(Trifolium pratense; 250 mg/ml)
Traditionally used as an alterative for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Traditionally used for coughs, especially spasmodic coughs.
A traditional Western herb, red clover has been highly valued over the centuries for coughs, skin disorders and cancer. Its modern use for menopausal disorders involves artificially extracting and concentrating the isoflavone component and does not pertain to the whole-plant tincture that we are discussing here.
Eclectic physician HW Felter, MD attests that "Its alterative powers are underrated, and it should be given where a general deobstruent effect is desired in chronic skin diseases". In another volume co-authored by Dr. Felter, it is further explained that, "Red clover is an excellent alterative remedy used in the treatment of skin diseases and other toxic conditions". Well-known herbalist Kerry Bone adds that the flowers can be used to deal with "skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, and ulcers". The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia confirms that red clover is appropriate for the treatment of chronic skin disease, calling it a specific medicine for eczema and psoriasis.
Moving to the respiratory tract, Dr. Felter extols red clover for its ability to relieve spastic coughs, especially in children: "It relieves irritability of the respiratory tract, alleviating dry, irritable and spasmodic cough… It also modifies cough in bronchitis and laryngitis". Bone meanwhile suggests that practitioners consider inclusion of red clover in formulations that address respiratory conditions characterized by "spasmodic cough, including bronchitis".
Red clover has been used traditionally as a component of anti-cancer herbal formulas, including the Hoxsey Formula and others. Dr. Felter asserts that the herb "…unquestionably has a retarding effect upon malignant neoplasms (cancer)".
Naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell verifies that he uses red clover for cancer treatment, based on its blood cleansing properties. He explains that, "Blood purifiers can work by improving kidney and liver function, improving lymphatic drainage, or improving capillary integrity".
Administration: 25-50 drops (0.8-1.7 ml) three times daily in a little water on an empty stomach.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.