The importance of medicinal 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 useful properties and contraindications, because herbs are also medicines. 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 better.
Appearance: how to recognize a clover?
People also call clover "shamrock" because of the peculiarities of its appearance. The plant grows quite tall - it can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. During flowering on a long stem, you can see flowers that consist of three petals and look like an oval head.
There are several varieties of clover, which differ in some characteristics of growth and reproduction, as well as in flower color. The most available for medical use are red, white and pink clover. Photos of this beautiful plant show how itlooks in bloom.
What's in it? 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 flowers, which, if properly processed, can become an indispensable medicine. For the treatment of folk remedies, all types of meadow clover are suitable: white, red and pink clover. The medicinal properties of plants of this species are explained by their chemical composition:
- Vitamins of groups A, B, PP, C, E, as well as carotene.
- Salicylic acid.
- Essential oils.
- Fatty acids.
- Microelements: iron, nickel, chromium, magnesium and others.
Thanks to such a rich composition, pink clover is a unique traditional medicine and is used for both 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 conditions - biologically active additives, tea bags and tablets.
One of the irreplaceable qualities of clover is its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, a decoction of herbs, based on pink clover, is an indispensable remedy for viral and colds.
The antiseptic properties of clover also make it possible to use a decoction of its flowers forexternal use in the form of solutions for rinsing and lotions. Such a remedy will be useful for treating various diseases of the throat and oral cavity, as well as for healing wounds and cuts.
Widely used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract pink clover: the properties of this plant allow you to remove excess fluid from the body, improve the condition of the mucous membranes and circulatory system. Clover flowers also have a pronounced choleretic and diuretic effect.
Where to find clover and what is better: collect it yourself or buy it in a 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 purposes, you can prepare clover yourself, following simple rules:
- You need to collect the plant at the time when it blooms. This time usually falls between May and September.
- You only need to tear off the whole flower heads along with the top leaves.
- After harvesting, the plant must be well dried. To do this, provide a well-ventilated space without direct sunlight.
- In the drying process, it is important not to overdo it and not overdry the clover. The pink color of the plant should fade a little, but in no case darken.
- After drying, the flowers can be crushed or stored as a whole. It is important to provide a dry place to store the plant without access to bright light.
For thoseto whom the process of self-harvesting seems too complicated, there is the option of buying ready-made dried flowers of plants in a pharmacy. Usually, the packaging says in which region the clover was collected, as well as the method of preparing decoctions.
He alth in moderation: where should we be careful?
Herbal treatment belongs to traditional medicine, and many mistakenly believe that it is impossible to harm with this type of medicine. But this is not so: a harmless herbal tea can, if used incorrectly, cause irreparable harm to he alth.
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, the use of clover is not allowed for pregnant and lactating women. Due to its rich composition, this herb may have a negative effect on the unborn child or infant.
Also, due to the effect on the circulatory system, clover is contraindicated for people with cardiovascular diseases, thrombophlebitis, and also 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 a reason to stop taking the medicinal herb.
The best way to treat clover is to see a herbalist, homeopath or therapist. The doctor will be able to say for sure at what dosage the medicinal herb will bring onlybenefit and will not cause side effects.
Herbal treatment is a great alternative to expensive medicines. But this method cannot be approached irresponsibly: it is necessary to study all the properties of the selected herb and contraindications, and best of all, get expert advice. Then herbal medicine will improve he alth and maintain it at a high level.
