Trifolium pratense
Organic Medium Red Clover

Medium red clover is a short-lived perennial used to supply nitrogen. Unlike other legumes, it fixes a lot of nitrogen even in high-nitrogen soils. It has shade tolerance so it can be overseeded into small grains and incorporated in May of the following year. Since red clover seedlings tend to be slow growing, it benefits from a nurse crop. It forms tap roots and is useful for remediation of compacted soils. Red clover is also good for weed suppression.

Cancer - Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have found anti-tumor properties in clover. NCI researchers felt compelled to investigate the plant after their own Jonathan Hartwell, Ph.D., published a monograph in The Journal of Natural products in which he pointed out that 33 different cultures around the world use red clover to treat cancer. That amounts to a whole lot of people agreeing that the herb has anti-cancer action. And sure enough, NCI researchers emerged from their laboratories with confirmation that red clover contains four anti-tumor compounds, including daidzein and genistein.

In addition, red clover contains significant amounts of the antioxidant chemical tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that has been shown to help prevent breast tumors in animals, according to James Duke, Ph.D., herbal medicine authority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

These findings are still preliminary, and red clover should not be considered a treatment for cancer at this time. But for those with cancers not aggravated by estrogen (non-estrogen dependent tumors), red clover may hold some promise. Ask your physician about using it in addition to your regular treatment.

Women’s Health - Several studies show that in large quantities, red clover acts like the female sex hormone estrogen, As a result, it might help relieve some menopausal symptoms, though women taking postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy should discuss using it with their physicians.

Intriguing Possibility - One study showed red clover effective against several bacteria in the test tube, including the one that causes tuberculosis, which lends some credence to the Eclectics’ use of this herb in treating TB.

Rx for Red Clover

For a pleasantly sweet infusion, use 1 to 3 teaspoons of dried flower tops per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

In a tincture, use ½ to 1½ teaspoons up to three times a day. Medicinal red clover preparations should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary."

Soil Preparation: Medium red clover prefers cool weather conditions. This crop is well-adapted to a wide range of soil types and conditions. Medium red clover tolerates wet conditions better than vetch. It can be overseeded on small grains and if the soil is not crusted, it can be overseeded in vegetable crops with no additional preparation to the land.

Seeding rate is about 1/2 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.