Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Gender: Clover is generally Masculine but Red Clover is said to be more Feminine.
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Folk Names: Red Clover, Purple Clover, Cleaver Grass, Cow Grass, Marl Grass, Trefoil, Wild Clover, Beebread, Clovone, Cow Clover, Meadow Clover
Parts Used: Flowers
Red clover is a herbaceous species from the bean family Fabaceae and is native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa.
The History of Red Clover
Red clover has been used since prehistoric times and is widely cultivated as animal feed. Due to it’s nitrogen fixation, red clover is often used a rotation crop which increases soil fertility.
Culinary Uses of Red Clover
Red clover is primarily used for it’s medicinal uses but is commonly used to make a sweet herbal tea.
Medicinal Uses of Red Clover
In India red clover is used as a deobstruent, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, anti-inflammatory and antidermatosis agent.
When combined with other well known purifying herbs like burdock or yellow dock red clover is used as a remedy for treating skin conditions and disorders. It can also be used as a salve or decoction for wounds, ulcers and sores.
Red clover has been used as a herb for menopausal problems and has a proven effect on female hormones due to its level of isoflavones.
It has also been noted to be used as an anti-catarrhal remedy for ailments of the chest such as bronchitis, coughs and whooping cough. When used in small doses red clover has a mild tonic effect on the nerves and can assist with easing indigestion, nausea and headaches.
Magickal Uses of Red Clover
Red Clover uses often include fidelity, love, money, protection, and the blessing of domestic animals.
Use in a green bag to bring luck with money. Sprinkle around your home or use as a floor wash remove negative spirits and bad vibes.
Red clover is often used in lust potions and will bring luck in love an matters relating to marriage. When worn over the right breast it is said to bring success.
Place red clover in your fairy garden, it is said to be a favourite among the fairy folk.
Warnings
In large quantities it can cause rash-like reactions, muscle ache, headache, nausea, vaginal bleeding in women, and slow blood clotting. Do not take while pregnant or lactating.
People suffering from or with a history of conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or uterine fibroids should not use red clover.
We have listed known warnings about this plant. These warnings are a guide only and although some magical herbs are safe in small quantities they can be poisonous in large doses or if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced in herbs the rule to stick by is “when in doubt….don’t risk it”.
References: “Wikipedia.org”. Trifolium pratense. Retrieved 22/03/2016, “Herbs2000.com”. Calendula. Retrieved 22/03/2016, “medicinenet.com”. red clover (Trifolium pratense)-oral. Retrieved 22/03/2016, “
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Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
