Clover and Confessions

I was going to post about a different herb this week, however I was inspired otherwise. Ryan and I were walking back to the tent the other evening when he brought up the question of what clover could be used for. I remember learning about the uses of red clover Trifolium pratense, but what is not often put to practice is quickly lost. So aside from what I have retained, I have done more research and will post about the medicinal uses of not only the red clover, but of the white clover Trifolium repens as well. 

I've seen more white clover than I have red in this area, though both are common in this region (eastern Kentucky). Growing up, I used them for creating floral necklaces and other jewelry. To be honest, I still tend to do it for my kids at work. 
​

I took this the year I graduated high school. Talk about over using those Instagram filters! I see white clover but part of my face is blinding...

Clover grows in areas such as you yard or fields, but not commonly in heavily wooded areas. Think of it as more of a yard flower. 

Clover, such as both the red and white, share many medicinal properties: 

• they are antispasmodic - meaning they help sooth and work to keep you from coughing
• they provide antioxidants
• they are diuretic - which helps stimulate urine and help regulate the functions of kidneys and liver
• an infusion of the herbs can be used to help skin disorders such as eczema
• they help fight colds and fevers
• they help fight anemia
• commonly used as blood purifiers 

But wait - that's not all! That's right folks, there's more. Wait for it...wait for it...

They contain the isoflavone genistein! Do you know what that means?! These beautiful herbs may be helpful in aiding the fight against cancer cells! Hooray for the power of a healthy lifestyle back by herbs right?

Try making this herb as a tea! It is soothing to the throat and I wish I'd have done it sooner...

...now I did put the word "confessions" into the title...
​

Confession Time

​I have not been a good herbalist to myself. You know the saying that a mechanic's car is the last to be fixed, or the carpenter's house is the last to be worked on? Well I put my health last these past few weeks by ignoring my coughing, assuming it would go away on it's own (thinking it was just allergies and I didn't have time for this nonsense) but that is something we should never do. I should always take time to slow down and listen to my body, and now I'm fighting bronchitis. Hindsight is 20/20 though, and I know what I should've done when I first started coughing.

I don't claim to be perfect, I'm still learning a lot about herbs and my body, but there was this incident a few years back when I started having this cough. I made an decoction of lavender Lavandula angustifolia, and rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis, and chamomile Matricaria recutita. The lavender and rosemary are bitter herbs which help stimulate the digestive system, but I used them because they also boost the immune system and help fight off colds. The chamomile was for a good night's sleep. I forced down a tablespoon and woke up without even a stuffy nose after having the best night of sleep I can honestly say I've ever had.

I didn't do that this time. I have learned my lesson.

I will start taking that infusion again for a few days, but add some yarrow Achillea millefolium for its antibiotic purposes.

So here's my formula for my...

Herbal Version of Nightquil
by Tina Potter
​
2 tsp of dried rosemary
2 tsp of dried lavender
2 tsp of dried chamomile
1 quart of water

1. Have the water boiling in a ceramic or glass teapot, never metal*.
2. Add herbs to the water.
3. Turn heat down and simmer until one-third of the water is gone.
4. Let cool.

Take one teaspoon three times daily, or do as I did and take one tablespoon before bed.

*CAUTION*: Do not use herbs medicinally without first consulting your doctor. I, however, don't always follow that rule. Always do your research, never take anything at face value. Know your information. Many herbs contain contraindications, such as synthetic medicine does. Pregnant and nursing women, please don't take this.

*Metal interferes with the herbal constituents and therefore is not the best choice.
​
I hope you all enjoyed this post! Until next time, good health to you and yours!

​Goodnight, everyone.