Red Clover: Blood Cleanser!

I choose to write about Red Clover because A friend is suffering from a form of cancer that causes him to under go some form of intravenous blood cleanser. My herbal healing state of mind thought about two blood cleansing herbs; Red Clover and Burdock root. What is Red Clover? Red clover is a wild plant belonging to the legume family. Cattle and other animals graze on red clover. It has also been used medicinally to treat a number of conditions including cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations, such as psoriasis and eczema. Health care practitioners believe that red clover "purified" the blood by acting as a diuretic (helping the body get rid of excess fluid) and expectorant (helping clear lungs of mucous), improving circulation, and helping cleanse the liver. Modern scientific tests have shown that red clover contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen like effects in the body. Isoflavones have shown potential in the treatment of a number of conditions associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, cardiovascular health, and osteoporosis. However, as researchers have become aware of the side effects of taking estrogen, there is also some concern about the safety of isoflavones. Plus, evidence that red clover helps reduce any menopausal symptoms -- like hot flashes. History A member of the bean family, Gerard knew it as meadow trefoil or “three-leaved grasse”. Its familiar three-lobed leaves were associated by medieval Christians with the trinity. Pliny suggested using it with wine for urinary stones and recommended the root for dropsy. In the 1930s, it was a popular anticancer remedy and may still be prescribed for breast, ovarian, and lymphatic cancer sufferers. A concentrated decoction was applied to the tumour site which, apparently, encouraged the tumour to grow outward and eventually clear the body. The crescent markings across the clover leaflets were once viewed as a sign that the plant would help cataracts since, in accordance with the Doctrine of Signatures, a plant’s appearance indicates the ailments it treats. A traditional cancer cure comes from the hills of Tennessee: “Place two or three teaspoons of red clover blossoms in a cup of boiling water, steep mixture until a tea is formed. Drink one cup a day”. This tea has also been used on heart disease, lung disease, and any other serious illness. A 1917 herb book, Health From Field and Forest, listed red clover as one of the best blood purifiers, especially in the case of cancer. In Ireland, an old remedy for winter colds was to drink clover tea. German Mennonites brought the plant with them to North and South America; and, to this day, it is still used to treat whooping cough, croup, and stomach cancer. The roots are used to treat diphtheria. The Chinese revere red clover (Hsun Tsao) as a tonic, using the sap to treat colds and influenza. At one time in Chinese history, the dried plant was burned at altars as an incense. The Benefits The isoflavones that are contained in the herb may help raise HDL cholesterol (the good kind). Red clover is a conventional process of treatment for children that have a persistent, bad cough. Blood flow seems to be enhanced by red clover since it can help prevent blood clots and thins the blood. Studies on red clover found that when the herb is taken by menopausal women that it is found to benefit the body’s arterial strength and flexibility. The usage of red clover to help to slow cancer has a lengthy history, and studies show encouraging evidence of the herb’s effectiveness as a supplemental cancer treatment. Although, due to its estrogen-like qualities, red clover shouldn’t be utilized against breast cancer. Ointments that are made from the herb can be rubbed into your skin to alleviate inflammation, skin rashes and irritations. Menopausal Symptoms A number of small studies have shown that red clover may help relieve menopausal symptoms. One report published in 2002, for instance, found that women taking a daily red clover supplement had a 44 percent reduction in hot flashes after 16 weeks. However, a research review released in 2007 concluded that there is no evidence that phytoestrogen treatments (including red clover) can effectively alleviate menopausal symptoms. 8. Bone Loss Red clover may protect against bone loss, according to a 2004 study of 177 women (ages 49 to 65). Results showed that women who took red clover supplements daily for a year had significantly lower loss of bone mineral density than those who took a placebo. Learn more about protecting bone health. 9. Cancer Preliminary research suggests that red clover may help reduce risk of prostate cancer. In a 2009 study of prostate cancer cells, scientists found that treatment with red clover led to a decrease in prostate-specific antigen (a protein found at elevated levels in men with prostate cancer). Side Effects Though many people take red clover dietary supplements for menopause and other conditions, they are known to cause several side effects. Red clover side effects can include mild discomfort, such as headache and nausea. While no serious side effects have been discovered in humans, some animal studies have linked red clover with serious conditions, such as infertility. When taken as directed, red clover side effects are usually minimal. Some patients report developing headaches. Nausea can result from taking red clover extract, as can muscle pain. Rashes and other allergic reactions, such as hives or difficulty breathing, can develop while taking the supplement. Some people also experience vaginal spotting. Liver damage is one of several serious red clover dangers. When this occurs, the patient typically experiences severe abdominal pain, dark urine, and a yellowing of the skin. If these symptoms develop, the patient should immediately cease taking red clover and seek medical attention. Interactions with other drugs are known red clover side effects. Red clover can render birth control ineffective. The medicine may also interact negatively with other herbal supplements. People taking prescription medications, hormone replacement therapy medications, or herbal remedies should consult with a physician prior to taking a red clover supplement. Preparations There are many ways to prepare and consume Red Clover. In Teas are the most common. Below is a few recipe ideas and the benefits of that specific formula. 1 part Birch leaf 1 part Ginkgo leaf 1 part red clover leaf/flower
Cautions:Birch leaf is a powerhouse diuretic and helps to eliminate any fluid buildup in the system rather quickly. Use with caution if you have any kidney trouble
Ingredients: Ginkgo * * Birch *
Recipe Instructions: Herbal Tea: Use 1 tablespoon of herbal blend to each cup of heated water. Infuse about 10 to 15 minutes, or until cool enough to drink. 2 to 3 cups a day., one or two days a week. This helps with:
Circulation :Poor circulation makes itself felt in many ways including fatigue, poor concentration and swelling in legs and feet. Gout :Gout, one of the most painful forms of arthritis, is found primarily in men. While we can't cure it, we do have several highly effective herbal treatments to control it. There are plenty of good reasons to drink red clover tea; to help purify the liver, clear up skin problems, and calm menopause and menstruation related problems. Red clover in a good tonic for women of any age. The taste isn't really much, sort of mild and grassy, but it blends well with other herbs in tea blends, add citrusy or minty herbs to improve flavor. Ingredients: Red CloverTea   *Recipe Instructions: Herbal Tea :Use the standard brew of 1 teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves to each cup of water. Infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink hot or cold. Detoxification :Regular use of depurative herbs will help detox your body and most importantly support your liver. Poor liver function is one of the most common root causes of poor health. Liver :A healthy liver is the foundation of health, and inversely, a failing liver is life threatening. Longevity Tonics :Tonic herbs for longevity can be taken in small amounts over a long period of time, and are not meant to "alter" or effect any one symptom of disease. Menopause :Unlike hormone replacement therapy which artificially raises a woman's estrogen levels, herbal treatments seek to address hormonal balance Skin Care :Natural, organic skin care remedies do a better job of protecting and healing skin than store bought cosmetics. Women's Herbs :Women over the centuries have used herbal remedies safely and effectively. This tradition is the wise woman's way. Winter comfort tea A healthy winter tea for prevention of colds and to be enjoyed as a general tonic. Equal amounts of catnip, comfrey, and red clover with half the amount of sage. M. Grieve writes "An infusion of red clover may with advantage be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough" 10Additions:Honey, Lemon Ingredients: Catnip * Red Clover * Sage * Comfrey *Recipe Instructions: Herbal Tea Colds : Be prepared for the cold and flu season by stocking your herbal medicine chest with a ready supply of herbs. Flu : Antibacterial essential oils such as clove, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, tea tree and more have been proven effective against the germs and bacteria that make us sick Immune :Tonic herbs help to ward off colds and infections by boosting the immune system. Longevity Tonics :Tonic herbs for longevity can be taken in small amounts over a long period of time, and are not meant to "alter" or effect any one symptom of disease. Red Clover Honey Jam Make your own jam with honey! Honey is a preservative and when mixed with any edible flower blossoms or herbs it captures the flavor of the plant. This makes a delicious herbal flower jam that you can spread on your food. You can use mixtures of flowers or just one type. Try to find raw honey as it is higher in minerals and if you are vegan you can try it with agave nectar. Directions: Gather your blossoms early on a warm dry day. The jam works best if the flowers are dry, there should be no need to wash them if you gather them from a clean location. Snip of any stems, leaves or non flower parts with a scissors and mix together with the honey. 1 cup of honey to 2 cups of blossoms works well, or else just fill your jar with blossoms and pour on the honey until they are covered. Allow to stand for 3 days, though give it a stir every 24 hours, and then its ready to eat. If the blossoms are dry the jam should last a long time preserved by the honey. Red Clover Lemonade Ingredients: 2-4 cups red clover blossoms 1 litre of water 2-4 tablespoons of clover honey (or try dandelion, heather or wildflower honey) Juice of 1 -2 lemons Directions: Bring your water to the boil, but before it does boil, pour it over the clover blossoms in a teapot or jar. Allow to cool, but while still warm stir in the honey to dissolve. When cool add in the lemon juice, adjust the taste of honey or lemon to your taste and allow to chill in the fridge. Keep a few clover blossoms aside and add them into an ice cube tray, fill up with water and freeze. When your drink is chilled and your ice cubes ready serve them together on a hot summer’s day.