Red Clover; blood purifier

Red Clover, the flowering tops, have long been used medicinally in traditional herbal formulas, including Essiac Tea, Jason Winters Tea, and the Hoxsey Therapy. 
Unfortunately, despite many personal testimonies, various health agencies including the FDA and the American Cancer Society declare these above formulas to be of no value.

Nevertheless, red clover is commonly used for treating cancer, high cholesterol,  indigestion, cough, asthma, bronchitis, & symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, breast pain, and PMS.

Red clover contains isoflavones which are changed in the body to the phytoestrogens, daidzein and genistein, which mimic the activity of estrogen.  This is why it may help with the above.  BUT with that said, it may also increase rather than alleviate the above conditions.  

It can and has also been applied topically to aid skin cancer, skin sores, burns, eczema, and psoriasis due to its' salicylic acid content.

Contraindications. For those taking blood thinners red clover is also a natural blood thinner.  This is due to the concentration of coumarin found in the blossoms.  Please note, if this is you.  And talk with your doctor about it before adding red clover to your diet.

This plant is found widely across the United States, growing in many back yards and fields.  It has been used as a fodder crop for animals and is an ideal cover crop to nourish one's soil for planting future crops.

    
While red clover seems to be one of the more controversial herbs today, drinking it as a herbal tea for the occasional "to good health" is highly recommended.   After all, it certainly is beautiful, nourishing in its' many anti-inflammatory compounds, and tastes pleasant.

Use fresh or dry the flower blossoms and then enjoy steeped in boiled water.  Remember to save some dried for the months you can't freshly pick them.