Synonyms: Cow Clover, Cowgrass, Meadow Clover, Pavine Clover, Purple Clover, Three-Leaved Grasse, Trefoil, Trifolium Flower, Wild Clover
Family: Leguminosae or Fabaceae
Genus species: Trifolium pratense
Type: Biennial or perennial herb
Part Used: Flower heads
Homeopathy: Tincture of fresh flower heads
Location: Europe, U.S.
Actions: Alterative, anodyne, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antituberculotic, antitussive, aphrodisiac, blood purifier, cholagogue, CNS depressant, dermatological agent, depurative, diuretic, estrogenic activity, expectorant, mild antispasmodic, nervous system alterative, relaxant, sedative, skin alterative, stomachic
Indications: Abscess, acne, AIDS, arthritis, asthma, bacterial infection, boil, bronchitis, cancer (bowels), canker sores, catarrh, chicken pox, chlamydia, chronic skin disorders, cirrhosis, cold sore, colitis, corns, cough, dandruff, dermatitis, diverticulitis, dog bite, dyspepsia, eczema, fibrocystic disease of the breast, gout, hepatitis, herpes simplex, hiatal hernia, HIV infection, jaundice, liver congestion, muscle spasms, pertussis, premature ejaculation, psoriasis, scrofula, skin rash, skin ulcer, tuberculosis, whitlow
Homeopathic Indications: Cancer, constipation, cough, mumps, pancreas disorders, sore throat, uvula pain
Chemicals & Nutrients: Bioflavonoids, Calcium, Carbohydrates (76%), Chromium, Daidzein, Genistein, Fats (3.5%), Fiber (10%), Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (12%), Sodium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Dried Inflorescence: 4 g or by infusion
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25 % alcohol, dose 1.5-3.0 ml
Tincture: 1:10 in 45% alcohol, dose 1-2 ml
Internally: Dried flower heads, 2-4 g or in infusion, liquid extract: 1:1, 25% ethanol, 2-4 ml
Externally: Infusion or extract; ointment containing 10-15% of flower heads
Contraindications: Hormone replacement therapy, lactation, oral contraceptives, pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Anticoagulants (coumarins may potentiate anticoagulants), hormone therapy. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Use of this herb may interfere with and/or reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and sex hormones.
Warning: Trifolium spp. have caused toxicity in livestock. Isoflavones, formononetin in particular, have estrogenic effects causing infertility and growth disorders in grazing animals.
Safety: GRAS.