Trifolium pratense
Foraged from the meadows at Brightside, red clover has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and infection, including bronchitis and asthma. The herb makes a pleasant cough remedy for children. It has laboratory-proven antibiotic properties and contains phyto-estrogens and isoflavones useful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Studies have suggested that red clover isoflavones are more effective in reducing hot flashes than pharmaceutical preparations, and can delay bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Red clover also appears to reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, limit the progress of benign prostate hyperplasia and reduce the buildup of plaque that causes heart disease. Medieval Christians revered three-lobed leaves as representing the Trinity and four-lobed leaves the Cross. They were perhaps more prescient than they could have imagined, as science has shown the plant to be a powerful agent for health.
All this plus it has a delicately sweet flavor. Delicious!
To brew loose tea, place a measuring teaspoon of tea in a tea strainer or loose in an eight-ounce cup. Add boiling water and steep for at least 10 minutes. Each 8oz recycled aluminum tin of tea (1oz net weight) brews approximately 20 cups.
To brew iced tea, place the natural abaca fiber 5"X3.5" brew bag in a 64oz container. Add about a quart and a half of boiling water. Steep for one hour. Chill. Add more water to taste. Each .2 oz brew bag will brew at least a half-gallon of tea. Remove bag within 24 hours. Keep refrigerated for five days. Plants love used tea leaves!
Herbal data is provided for educational purposes only and has not been approved by the FDA.
