Purple clover

Alternative names : Trifolium pratense, Red clover, Trefle Rouge, Beebread

Part of the Fabaceae family, genus Trifolium, Purple Clover is native to Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa and is the national flower of Denmark and the state flower of Vermont. Symbol of good fortune and money, Purple clover is used in magic for love spells. A superstition says that if you want someone to love you, you should find a four leaved clover and slip it into his/her pocket.

Purple clover is an edible plant, used as an ingredient in salads and soups while its flower tops are used empirically in many diseases. Purple clover flowers harvested from unpolluted areas have excellent antiviral and antibacterial effects and boost the immune system. Useful in common colds, flu, cough, rhinitis and asthmatic disease, Purple clover contain resins, which reduce respiratory system congestion and have expectorating effects. Acting as a diuretic, Purple clover purifies the blood and treats renal disease and prostate conditions.

In women, Purple clover stimulates menstruation, treats mastalgia, painful periods (dysmenorhhea) and menopause symptoms, prevents breast cancer and can be used an auxiliary in the treatments of ovarian and uterine cancers. Yet, consumption during pregnancy must be avoided, as it can cause contractions and abortion. Research suggests that the isoflavones contained in Purple clover have estrogenic effects, which may slow bone loss in premenopausal women, preventing osteoporosis. Isoflavones might also be involved in cardiovascular disease prevention, as it seems to lower cholesterol and improve blood circulation.

Applied on the skin, poultices with Purple clover decoction treat rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and herpes. Purple Clover baths decrease the risk of skin cancer , ease sunburns and help treat vaginitis and inflammations of the uterus. Other uses include: articular pains, rheumatism and gout.