Today's herb should look very familiar. It's clover! Pretty little flower that bees love, cows, bunnies and chickens munch on it. There are two common species of clover: Red Clover (Trifolium pratense - pictured to the left) and White Clover (Trifolium rense). In all my reading, I have found that they are similar in action (what they do) but the Red Clover is stronger. I have an abundance of White Clover in my yard so that is what I harvested.
Habitat: Easily found along roadsides, in meadows and fields (usually in drier, more sandy soil).
Parts Used: Blossoms (although the leaves are edible as well).
What's it good for? Everything! Female reproductive problems (whether irregular cycles or difficulty conceiving) Anti-cancer cancer preventive herb (due to the Phytosterols). It's also high in protein, protein, minerals and vitamins. It's also a blood cleanser, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial for respiratory ailments. Whew!
Habitat: Easily found along roadsides, in meadows and fields (usually in drier, more sandy soil).
Parts Used: Blossoms (although the leaves are edible as well).
What's it good for? Everything! Female reproductive problems (whether irregular cycles or difficulty conceiving) Anti-cancer cancer preventive herb (due to the Phytosterols). It's also high in protein, protein, minerals and vitamins. It's also a blood cleanser, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial for respiratory ailments. Whew!
How to use it? Well, it's safe to say clovers are a general tonic for good health and wellness. It can be eaten fresh or infused.
Fresh or dry? It's an annual, so pick it while you can. But be sure to dry some for later months. (White Clover is pictured to the left. This variety is shorter and closer to the ground than Red Clover and the blossoms are smaller)
Okay, I'm going to hop on my soapbox for a minute here. (Ahem) Please, involve your children! Get them started early. Teach them to pursue wellness (it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle). Go out in the morning, together, to gather your herbs. (no phones or ipods or other tech distractions, please!) Sit in the grass with your basket and talk while you pick. Explain to them why you're gathering weeds from your yard. Talk about the Creator, who, in all His wisdom made these plants with us in mind. How He provides them for us to use and take care of. Talk about the history and many generation who relied solely on plants for healing. Enjoy the sunshine, birdsong, and conversation. Enjoy your children and teach them something. My children always look forward to going out and gathering together. It's one of our favorite things to do together.
(climbs back off soapbox...)
Making an herbal infusion
While both teas and infusions are beneficial, medicinal herbal infusions are much stronger than teas. They use more herbs and are steeped much longer. Typically, a tea uses 1-2 tsp of herb and a cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes. An herbal infusion would use something closer to a handful of herb in a quart jar covered with boiling water. Steeped for hours, or possibly even overnight.
Fresh or dry? It's an annual, so pick it while you can. But be sure to dry some for later months. (White Clover is pictured to the left. This variety is shorter and closer to the ground than Red Clover and the blossoms are smaller)
Okay, I'm going to hop on my soapbox for a minute here. (Ahem) Please, involve your children! Get them started early. Teach them to pursue wellness (it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle). Go out in the morning, together, to gather your herbs. (no phones or ipods or other tech distractions, please!) Sit in the grass with your basket and talk while you pick. Explain to them why you're gathering weeds from your yard. Talk about the Creator, who, in all His wisdom made these plants with us in mind. How He provides them for us to use and take care of. Talk about the history and many generation who relied solely on plants for healing. Enjoy the sunshine, birdsong, and conversation. Enjoy your children and teach them something. My children always look forward to going out and gathering together. It's one of our favorite things to do together.
(climbs back off soapbox...)
Making an herbal infusion
While both teas and infusions are beneficial, medicinal herbal infusions are much stronger than teas. They use more herbs and are steeped much longer. Typically, a tea uses 1-2 tsp of herb and a cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes. An herbal infusion would use something closer to a handful of herb in a quart jar covered with boiling water. Steeped for hours, or possibly even overnight.
White Clover drying in my large, shallow basket. It was kept out of direct sunlight. On occasion, I'd take it outside to the shade under the trees to get indirect sunlight and a good breeze to help it dry. Once it's fairly dry (after a few days to a week) I'll put it in a brown paper sack.
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