Red Clover for Magick & Medicine

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is one of my most favorite herbs! The part you would use are the flowering tops. The beautiful purple blossoms make a very healthy and delicious cup of tea.

It is known as an alterative herb. Alteratives help to gradually restore health and proper function to the body's systems. They aren't a quick fix, but help other herbs to work better in the body.

Red clover acts to purify the blood and is helpful for many chronic conditions. It is specific in rheumatoid arthritis formulas and acts as a mild nervine to relax you. It is also wonderful to strengthen your hair and nails, being specific for childhood eczema. It is gentle enough to drink every day as part of a vitamin and mineral blend (I've included it in my Daily Support Tea).

Red Clover will grow almost everywhere in North America, and in Europe. I can't find published accounts of it being used as a healing herb in very arid areas. This herb, like most "weeds" grows readily near where people have disturbed the earth. If you want to harvest the blossoms, make sure that the plants are growing in areas that haven't been sprayed with chemicals and aren't by roadways. Cut the flowers off when fully opened, and dry on paper in a warm, shady area. Then store away from light or heat once dry.

Brew one tablespoon of flowers , lightly crushed, per cup, covered for 10-20 minutes, depending on taste.

Magickally, Red Clover has some very useful properties. Scott Cunningham writes in his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs:

"Gender: Masculine, Planet: Mercury, Element: Air, Deity: Rowen,

Powers: Protection, Money, Love, Fidelity, Exorcism, Success. "

Of course, the four-leaved clover is well known to bring luck. Red clover can aid in prosperity particular to specific deals you may be working on. It also can help with cleansing negative energy from a space, particularly from past Spirits. I like to have clover growing near my front

door. It helps to clear the energies approaching my house. (that's another whole subject).

Clover is said to ease a broken heart, as well.

These are just a few of the wonderful properties of Red Clover!