 |
Clover
TRIFOLIUM REPENS If the herb be made into a poultice, and applied to inflammations, it will ease them. Formerly known as the Meadow Honeysuckle, this plant is also better known as Trefoil. It is the white variety with leaves and flowers produced on long stalks. Where to find it: Grassland, waste places and lawns. Flowering time: Early summer. Astrology: Mercury has dominion over it. Medicinal virtues: The leaves and flowers are good to ease the pains of gout, if the herb be boiled and used as a clyster. Boiled in lard and made into an ointment, the herb is good to apply to the bites of venomous beasts. The decoction of the herb and flowers with the seed and root taken for some time helps those troubled with the whites. The seed and flowers boiled in water and made into a poultice with some oil, and applied, helps hard swellings and imposthumes. Modern uses: Herbalists now prefer to use Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). The blossoms purify the blood if infused and drunk like tea. They are also sedative and will relieve bronchial and irritating coughs. A poultice of the herb is applied to malignant tumours of the skin. Red Clover blossom tea is obtainable from herbalists and health food stores. One teaspoonful is used per cup of boiling water. |