Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Red Clover
Scientific Name	Trifolium pratense
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Trifolium
Species	pratense
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Trifolium pratense
Common Name: Red Clover
Synonyms / Alternative Names: White Clover, Common Clover, Purple Clover
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Trifolium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Opposite-pinnate compound leaves with trifoliate arrangement, upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, featuring a single stomatal band along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense spike-like clusters of pink to red bilaterally symmetrical flowers with five petals, two of which are larger and form a keel, and stipitate glands on the keel and standard petals.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ascending growth habit with opposite branching, covered in short, glandular hairs, bearing stipitate nodes with foliar scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Traditionally described as a calming diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a mild tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a soothing carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions have been reported, particularly in individuals sensitive to related plant families.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.