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The white stain in the wild clover leaves was why people defending the theory of signs said the plant was good for cataracts. The great Greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist, and author Pedanius Dioscorides (1st century A.D.) said the clover juice, mixed with honey, “heals clouds, white stains, and other spots which darken the vision.” Now, we know its actual applications.
Wild Clover Scientific Facts
- Other names: Red clover.
- French: Trefle rouge, trefle commun.
- Spanish: Trebol comun, trebol rojo.
- Environment: Wet meadows and pasture lands, especially calcareous soils, all over Europe and North America.
- Description: This vibrant herbaceous plant of the Leguminosae family grows up to 50 cm high. Its leaves are divided into three oval folioles, each with a white stain on the upper side. The flower heads are violet-red.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Flowers and leaves.
Healing Properties and Indications
Wild clover contains tannins, glycosides, organic acids, and coloring substances. It is helpful for respiratory (bronchitis, cough, hoarseness) and digestive afflictions (diarrhea, gastritis, lack of appetite) disorders. However, it has not been proven to be beneficial for cataracts.
It is used in baths and compresses in external applications to treat skin irritations and inflammations.
White Clover
White clover (Trifolium repens L. = Trifolium nigrescens Schur.) is a species similar to wild or red clover, which, unlike this, has white flowers. It has an intense hay smell.
Besides having the same medicinal applications as wild clover, its decoction is added to the bathwater for a robust antirheumatic effect.
How to use Wild Clover
- Decoction with 20-30 g of leaves and/or flowers per liter of water, boiling for 10 minutes. Drink up to five cups daily.
- Compresses and baths with the decoction mentioned above, however slightly concentrated.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 340. Print.
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-clover
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-clover-edible