The value of herbs in folk medicine is hard to overestimate. And this is not surprising: with the help of decoctions of herbs, you can strengthen the immune system, cure a variety of diseases and improve the body. It is very important to know both beneficial properties and contraindications, because herbs are also medicines. The amazing properties in the cure of many ailments are shown by the pink clover familiar to many, or, in a popular way, porridge. To use it effectively, you need to get to know this medicinal plant more closely.
Appearance: how to recognize clover?
Clover is also popularly called the “trefoil” because of the features of its appearance. The plant grows quite tall - it can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. During flowering on a long stalk, you can see flowers that consist of three petals and have the appearance of an oval head.
There are several varieties of clover, which differ in some characteristics of growth and reproduction, as well as in the color of the flowers. The most available for medical use are red, white and pink clover. Photos of this beautiful plant show how it looks during the flowering period.
What is in the composition? Why is clover so useful?
In addition to the incredible aroma and beautiful appearance that clover flowers create in the meadows, this plant is popular with connoisseurs of traditional medicine. This is due to the unique composition of the flowers, which, if properly processed, can become an indispensable drug. For the treatment of folk remedies, all types of meadow clover are suitable : white, red and pink clover. The healing properties of plants of this species explains their chemical composition:
- Vitamins of group A, B, PP, C, E, as well as carotene.
- Salicylic acid.
- Essential oils.
- Fatty acid.
- Trace elements: iron, nickel, chromium, magnesium and others.
Due to its rich composition, pink clover is a unique remedy for traditional medicine and is used both for internal and external use.
What to treat? Indications for taking clover
Clover is widely used in folk and traditional medicine. At home, infusions and decoctions are made from flowers, and in industrial - biologically active additives, packaged teas and tablets.
One of the indispensable qualities of clover is its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, a decoction of herbs, the basis of which is pink clover, is an indispensable tool for viral and colds.
The antiseptic properties of clover also allow the use of a decoction of its flowers for external use in the form of solutions for rinsing and lotions. Such a tool will be useful for the treatment of various diseases of the throat and oral cavity, as well as for the healing of wounds and cuts.
Clover pink is widely used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: the properties of this plant allow you to remove excess fluid from the body, improve the condition of the mucous membranes and the circulatory system. Clover flowers also have a pronounced choleretic and diuretic effect.
Where to find clover and which is better: collect yourself or buy at the pharmacy?
Clover is a meadow plant that is quite common in open areas, on the banks of rivers and lakes, and even along roads. For medicinal use, you can harvest clover yourself, following the simple rules:
- You need to collect the plant at a time when it blooms. This time usually falls between May and September.
- Only whole heads of flowers along with the top leaves need to be torn off.
- After harvesting, the plant must be well dried. To do this, you need to provide a well-ventilated space without direct sunlight.
- In the drying process, it is important not to overdo it and not to dry the clover. The pink color of the plant should fade a little, but in no case darken.
- After drying the flowers, they can be crushed, and can be stored in its entirety. It is important to provide a dry place to store plants without access to bright light.
For those who find the process of self-preparation too complicated, there is an option to purchase ready-made dried plant flowers in a pharmacy. Usually on the packaging it is written in which region the clover was harvested, as well as a method for preparing decoctions.
Health in moderation: where should caution be exercised?
Herbal treatment belongs to traditional medicine, and many mistakenly believe that it is impossible to harm this type of medicine. But this is not so: harmless herbal tea can cause irreparable harm to health if used improperly.
The properties of clover are certainly invaluable in folk medicine. But there are a number of contraindications for the use of decoctions from this medicinal herb.
First of all, use of clover is not allowed for pregnant and lactating women. Due to its rich composition, this herb can have a negative effect on the unborn baby or infant.
Also, because of the effect on the circulatory system, clover is contraindicated for people with cardiovascular diseases, thrombophlebitis, as well as with tumor processes in the active stage.
It is necessary to stop treatment with clover flowers if any side effects appear, especially from the gastrointestinal tract. The appearance of excessive drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea is an occasion to stop taking medicinal herbs.
The best way to treat clover is to contact a herbalist, homeopath, or therapist. The doctor will probably be able to tell at what dosage the medicinal herb will only benefit and will not cause side effects.
Herbal treatments are a great alternative to expensive drugs. But this method cannot be approached irresponsibly: it is necessary to study all the properties of the chosen herb and contraindications, and best of all, get expert advice. Then herbal medicine will improve health and maintain it at a high level.