Profile
Photos
Comments
Red clover
In Shakespearean times, Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) was known as
"Honey Stalks" because it was so liked by bees. Red Clover is one of the
world's oldest agricultural crops, cultivated since prehistoric times,
and has a long history as a religious and magical symbol.
Early Christians linked the plant to the Trinity, and during the
Middle Ages, it was considered a charm against evil. The four-leaf
clover , an occasional variety resulting from mutation, was and still is
considered a sign for luck.
Red Clover was also the model for the "clubs" suit in playing
cards. Among the largest of the various clover species, Red Clover has a
celebrated reputation for its health properties. Red Clover has a
celebrated reputation for its health properties.
Red Clover has a
delicate flavor that can be brewed and served hot or cold and sweetened
with honey. Many enjoy Red Clover tea mixed with Chamomile tea.
Alvita. Natural Herb Teas that are Good for You and the Environment.
https://www.vitacost.com/Alvita-Caffeine-Free-Red-Clover
Benifits.....
Red clover is considered to be one of the richest sources of
isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are
found in many plants). It is used for hot flashes/flushes, PMS, lowering
cholesterol, breast enhancement and breast health, improving urine
production and improving circulation of the blood. It is also used to
help prevent osteoporosis, reduce the possibility of blood clots and
arterial plaques and limiting the development of benign prostate
hyperplasia.
Red clover is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium,
chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and
vitamin C. Red clover is also considered to be one of the richest
sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens
and are found in many plants).
Several studies of a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones
suggest that it may significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal
women. Also, menopause increases a woman's risk for developing
osteoporosis (significant bone loss) and some studies suggest that a
proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and
even boost bone mineral density in pre and peri-menopausal women. The
estrogen-like effect of red clover isoflavones may be involved, and red
clover also may have a direct effect by preventing the breakdown of
existing bone.
However, this possible bone-strengthening effect has not been seen in men and post-menopausal women.
Because it contains chemicals called isoflavones, which belong to a
larger class of plant chemicals known as phyto (plant-derived)
estrogens, red clover is often taken to relieve symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). Isoflavones are similar in shape to the female hormone,
estrogen. Therefore, they may attach to estrogen receptors throughout
the body particularly in the bladder, blood vessels, bones, and heart.
For women with normal estrogen levels, red clover isoflavones may
displace some natural estrogens, possibly preventing or relieving
estrogen-related symptoms, such as breast pain, that are associated with
PMS. This effect may also reduce the possibility of developing
estrogen-dependent cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
In addition, results from a review of nearly 1000 women suggest that
red clover may interfere with an enzyme known to promote the progression
of endometrial cancer.
Red clover may also block enzymes thought to contribute to prostate
cancer in men. It has shown a definite limiting effect, however, in the
development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), which is a
non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate
may cause men to experience a weak or interrupted urine stream,
dribbling after urinating, or the urge to urinate even after voiding.
For most men, BPH is a normal part of aging.
It is believed that red clover may help to prevent heart disease in
several ways. Although results from human studies are not definite, some
show that taking red clover may lower the levels of 'bad' low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and raise the levels of 'good'
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body. In addition, red
clover may also promote an increase in the secretion of bile acid.
Because cholesterol is a major component of bile acid, increased bile
acid production usually means that more cholesterol is used and less
cholesterol circulates in the body. Additionally, red clover contains
small amounts of chemicals known as coumarins, which may help keep the
blood from becoming thick and gummy. Therefore, the possibility of
forming blood clots and arterial plaques may be reduced. Plaques are
accumulations of blood cells, fats, and other substances that may build
up in blood vessels, possibly reducing or blocking blood flow. Red
clover may also help the arteries remain strong and flexible (a quality
often called 'arterial compliance'), which may also help to prevent some
of the plaque deposits that may lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
It has been found to be helpful in quitting smoking.
https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-red-clover.html
Images>>https://ferenc.biz/vermont-us-state-flower-pictures-red-clover/
https://cstauffer.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html