ— daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Clover (Red) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
πŸ«™

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2Γ— daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Clover (Red).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
πŸ›

Herbal Bath

2–3Γ— per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Clover (Red) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding β€” insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 β€” therapeutic dosage not established
  • Pre-surgery β€” discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) β€” phytoestrogenic activity possible

Warnings

β›” Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

β›” Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Where to find in nature

Native region

North America

Climate

Varied β€” temperate to subarctic

Habitat

Prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and mountain meadows of North America

🌿 To see Clover (Red) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier β€” never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs β€” certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient β€” verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Clover (Red), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products β€” quality varies enormously.