Weed of the Week - Red Clover

Trifolium pratense - Red Clover

Commonly overlooked and considered one of the garden's most invasive species, Red Clover is a beautiful herb known most prominently for its isoflavone content. Isoflavones are water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens - you might know them as phytoestrogens or plant-based estrogens. These chemicals mimic estrogenic activity in the body, which can be used for a myriad of conditions such as hot flashes, PMS, cholesterol management and more.

Like all herbs, Red Clover's benefit is not limited to one consituent. It is also rich in a variety of minerals and particularly high in Vitamin C. World-renowned herbalist Susun Weed even recommends Red Clover as a daily nutritive tonic, for both men and women alike.

A lovely way to enjoy Red Clover is as an infusion. Place 30 grams (approx one inch) of dried herb into a one litre mason jar. Fill with boiling water. Close the jar and let steep over night. Filter the herb in the morning and you're left with a cool, floral-flavoured tea that you can enjoy throughout the day.