Herb. No. 056 · Fabaceae
European meadow legume, sown as forage worldwide.
Native · Europe
Native Also grownNow a garden plant worldwide
OpenGentleplant
Red clover
Trifolium pratense
A magenta meadow blossom used as a gentle blood-and-skin tea.
Red clover blossoms are a traditional 'alterative' — a long, weak tea for skin and as a women's herb because of isoflavones. Food-like blossom tea is mild; concentrated isoflavone pills are a different decision. Excellent nitrogen fixer in the garden.
Flavor
Honey, hay, and a faint bean sweetness. One of the pleasantest herbal teas.
Parts used
Flower heads
In favor
- Delicious
- Fixes nitrogen
- Easy to dry
Against
- Isoflavone extracts are hormone-active
- Coumarin in spoiled hay — dry blossoms well