- Kristina Boccio
Red Clover Infusion for Fertility and Reproductive Health
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) grows pretty much anywhere and is common on lawns and grassy areas. This plant is rich in protein, macro-minerals, trace-minerals and vitamins (calcium, zinc, chromium, potassium and magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, thiamine, as well as the vitamins A, C, and several B vitamins, except b12).
It is an excellent source of phytosterols which are hormone-like substances found in many plants that can be bio-converted in the human gut into active, anti-cancer estrogens and other helpful anti-stress hormones.
"Calling phytosterols (phytoestrogens) is confusing, as it implies harmful, not protective, effects" - Susun Weed
Red clover is a powerful blood and lymphatic cleanser, and it is good for respiratory aliments. It is also used to increase fertility and for menopausal issues as it supports the removal of wastes and toxins, thereby also helping to clear the skin.
Plant sterols like those found in Red Clover help to lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Plant sterols are also used for some cancers such as stomach cancer and colon cancer. While plant sterols can be taken in supplement form, Red Clover Infusion offers all of these nutrients and health benefits in a bio-available, liquid form that is local and low cost!
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" - Aristotle
To unlock the nutrition (protein, calcium, zinc, chromium, potassium and magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, thiamine, as well as the vitamins A, C, and several B vitamins, except b12), from Red clover herb I make an herbal infusion with dried red clover blossoms, leaves, and stems. Many other nutritive herbs can be made into infusions. For best results it is recommended to cycle between 5-7 different herbs throughout the week, enjoying one infusion per day. Other herbs that are commonly made into nourishing herbal infusions as per Susun Weeds suggestions are (Oastraw, Nettle, Red Raspberry Leaf, Comfrey Leaf, Linden Blossom, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Violet Leaf, Dandelion Leaf).
Fresh red clover does not work for herbal infusions. I buy my herbs in bulk one pound at a time from one of the following companies so I can make a red clover infusion once a week. ALWAYS choose organic and local when possible. Red clover is easily foraged and grown too!
Some herbalist suggest people who are pregnatn should avoid using red clover, but others suggest it is safe for everyone since it is primarily grown to feed to pregnant and lactating cows. Always consult with your health care practitioner before starting a new herbal regime.
Benefits of Red Clover Herbal Infusion:
Promotes female reproductive health
May reduce risk of breast cancer
May help improve bone-mass density and cognitive abilities
Appears to positively improve cholesterol levels
Provides a modest protective effect against cardiovascular disease
May help ease menopause symptoms
May also alleviate skin issues related to menopause and aging
Especially helpful for infertility related to scarring of the fallopian tubes
Irregular menstrual cycle
Abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or "unexplained" infertility
Taking 1-4 cups a day 1-2x a week is recommended for longterm fertility support and may be taken for a few years to support longterm balance and journey to conception
How to make a Nourishing Herbal Infusion:
Use one ounce dry weight of red clover blossom, leaves and stems
(usually equals one packed cup if you don't have a scale*, a scale is recommended if you decide to continue making infusions regularly)
Place the herb into a quart size mason or canning jar
(1Qt = 4 cups)
1-2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves or other aromatic plant may be added to the infusion to improve taste (mints, sage etc)
Pour boiling water over the herb, fill up to 1/2 inch below the rim of the jar
use a wooden spoon to submerge all of the herb below the surface and cover with a lid.
Let sit for 4-12 hours (up to 24 hours) at room temperature
After the 4-24 hours have passed, use a strainer or nut milk bag to strain the soaked herb away from the herbal infusion. Compost the used herb when possible.
Store the herbal infusion in the refrigerator and enjoy a full quart throughout the day. For best results cycle between Red Clover and other nourishing herbal infusions throughout each day of the week.
Disclaimer: This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/soy-isoflavones
The Complete Woman's Herbal by Anne McIntyre
Healing Herbal Infusions by Colleen Codekas
Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee De La Foret
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