Clover

Clover belongs to the Fabaceae Family, this is the same family as the many varieties of peas we eat (pea leaves are sweet and tasty as well). Clover’s genus: is Trifolium which means three-leaf, and is helpful when identifying other three-leaf plants.

Clover has three rounded leaves and a ball-shaped flower. The most common varieties are White Clover (which is a smaller flower) and Red Clover (which is larger). It grows low to the ground and in sun or partial shade. There are over 200 species of clover, but all are considered edible and safe for the leaves and the flowers.

Can you spot the difference? Many times what we’re told is clover is actually wood sorrel. Clover has three round leaves and ball shaped flowers that are red or white. Wood Sorrel has three heart shaped leaves and five-petaled flowers that are white, yellow, or pink. Luckily, both are completely edible, flowers and all. Clover has a sweeter taste while Wood Sorrel is very lemony.

Clover is native to southern Eurasia, but naturalized in many parts of the world. They estimate there is 1 four-leaf clover for every 10,000 three-leaf ones – their rarity is one of the reasons for their luck. Even rarer – five and six-leaf clovers are occasionally found. If you find a four-leaf clover, look around for others – a plant that produces one is likely to produce others. Once we found three in one day just from our yard!

Celtic pagans believed that wearing a four-leaf clover could ward off fairies looking to trick you, although others said it allowed you to see the fairies. In Ireland, a shamrock, meaning little sprig, is small three leaf plants, usually clover but sometimes includes wood sorrel. Greeks referred to clover as the Semen of Ares (who was a god of war and a child of Zeus).

Often associated with St. Patrick. It’s said he used clovers to explain the trinity (father, son, and holy ghost) to those he was converting. Some now associate the three leaves with faith, hope, and love - and that fourth one is for luck! A Christian legend says that Eve plucked a four-leaf clover as she left the garden of Eden, as a way to remember paradise and that it was meant to bring luck – although I’m not sure she felt very lucky after that.

Clover is an alterative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, and an expectorant. It helps with asthma, cancer, congestion, cough, detox, fertility, lung and bronchial health, menstrual health, menopause, reproductive health, skin and wounds.

Medicinal clover around the world. In southern Africa, the Basotho people are said to have used clover root to treat blood pressure and heart issues. It is used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as a diuretic and cough suppressant . Clover was widely used by people native to the Americas for whooping cough, cancers, and as a blood purifier. In Europe, clover was often used as a treatment for wounds because of its astringent qualities (seen in Culpepper’s Complete Herbal).

2 parts each Red Clover, Peppermint, and Ginger

1 part each Mullein and Oregano

Parts are used so you can make a recipe as small or large as you’d like. For a small jar of tea, use a tablespoon for each ‘part’

To make tea: boil your water, then wait two minutes for it to cool (so you don’t burn the herbs). Pour over tea in strainer and wait 6 minuets to steep. (I usually cover my mug with a small plate so more medicinally qualities are kept in). Strain your tea and enjoy!

Clover has masculine Energy, is ruled by Mercury, and is an Air Element. It is useful with: fidelity, love, money, protection, and success.

To the Celts, clover represented the three stages of the triple goddess, Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Druids believed wearing clover could divert evil. In Germany, demons known as Kleesau, the ‘Clover Sow’ are thought to haunt the fields

Olwen, the Welsh Sun goddess, (and character in Arthurian Legend) is said to have white clover spring up everywhere she walks. It is believed that holding clover will allow you to see fairies

" If you find an even Ash or a four-leaved Clover, Rest assured you'll see your true-love ere the day is over." – old English verse