Trifolium pratense
Botanical Nomenclature | Trifolium pratense |
Common Name | Red Clover |
Taxonomy- Family | Papilionaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Trifolium pratense is an one-year, fluffy plant growing from 10 to 40cm, with smooth, wavy, trifoliate leaves and red flowers. The flowering and the harvesting take place from May to September. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Flowers |
Active Substances | Flavonoids, isoflavones (powerful antioxidants), coumarins, phenolic glycosides, cyanide glycosides. The leaves contain vitamin C, D, E and K1, inorganic salts, minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has sedative properties and it is mainly recommended against skin problems such as lichen, eczema, psoriasis and insect bites. The plant also has expectorant and anticonvulsant properties and it is administered for the treatment of asthma attacks, bronchitis, cough and pertussis. The herbal extract, which contains isoflavones, possibly inhibits the worsening of osteoporosis. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as an expectorant in the form of herbal tea (1-3 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 3 times a day). As a tincture (1:5 parts of herbal extract and ethyl alcohol 70%, 2-4ml, 3 times a day) for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+pratense 2)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-red-clover.html 3)http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/red-clover 4)http://www.altnature.com/gallery/redclover.htm 5)http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/trifolium-pratense-red-clover 6)http://www.herbalencounter.com/2011/06/22/red-clover-trifolium-pratense/ |