Red clover, with its characteristic tri-lobed leaves and pink puffball blossoms, has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for respiratory ailments, including bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma. Additionally, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the isoflavones in red clover may produce effects similar to those of estrogen that, for menopausal women, may ease hot flashes and other symptoms, help prevent bone loss and support cardiovascular health. The Center indicates that up to three cups of an infusion or 1/2 to 1 tsp. of a tincture of dried red clover can be safely taken up to three times a day.
Infusion
Step 1
Place two cups of water in the teapot and bring it to a boil.
Step 2
Measure out 3 tsp. of dried red clover blossoms and place them in the tea strainer. Place the cover on the strainer.
Step 3
Remove the tea pot from the heat and place the tea strainer with the clover blossoms in the water. Allow the blossoms to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the strainer and pour the infusion into a cup. Sweeten to taste. Drink up to three cups per day.
Tincture
Step 1
Place one cup of dried red clover blossoms in a blender. Add enough vodka to blend the flowers completely.
Step 2
Pour the mixture into a clean 32-ounce mason jar. Add enough vodka to fill the jar. Put a lid on the jar, tightly, and shake the jar to mix the vodka with the flower mixture. Store the jar in the refrigerator for one week.
Step 3
Remove the jar after one week and shake thoroughly. Repeat this step each week for the next two weeks.
Step 4
Remove the jar after the third week. Insert a funnel into another clean mason jar and a coffee filter into the funnel. Pour the flower vodka mixture through the filter to strain out the solids. Discard the filter and flowers. Pour the tincture into small, dark glass bottles. Seal and label the bottles.
Step 5
Add 1/2 to 1 tsp. to one cup of hot water as a tea. This mixture can be taken up to three times a day.
Things You'll Need
- Infusion:
- 2 tsp. dried red clover flower tops
- Tea strainer with lid
- Tea pot
- Water
- Tincture:
- 1 cup dried red clover flowers
- 150-proof vodka
- 2 32-ounce mason jars
- 1 canning jar lid
- Blender
- Funnel
- Coffee filter
- Small, dark, glass bottles with labels
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