Field clover description. Red clover: description, medicinal properties and uses of the plant. Contraindications to the use of red clover

Mar-6-2017

What is clover

Red clover, or red clover (lat. Trifolium praténse) is a plant from the genus Trifolium, family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae.

Grows throughout Europe, North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), Western and Central Asia. On the territory of Russia it is found in the European part, Siberia, Far East and Kamchatka.

Grows in moderately moist meadows, forest clearings, along fields and roads.

Wikipedia

Clover is a perennial herbaceous plant from the legume family with a strongly branched tap root, up to 50 cm high. Its stems are straight, slightly pubescent. The leaves are on long petioles, with wide triangular stipules, compound, trifoliate, with elliptical leaflets. The flowers are dark red, small, collected at the ends of the stems in spherical heads. The fruits are small ovoid single-seeded beans. The plant blooms in July–August. It is found in meadows, fields, grassy slopes, forest edges, along roads in forest and forest-steppe zones. Cultivated as a valuable fodder plant.

The Latin name for clover is trifolium, which literally means trefoil. Indeed, in almost all types of clover, the leaf necessarily consists of three small leaves. This genus includes about 300 species. IN middle lane Russia has thirteen of them, but we are only interested in three species, usually the most common.

The old Russian name for clover is kashka, and for good reason. Children eat its inflorescences literally filled with nectar with pleasure. In July, even our ordinary bees take bribes from red clover, which, as you know, is usually pollinated only by bumblebees that have a longer proboscis. At this time, there is so much nectar in the clover that it not only completely fills the flowers, but also flows out of them.

Clover has long been considered one of the most valuable grasses in meadows - they make very nutritious green fodder, dry well in hay, and grow quickly and well after haymaking. Clover grass contains a large number of protein, a lot of sugars, starch, vitamins, including vitamins C, P, carotene, E, folic acid.

The most famous and visible is the red one, also known as red clover (Trifolium pratense). It has large, purple-red heads, often two together on one stem with a wrapper of leaves. Stems erect, straight, with appressed hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with a clear, lighter pattern. In red clover you can clearly see that the head consists of individual flowers. They do not bloom at the same time, the outer ones do not bloom earlier, and sometimes on a completely faded head you can see one or two flowers that remain unpollinated and are waiting for their bumblebee.

Red clover is pollinated only by bumblebees, its flower is too long for a bee to reach the columns with its short proboscis, although they sometimes get nectar, they pollinate only small flowers. The Americans bred bees with longer proboscis by selecting them, but they did not become particularly widespread.

The grass of this type of clover contains up to 14% soluble sugars. Clover leaves and young shoots are used as lettuce or spinach. Dried and crushed leaves are ground into flour and added to bread, which increases its nutritional value, such bread is dietary product. In addition to sugars, the green mass of clover contains up to 25% protein, about 5.6% fat, and the protein is contained in an easily digestible form.

Another type is hybrid or pink clover (T. hybridum). It is also a perennial with one to eight stems, creeping at the bottom, then rising. The leaves are on petioles, which become smaller from the leaf rosette to the inflorescences. Inflorescences are spherical heads up to 2.5 cm in diameter, without leaves near the head, always solitary, on long peduncles in the leaf axils. The corolla at the beginning of flowering is almost white, then pale pink or even almost red, turning brown during flowering, but not falling off when fruiting.

Under natural conditions, this is a purely European plant, but as a cultivated plant it is introduced into Asia, North Africa and North America. This is typical meadow plant. Loves water meadows and tolerates excess moisture better than lack of it. In spring, during high water, it can live under water for up to two weeks. Like other clovers, it grows well only in sunny places. Also has clover years. Blooms from May to autumn. Rarely lives in culture for more than six years.

Hybrid clover is a little bitter, so it is less palatable for both animals and humans. A wonderful honey plant. He has more short flowers, and the bees easily get to the nectar. If this type of clover predominates in a meadow, such a meadow produces from 52 to 125 centners of honey per hectare.

And the last species is creeping clover, or white (T. repens). This is a smaller species with a large number of shoots that take root in the lower nodes and rise at the top. Leaves with large stipules, characteristic of all clovers, are trifoliate with small teeth along the edges of the leaflets.

This is the most common type of clover in our country. It is difficult now to decide where he is an aborigine and where he was brought artificially. Its inflorescences are small, up to 2 cm in diameter, loose, on long, bare stalks. Flowers with a white corolla, sometimes pinkish or greenish, turning brown when flowering. The most unpretentious of clovers, it grows on almost any soil. It is also undemanding to humidity - it grows well in excess humidity and at the same time is drought-resistant. Very light-loving, like all clovers. It is resistant to trampling, so it is sown at airfields and sports fields. This is the earliest of the clovers - it blooms already in May and blooms almost until frost, it is pollinated by bees and is an excellent honey plant. It reproduces more weakly by seeds than by creeping ground shoots.

All clovers improve the soil because, like all legumes, they have nodules on their roots in which bacteria live that absorb atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into compounds digestible by plants.

Medicinal properties of meadow clover

The aerial part of clover contains glycosides trifoline and isotrifoline, ascorbic, coumaric and salicylic acids, carotene, essential oil, alkaloids, resins, fatty oils, pigments, and B vitamins.

IN folk medicine Decoctions and vodka tinctures of inflorescences have long been used for bronchitis, cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, as an expectorant for whooping cough, anemia, angina pectoris, poor appetite, tinnitus, painful menstruation and as a diuretic for edema of cardiac and renal origin. Inflamed eyes are washed with infusion of inflorescences and used as lotions for wounds, tumors, scrofula, and burns. Clover is believed to be good for headaches and dizziness.

Clover contraindications

For most people, red and white clover are not harmful when taken orally or applied to the skin. The plant cannot be used:

Pregnant and lactating women. Clover acts similarly to estrogens, so it can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. This prohibition also applies to external use.

In people suffering from blood disorders, consumption of this medicinal plant may cause bleeding. Since clover thins the blood, it should not be taken 2 weeks before or after surgery.

For stomach upsets.

Heart patients and stroke survivors.

With estrogen-dependent forms of cancer (fibroids and uterine cancer, endometriosis, ovarian and breast cancer), the patient's condition may worsen.

If you suffer from thrombophlebitis, clover will only bring you harm. This plant increases the risk of blood clots in people with protein S deficiency.

But the harm of red and white clover is not limited to this. If you decide to use the plant in medicinal purposes, you should know which medications have negative interactions:

Estrogens in tablets (they may contain estradiol, ethinyl estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens - premarin).

Contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel - triphaliz, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone - ortho-novum.

Liver enzymes and other drugs to treat the liver. Clover can increase the side effects of medications and interfere with their breakdown.

Medicines that slow down blood clotting: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin and others.

Tamoxifen, used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Red clover preparations reduce its effectiveness.

In addition, it should be remembered that treatment medicinal herbs requires compliance:

Recipes for medicines based on clover:

Red clover for cholesterol

This medicine helps well with atherosclerosis. Take 2 parts each of clover herb, sage leaves and calendula flowers, 3 parts each of lingonberry leaves, capitula herb and sweet clover, 4 parts each of oregano herb and chicory flowers, 1 part each of mint leaves and flax seeds. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink warm in three doses 30 minutes before meals.

An infusion prepared according to the following recipe can also help with this disease. Take 1 part each of clover flowers, sweet clover and coltsfoot herbs, mint, strawberry, raspberry and plantain leaves, 2 parts each of speedwell and dandelion herbs, chamomile flowers, sage leaves and hawthorn fruits, 3 parts each of thyme herb and rose hips. . Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink warm in three doses 30 minutes before meals.

For the treatment of atherosclerosis, traditional medicine offers the following remedy. Fill a liter jar halfway with clover flowers, pour in 0.5 liters of vodka, close tightly and leave in a dark place for two weeks. Strain the finished tincture and take 1 tbsp. l. per day - before lunch or at night. The course of treatment is 3 months. After a two-week break, repeat the three-month course.

In atherosclerosis with normal blood pressure accompanied by headaches and tinnitus, this tincture can help. Take 5 tbsp. l. leafy tops of clover, pour into a glass jar, pour 0.5 liters of vodka, leave for two weeks, strain and take 1 tbsp. l. before lunch or bedtime. The course of treatment is 3 months with a break of 10 days. After 6 months, the course of treatment can be repeated.

Treatment of blood vessels with clover

For thrombophlebitis, it is recommended to take clover and chamomile flowers, knotweed, motherwort and celandine herbs, dandelion root, coltsfoot leaves, bean leaves, chicory root or herb in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix thoroughly, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and take half a glass 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.

Thrombophlebitis can be cured using this remedy. Take equal proportions of clover flowers, raspberry and birch leaves, dandelion and primrose roots, willow bark, sweet clover grass, bean leaves. Grind everything, mix thoroughly, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 3 cups of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and take 3 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.

When treating thrombophlebitis, this medicine is also recommended. Take in equal proportions clover flowers, birch and raspberry leaves, knotweed grass and sweet clover, dandelion and primrose roots, bean leaves. Grind everything, mix thoroughly, 2 tbsp. l. Pour the mixture into an enamel pan, pour 1 liter of boiling water, bring to a boil and cook over low heat, covered, for 10 minutes. Then pour everything into a thermos and leave for 8 hours. After this, strain and drink half a glass throughout the day, 30 minutes before meals. To improve the taste, you can add honey, sugar or jam.

In addition to infusions and decoctions, ointment can be used to treat thrombophlebitis. To prepare it, you should take clover, calendula and chamomile flowers, flax seeds, mint and eucalyptus leaves, knotweed and dandelion roots, sweet clover and celandine herbs in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 3 tbsp. l. pour half a glass of boiling water over the mixture, simmer over low heat with constant stirring for 5 minutes, add 5 tbsp. l. melted internal pork fat and vegetable oil, mix thoroughly, cool and store in the refrigerator. Fat can be replaced with butter.

Treatment of angina pectoris with clover

This medicine helps with angina pectoris. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow clover, borage, calendula and immortelle, lily of the valley leaves, fennel fruits, apple peels, shoots of bud tea, horse sorrel roots. Grind everything, then grind it into powder in a coffee grinder and 1 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos. Then pour 1½ cups of boiling water, leave for 3 hours, strain and drink half a cup warm 4 times a day an hour before meals.

This infusion also helps with angina. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow clover, borage, calendula and lily of the valley, rose hips, blackberry leaves, oat straw, oregano grass, chicory rhizome. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the mixture, heat in a water bath for 10 minutes, then leave in a warm place for 1.5 hours, cool and strain. Take half a glass warm 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals. For nocturnal attacks of angina, you should take half a glass of the infusion hot.

An infusion prepared according to the following recipe can also help with angina. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow clover and borage, the rhizome of valerian, the grass of nettle and oregano, the leaves of the mantle, the petals of rose flowers, the fruits of rose hips and rowan. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the mixture, heat in a water bath for 10 minutes, then leave in a warm place for 1.5 hours, cool and strain. Take half a glass warm 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

For angina pectoris, it is recommended to take 2 parts each of meadow clover, hawthorn and calendula flowers, sweet clover and motherwort herbs, the upper part of the wild strawberry plant, 1 part each of rue and yarrow herbs, birch leaves and hoofed grass. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1½ cups of boiling water, leave for 3 hours, cool, strain and take half a cup warm 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

To treat angina pectoris, take equal quantities meadow clover and calendula flowers, valerian rhizome, cuff leaves, motherwort grass, rose flower petals, dandelion root, rose hips, oat straw, wild rosemary shoots. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the mixture, simmer over low heat for three minutes, leave in a warm place for 2 hours, strain and take half a glass 5 times a day. Last drink an hour before bedtime.

Treatment of colds with clover

For bronchitis, tracheitis and asthma 2 tsp. Brew a glass of boiling water of red clover flowers, leave for 10 minutes, dilute 1:20 and drink ⅓ glass 4 times a day warm instead of tea with honey.

For chronic cough, an infusion of clover flowers helps as an expectorant and antipyretic. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. l. Brew flowers with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain and drink 3 tbsp. l. 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

For chronic bronchitis, the following remedy effectively helps. Take 1 part each of meadow clover flowers and cuckoo adonis grass, 2 parts each of yarrow grass and coltsfoot leaves. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of water into the mixture, bring to a boil, remove from heat and leave for

3 hours. Then strain and drink half a glass warm 3 times a day before meals.

cure Chronical bronchitis You can use this medicine. Take in equal proportions the flowers of meadow or red clover, as well as scepter-shaped mullein, St. John's wort and yarrow, and coltsfoot leaves. Grind everything, mix, 1 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a glass hot water, cook for 4 minutes, remove from heat, leave for 2 hours, strain and drink half a glass 4 times a day.

Treatment of chronic lung diseases

This medicine helps well with bronchial asthma. Take 2 parts each of meadow clover, sweet clover and capitula officinalis, 3 parts each of black elderberry and blue cyanosis. Grind everything, mix, 3 tbsp. l. pour 2 liters of boiling water over the mixture, leave for an hour, strain and take ½ cup 6 times a day.

For chronic lung diseases, the following infusion can help. Take 3 parts of meadow clover, Crimean rose petals, rosemary, 2 parts of spring primrose, 1 part of peppermint. Grind everything, mix, 6 tbsp. l. pour 1.5 liters of boiling water over the mixture, leave for an hour, strain and take ⅔ glass 6 times a day.

For chronic lung diseases, this infusion can also help. Take 4 parts of meadow clover, 3 parts of common myrtle, 2 parts each of kupena officinalis and lungwort, 1 part of oregano. Grind everything, mix, 6 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, leave for an hour, strain and take half a glass 6 times a day.

Clover treatment for eczema

This medicine helps a lot with eczema. Take equal proportions of clover and calendula flowers, elecampane root, fireweed, coltsfoot and plantain leaves, agrimony and yarrow grass, and blueberry shoots. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

For eczema, take clover and chamomile flowers, knotweed root, geranium herb, centaury, nettle, mint, wormwood and horsetail in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

Also, for eczema, it is advised to take clover flowers, cocklebur grass, St. John's wort, lavender, agrimony and string, burdock root, and currant leaves in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

For the above disease, you can take in equal proportions clover flowers, knotweed and licorice roots, mantle and blueberry leaves, caraway fruits, horsetail grass, string and centaury. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day.

This product can be used for external use for skin diseases. Take 3 tbsp. l. clover inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, leave covered for an hour in a warm place, then strain. Use the prepared infusion to wash wounds, ulcers, and apply lotions to inflamed areas, carbuncles, and boils.

Treatment of neurodermatitis with clover

For neurodermatitis, the following remedy can be recommended. Take in equal proportions clover flowers, knotweed roots, wheatgrass and licorice, centaury herb, horsetail, string and marigold, cuff and blueberry leaves, caraway fruits. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, bring to a boil, cook covered over low heat for 10 minutes, then pour everything into a thermos and leave for 12 hours. Strain the finished infusion and drink half a glass throughout the day, 30 minutes before meals. You can add honey or sugar to improve the taste. The course of treatment is 3 months, after which you need to take a break for 2 weeks, change the herbal mixture and continue treatment. Such changes must be done every 3 months throughout the year, and then switch to preventive intake of infusions for 2 months each spring and autumn.

Clover and chamomile flowers, knotweed root, centaury herb, geranium, bedstraw, nettle, mint, wormwood and horsetail;

Clover flowers, speedwell grass, cocklebur, St. John's wort, lavender, agrimony and string, burdock and wheatgrass roots, currant leaves;

Clover flowers, roots of snakeweed, wheatgrass and licorice, centaury herb, horsetail, string and clasp, cuff and blueberry leaves, caraway fruits.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus with clover

For diabetes, it is advised to take clover flowers, centaury and mint herbs, mantle leaves, dandelion and wheatgrass roots, and red rowan fruits in equal proportions. Grind everything, mix, 2 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes in a sealed container. Then pour everything along with the herb into a thermos, leave for 12 hours, strain and take half a glass 30 minutes before meals throughout the day. The course of treatment is 4 months, after which you need to change the mixture and continue continuous treatment for two years. For a change, we can recommend the following herbal mixture: clover flowers, galega and yarrow grass, bay leaves, burdock and wheatgrass roots, blueberry leaves, rose hips. Or another: 1 part each of clover flowers, viburnum bark, mint leaves, rowan fruits, 2 parts centaury herb, rose hips, flax seeds, birch leaves or buds, 3 parts each bay leaf, galega grass, blueberry and lingonberry leaves, bean pods, burdock root.

For treatment diabetes mellitus baths can be used. The infusion for them is prepared like this. Take ½ cup of red clover grass, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for two hours, strain and pour into the bath. The water temperature should be 36–37 °C. The bath should be taken at night. Duration 10–15 minutes. Course - 12–14 baths.

General strengthening of the body

Due to the presence of vitamins, clover is used as a general tonic. For these purposes, you can make clover honey according to the following recipe. Pour 1 liter of water into a saucepan, bring to a boil and add 3 cups of clover flower heads. Boil for 20 minutes, cool, strain, add half a glass of sugar and drink as tea.

For anemia, vitamin deficiency, take 2 tbsp. l. clover inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, strain and drink ⅓ glass 3 times a day before meals.

Improved vision

For eye diseases, rinse fresh clover grass well, scald with boiling water, chop, mince and squeeze. Dilute the resulting juice with water in a 1:1 ratio and boil for 5 minutes. After this, cool and rinse your eyes.

To improve metabolism in the lens, you can squeeze fresh juice from red clover grass, strain and subject to instant pasteurization, that is, heat to 85–90 ° C, but do not boil and immediately remove from heat. Pour the juice into a sterile glass bottle and close tightly. Using a pipette, drop 2-3 drops into the eyes 2 times a day. Pasteurized juice, sealed, can be stored for 2-3 days.

Based on the book by O. A. Filatov “The Newest Herbalist. Healing plants from A to Z"

Clover is a plant that grows in temperate climates. Moist soil is well suited for cultivation; drought negatively affects its growth. During the growing season, low temperatures are favorable. The seedlings safely tolerate light frosts. Severe frosts with sufficient snow cover do not have a negative effect on clover. Sow grass in the spring, having previously treated and fertilized the soil.

Growing conditions

This plant belongs to the Clover genus, the Legume family, and the Moth subfamily. Europe is considered its homeland. It is cold-resistant, its seeds germinate at 2-3 degrees, shoots appear in 5-8 days. It loves moisture; if there is a lack of it, growth slows down, and sometimes the plant dies.

On the other hand, if the plant is overwatered, it will lie down. Clover (described below) is shade-tolerant, unpretentious to soils, but prefers soddy-podzolic, gray forest and black earth soils, and does not like saline soils. It belongs to green manure plants, forming nodules containing nitrogen on its roots. Has valuable nutritional properties due to high content protein and is used as a fodder crop. Meadow clover is an excellent honey plant, but only bees with long proboscis can collect honey. Since time immemorial it has been used in folk medicine.

Description of clover

The genus of clover is called Trifolium in Latin, meaning trefoil. This name is given for the structure of the leaves. All types of clover have a trifoliate structure; plants with four leaves are quite rare. At night they fold and rise, and at dawn they straighten out. The main stem is shortened, contains a large number of basal leaves, in the axils of which flower stalks grow. The stems are drooping, ribbed, hollow or filled inside. The shape of the bushes is semi-loose or sprawling. trifoliate structure and contain white spots in the middle of the leaf blade. Color from bright to dark green. The ovoid shape of the stipules is pointed. They are fused with the leaf petiole and are slightly drooping. The flowers are small (red, pink, yellow, white and other colors) collected in inflorescences in the form of a spherical head, in some species - brushes. Each flower has a green calyx and a five-petal corolla with a moth-like structure. The flower contains one pistil and ten stamens. The fruit is leathery with 1-2, less often 3-6 seeds.

They are very small and colored different types clovers are light yellow to dark brown in color and bean-shaped.

Inflorescences and flowers

Many people confuse the inflorescence with flowers, for example, the red cap of a clover is an inflorescence called the head.

The inflorescence consists of small flowers located quite close to each other. Their advantage is that they are easier to spot by insects. This increases the pollination efficiency. There are complex or simple inflorescences. In clover the latter is represented:

• Head. The thick main axis is slightly shortened, on top of which there are flowers on short stalks in a close cluster.
• With a brush. Small pedicels extend one after another from a common axis, and at their ends there are flowers.

Growing clover

Seeds purchased from a specialized store are effective for propagating clover. The area cleared of weeds and treated is sown. Having sown them in early spring, seedlings can be expected in about ten days. The root system forms very quickly and stems and leaves immediately begin to grow. This unpretentious plant is easy to grow. It is enough to apply fertilizer and water in dry weather.

Types of clover

This is a widespread culture in Russia. It is mainly used for animal feed, but there are also decorative varieties of clover that decorate lawns, alpine hills, and lawns. There are about 300 types of clover, the most common include:

• Meadow - its height is from 40 to 65 cm, used as a fodder crop. It has an extensive root system that enriches the soil with nitrogen.

The leaves are trifoliate and compound. The flowers form a simple clover shaped spherical head. Color ranges from bright red to red-violet. The seeds are brownish, small, and bean-shaped.

• Mountain is a perennial plant with roots penetrating deep into the ground. Stems are not branched, cylindrical. ellipse, jagged along the edges, with a smooth surface. The clover inflorescence is white, ball-shaped, and blooms in mid-June. The bean-shaped fruit contains light brown seeds that ripen throughout the summer.
• Red - used for livestock feed and in cooking as a vitamin supplement. The leaves contain sugars, protein and fats. It is used to make salads and added to bread.
• Reddish is a perennial, large plant up to 60 cm high. The leaves are large, three-lobed, blooms in early July. The crimson-red inflorescences of clover are shaped like a brush. It blooms for a long period and is listed in the Red Book.
• Pink is a hybrid plant obtained from white and red clover. The leaf blades are oval, bluntly pointed and serrated. The tap root reaches a depth of up to two meters, the lateral branches branch up to 50 cm. Small clover flowers are collected in spherical heads and are white, pink and pink in color. The fruit is oblong, two-seeded. Dark green seeds

Clover for the lawn

The perennial unpretentious plant clover is often used to decorate lawns and lawns. White clover is most suitable for this, since it is low-growing, has thin stems, and after mowing the area looks quite neat.

The plant is best planted on loamy and sandy loam soils with slight acidity. In addition, clover does not need to be sown annually; it quickly spreads throughout the entire area and completely covers the entire surface. The plant begins to bloom in the second year. Small spherical clover inflorescences cover the entire sown area with a white carpet. These dwarf fluffy flowers will delight you twice a season, starting in May and ending in October.

Advantages of white clover over other lawn grasses

• One-time landing. The lawn lasts for a long time, clover is an unpretentious plant, it grows quickly after trimming with a trimmer.
• Greenery looks great from spring to fall.
• Does not require weeding, filling all free space with shoots.
• Minimal lawn maintenance costs.
• Clover flowers, collected in inflorescences, are not whimsical.
• No feeding required. Nitrogen-rich nodules that form on plant roots fertilize the soil.

Beneficial features

Clover is a natural immune stimulant. Infusions and decoctions from this plant improve the body's defense response. It has long been used to cleanse the liver and blood, and restore impaired intestinal functions.

Clover contains vitamins A, C, E, B and the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium. The aerial part: flower, inflorescence, and fruit of meadow clover are rich in alkaloids, glycosides and essential oils. The plant has an antitumor effect. It is used as an effective remedy for all types of cancer. The content of flavonoids in its composition strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves their elasticity. Its choleretic, antimicrobial and antisclerotic properties are highly valued. Clover honey added to green tea, removes toxins from the body. The astringent properties of the plant are used to stop various types of bleeding. In cosmetology, clover is used to cleanse the skin, removing purulent and acne rashes.

Use in cooking

Clover is used as a main dish or as an additive. The flowers and leaves of the plant have nutritional value; they are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used to prepare salads. Light soups with vegetable or meat broth are also prepared from it. Add egg and sour cream to the finished dish. Clover powder obtained from dried leaves is used to season soups. It is also added when baking bread and muffins. For those who are watching their figure, nutritious clover cutlets, to which cabbage and quinoa leaves are added, are suitable.

Conclusion

Clover has long been used in livestock farming to feed animals; its nutritional properties are not inferior to concentrated feed. It has a good effect on the soil structure, supplying it with nitrogen fertilizer.

Some species of this plant are valuable honey plants. has a pleasant taste and aroma, does not crystallize, and is of high quality. Long flowering and a high content of pollen and nectar in clover inflorescences provide good honey productivity.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of red clover (meadow) are well known to European peoples. Fresh leaves and young shoots of this plant are eaten as a vitamin concentrate. In Rus', cabbage soup and botvinya were often prepared from stables, and, for example, the Caucasian peoples ferment young inflorescences of the herb to this day. It is also a valuable forage plant for livestock and soil fertilizer. Essential oil from it is used in perfumery and cosmetology. In Celtic mythology, the shamrock is a revered, sacred plant. It brings good luck and symbolizes the unity of the three mother goddesses in Celtic magic. Therefore, the herb is considered feminine, but it also benefits men.

Features of a medicinal plant

How to collect clover? What is included in it chemical composition? Why is this medicinal plant so valuable? And what are its contraindications?

Area

Red clover is so common and unpretentious that it is easy to find in different parts of the world. All varieties of this grass are found in the European part. Some varieties grow in Central Asia, some in the Far East. The plant also takes root in North Africa.

White or creeping clover.
Hybrid or pink clover.
Clover is average.

Types of clover

There are about 10 varieties of red clover, all of which are used for medicinal purposes. But 245 species of clover have also been described. In folk medicine, the most famous are arable, creeping, medium, pink. What are their features?

You can also purchase varietal seeds of decorative clover with dark red leaves that lie beautifully on the ground, and its shoots quickly take root and grow. The advantage of this variety is that it is a perennial. It can be planted in flower beds and alpine hills.

Botanical characteristics

Red clover. Botanical illustration from the book “Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz” by O. V. Thome, 1885.

Description of red clover:

• root: taproot, short, produces many shoots; swellings with nitrogen (a natural fertilizer) form on the root, so fields are often sown with clover;
• stems: height from 15 to 60 cm, branched, erect;
• leaves: elliptical in shape, trifoliate, with long petioles, bright green with a light spot in the center;
• flowers: collected in single heads, spherical, red, purple, crimson.

Red clover flowers are also considered a good honey plant, but bees cannot reach the nectar due to the short proboscis. More often, grass is pollinated by bumblebees or breeds of bees with a long proboscis.

Procurement of raw materials

How to collect and prepare raw materials to preserve the medicinal properties of clover?

• Collection. The most valuable thing in clover is the inflorescence. The grass is collected during the flowering period. Depending on the climate zone - from May to September. It is better to remove whole inflorescences with the upper leaves, which also contain valuable substances.
• Drying. It is carried out in natural conditions - in attics or under canopies. Herbalists do not recommend over-drying the grass, otherwise it will lose beneficial features. The heads of the inflorescences should not fall off or fall apart.
• Storage . The grass is packaged in linen bags, stored in a dry place for 1 year, and the raw materials are renewed every new season.

The finished raw material has no odor; the herb has a slightly bitter taste.

Healing effect and chemical composition

How is clover useful? The herb has the following spectrum of pharmacological action:

• astringent;
• emollient;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• painkiller;
• antiseptic;
• diuretic;
• regenerating;
• restorative;
• vaso-strengthening;
• diaphoretic;
• expectorant;
• blood purifying;
• vitamin

Clover grass contains the following substances:

• flavonoids (there are also many of them in the leaves);
• essential oil containing furfural - an antimicrobial substance;
• fatty oil (a lot in seeds);
• glycosides;
• organic acids;
• vitamins E, C, A, P, K, B1 and B2;
• tannins;
• resins;
• cellulose;
• amino acids;
• alkaloids;
• proteins and fats;
• salts of phosphorus and calcium.

Indications and contraindications

Red clover is used in folk medicine internally and externally. For what diseases is this herb effective?

• Diseases of blood vessels and muscles. Clover helps lower cholesterol, so it is useful to take it for atherosclerosis. It is prescribed for muscle inflammation (myositis).
• Respiratory diseases. Decoctions are drunk for bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, colds, flu, ARVI. They are also prescribed for shortness of breath and bronchial asthma.
• Kidney and liver diseases. Has a mild diuretic and secretory effect. Helps with urolithiasis, cleanses the liver and blood.
• For hypertension. Clover is taken for blood pressure and hypertension, the herb relieves headaches and eliminates dizziness.
• Biogenic stimulant. The plant can be used as a general tonic to prevent viral infections. For example, in Central Asia it is customary to drink it with hot milk. The herb is taken for fatigue, anemia, alcohol intoxication, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders, weight loss or gain.
• External use. Clover is effective against various fungal diseases, as it has fungicidal (antifungal) properties. They treat boils, purulent wounds, ulcers, burns, psoriasis. With the help of compresses made from fresh juice and infusions, they relieve rheumatic and neuralgic pain and soften the skin. The product is also used in otolaryngology for gargling. Microenemas are made from it for inflammation of the rectum.

What else does clover help with? There is information in herbalists that clover is effective against oncology. For malignant tumors, the drug is taken orally; for cancerous skin lesions, lotions and ointments are applied.

Contraindications for red clover: chronic diarrhea and constipation of various natures; thrombophlebitis; varicose veins veins; pregnancy; estrogen-dependent form of cancer (more often in women during menopause); sharp forms chronic kidney and liver diseases. In case of heart disease and after a stroke, the herb can also cause harm, so it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Using and preparing clover at home

The plant is well known in rural areas. It is grown as livestock feed. Often used in cooking: dry inflorescences are added to soups as a seasoning; in the spring, fortified salads are made from the leaves, and compotes are made from the inflorescences. What medicines can be prepared from this herb?

Decoction and infusion

The decoction and infusion are taken orally for all of the above diagnoses and symptoms. Strong decoctions are prepared for external use: compresses, lotions, poultices are made from them, and they are added to medicinal baths. These remedies help well with purulent abscesses and promote rapid tissue healing.

Preparing the decoction

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences.
2. Pour a glass of boiling water.
3. Boil for 1 minute.
4. Leave for 1 hour.

The decoction is filtered and taken as tea, ½ cup 3 times a day (preferably after meals). To obtain a steeper decoction, take 3 tbsp per glass of water. l. raw materials.

Preparing the infusion

1. Take 2 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences.
2. Pour a glass of boiling water.
3. Leave for 2 hours.

Take either ½ cup 3 times a day, or ¼ cup 4 times. It is a good expectorant and astringent.

Tincture

What are the uses of red clover tincture?

• It is often prescribed for atherosclerosis, headaches, and tinnitus.
• Drink to prevent ARVI, influenza, fatigue, anemia, and cancer diagnoses.
• It can also be used externally to treat the throat and oral cavity(diluted).
• I do not use it on burns, open wounds, or dry skin.
• Take with caution when high blood pressure.

Vodka tincture recipe

1. Take 4 tbsp. l. dry inflorescences.
2. Pour in ½ liter of vodka (you can dilute 40% alcohol).
3. Leave for 10 days in a warm place.

The medicine is taken 1 tsp. before every meal. It is also recommended to drink the tincture at night.

Juice

In folk medicine, fresh clover juice is used. To prepare it, take fresh inflorescences, leaves and stems. They are passed through a meat grinder, and the juice is squeezed out of the mass through cheesecloth. Usually take 1/3 cup 3 times a day. The effect of the juice is the same as the effect of decoctions and infusions. However, it retains much more vitamins. This remedy is beneficial after a long illness, restores strength, strengthens the immune system, and cleanses the blood. The juice is also used externally. You can find information that it is used to wash the eyes during inflammation. It is necessary to treat this with caution and consult an ophthalmologist. The acids contained in the plant can harm the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Oil hood

The emollient healing properties of clover have been confirmed. Its substances penetrate into the thickness of the skin, nourish it, increase elasticity, and protect it from the adverse effects of the external environment. Therefore, the plant in the form of decoctions and infusions is widely used in cosmetology. An oil extract is also made from it, which is used for medical purposes - to treat affected areas of the skin (burns, ulcers, wounds).

Oil extract recipe

1. Take 1 part of dry inflorescences.
2. Pour in 2 parts olive oil.
3. Leave for 2 weeks.

Apply externally, make compresses at night. Used as a cosmetic product to care for dry skin.

Features of use in women, men, children

• For women . Decoctions are used externally - for douching for inflammation of the vagina. They are also taken orally for inflammatory discharge and painful periods. In scientific medicine, clover is not used as widely as in folk medicine. Nevertheless, studies have been conducted using the herb for menopause, and its effectiveness has been proven. Clover contains isoflavones - phytoestrogens. These substances are included in the replacement hormone therapy during menopause. Much less from them side effects than from synthetic hormones. The health and mood of women who take herbal decoctions noticeably improve, and the frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms also decreases. unpleasant symptoms menopause.
• For men . The herb is a natural aphrodisiac. It contains substances that increase male sexual activity. A tincture is prepared from clover seeds in the following proportion: 1 tbsp. l. seeds pour 1 glass of red wine. The mixture is steamed in a water bath for 30 minutes. The tincture is taken over a long course, 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.
• For children . Most often, clover tea is given to children with diarrhea, to improve digestion and appetite. Decoctions are good for eliminating intestinal colic and spasms. Exudative diathesis (popularly called scrofula) is also treated with herbs. With this diagnosis, it is recommended to bathe children in decoctions or rinse their bodies with them after bathing. Alcohol tinctures of clover are contraindicated for children.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of clover in folk medicine have long been known. However, the herb has not yet been sufficiently studied in scientific medicine, so doctors rarely prescribe it. The plant is primarily valued for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This is an effective remedy for cough and diarrhea, helps with atherosclerosis, neuralgia, rheumatism, and heals purulent wounds, abscesses and burns well.

There are many plants that heal no worse than medications, and sometimes better and more effectively. Just such herbs include meadow clover. The medicinal properties and contraindications (reviews of the plant note that the herb is excellent for lowering cholesterol) should be studied in detail before use to avoid side effects.

Red clover: description

Clover is a perennial plant. It has a slightly pubescent stem and small spherical flowers of red, lilac or white. Belongs to Under favorable conditions, it grows up to 30-50 cm. The root system is branched and has small tubers at the ends.

The plant blooms in mid to late summer. It is at this time that it should be collected for storage. The culture fully ripens at the end of September. It is at this time that the plant produces beans containing seeds.

There are about 120 species of this plant. Red clover is considered the most useful. Clover is often grown as an herb. It is also used in folk medicine and cooking. The inflorescences are considered especially valuable.

The culture grows in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and the Russian Federation. The grass can be found in meadows with average moisture, along field roads or in forest clearings.

The plant is rich in nutrients and correct use can bring invaluable benefits to human health. You can grow grass on your own property or harvest it yourself. If this is not possible, then the plant is purchased at the pharmacy. The price of 50 g of dry herb fluctuates around 50-70 rubles.

Chemical composition of the herb

Red clover grass grows everywhere. Known to almost everyone. Despite this, only a few use it in folk medicine, and less people used in cooking. It is rich in useful substances, such as glycosides, steroids, coumarins, saponins. The plant contains vitamins K, B and E. Saturated with ascorbic acid. Contains phenol carbonic acids, as well as tannins. Contains quinones and fatty vegetable oils. Clover also contains carotene, flavonoids, salicylic acid and a number of valuable macro- and microelements. It is the rich chemical composition of the plant that classifies clover as a medicinal herbs and gives it a lot of useful properties.

Properties of red clover

Red clover is a treasure trove useful elements. It has anti-inflammatory, tonic, wound-healing, antitumor, antiseptic, diaphoretic, and anti-sclerotic properties. Able to have an expectorant and diuretic effect. The herb has an astringent and choleretic effect. Helps stop bleeding.

The properties of meadow clover have found their application in medicine, as part of many medicines.

Application of culture in medicine

What does red clover cure? This is the question asked by people who are at least a little familiar with the properties of this herb. Let's start with the fact that the plant can be used both topically and internally, in the form of various tinctures and decoctions.

Fresh leaves of the plant are used for complex wounds and ulcers that do not heal for a long time. They are finely chopped and applied to the sore spot. In the same way, the herb is used for burns, abscesses and other skin diseases.

Red clover (properties and contraindications are described in detail in the instructions for use, but only if the herb was purchased at a pharmacy) is contained in choleretic and breast preparations. If there are rashes in infants, a decoction of this plant is added to the bath.

To treat inflammation in gynecology, clover officinalis root is used. It is also used as an additional remedy in the treatment of cancer and tuberculosis.

The stems of the herb are effective in treating scurvy, malaria, and rickets. Reduces cholesterol in atherosclerosis. Clover decoction can calm down headache, cope with dizziness and increase appetite. Herbal tincture is used to treat asthma, anemia, shortness of breath, and metrorrhagia. Clover juice will help cope with coughs, colds, bronchitis, gout, and poisoning. Effective for exudative diathesis and frequent fainting.

Clover decoctions have found their use in the treatment of anemia, gastritis, scrofula, asthma, chronic prolonged cough, diathesis, urolithiasis and cholecystitis.

The plant can relieve women from discomfort during menopause: eliminate inflammation;

• remove vaginal dryness;
• stop hair loss;
• relieve insomnia;
• increase libido;
• relieve fatigue;
• soften the tides.

The herb is used for epilepsy, sore throat, high blood pressure, and boils. The plant is used for abscesses, insect or animal bites. Indications for use include painful menstruation, gynecological diseases and anorexia.

Contraindications

Red clover has special medicinal properties and contraindications (people's reviews say that the plant gives good results in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis, but you need to drink it for a long time), which must be taken into account before using the herb. Improper use of the plant can cause side effects.

In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using clover. You should not use a herbal remedy for thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Contraindications to the use of the culture are diseases of the gastrointestinal system that are in the acute stage. You should not take clover infusions and decoctions internally if you are predisposed to diarrhea. Persons prone to allergic manifestations and people with individual intolerance to the herb, as well as patients after a stroke or heart attack, should abstain.

Side effects

Clover, if used for other purposes, can cause such negative reactions in the body as:

• nausea;
• vomiting reflex;
• decrease in pressure;
• allergic reactions on the skin;
• pain in muscle tissue.

Before using the herb, you should consult a doctor, as a number of medications cannot be combined with clover.

Growing clover at home

If possible, you can grow clover at home, especially since the plant is very unpretentious in care.

To plant the crop, you need a sunny or slightly shaded area. Seeds are collected only from two-year-old plants, but to ensure better seedlings, it is better to purchase them in a store.

About 300 seeds are taken per square meter. Pre-planting material is soaked in water for several hours. Immediately before planting, the seeds are mixed with soil in a large container. In this form, planting material is evenly distributed over the site and covered with a layer of earth, the thickness of which should not exceed one centimeter. During the first seven days after planting, the soil should be well moistened. Water with water from a hose equipped with a sprayer.

The first shoots will appear two weeks after sowing the seeds. Since clover is a perennial plant, it does not need to be sown every year. Despite this, experts recommend updating the grass stand every three years to improve the quality of the grass.

Clover is sown until mid-summer, only in this case will it be able to ripen and gain a good foothold in the area.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

Red clover (photo shown above) belongs to medicinal plants. Grass should be stored during the flowering period. To harvest, you need to cut off the inflorescence and the leaves adjacent to it. Dry the crop in the shade. Electric drying is permitted. In the latter case, the temperature should not exceed 60 °C. With more high temperature the grass will lose the lion's share of its beneficial properties.

If a rhizome is required for medicinal purposes, it is harvested after the flowering period. The root is dug up and thoroughly cleaned from the soil and washed. The rhizome is dried, just like the grass, in a ventilated and dry room or outdoors, in a place protected from the sun.

Raw materials are collected in dry weather, when the dew has left the plants. Harvested only in environmentally friendly places. You should not take grass near roads and landfills, there is a lot of harmful substances more than useful.

Herb storage

Storage is carried out in dry, tightly closed containers. It is allowed to keep the grass in a linen bag or paper box. The dry plant is stored for up to two years, and the root for up to one year. You should try to renew the stock annually, since during long-term storage clover may lose its beneficial qualities and its further use will lose all meaning.

Folk recipes

Red clover can have a variety of uses. The herb (the properties of this plant were described above) is used for lotions in the form of a decoction. To prepare it, dry flowers, in the amount of three tablespoons, are poured with a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath for a minute. Used for skin diseases, boils and eye inflammation.

For rheumatism and wounds, an ointment containing 100 g of clover flowers and 50 g of any vegetable oil will help. The mixture is infused in a dark and warm place for about 14 days, filtered and used for its intended purpose.

For diseases of the internal organs, herbal infusion helps. To prepare it, pour two tablespoons of raw material into a glass of boiling water. Leave for about an hour. Strain and drink 100 g three times a day after meals.

The tincture can also be made with vodka. To do this, fill the glass with 500 g of vodka. The mixture is infused for ten days. The tincture should be shaken from time to time. Take a teaspoon at night, after straining. The course of treatment is one month.

For serious diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis, red clover is used only as part of complex therapy. Medicinal properties and contraindications (reviews from women note that tea with clover not only makes you feel better during menopause, but also improves skin condition and rejuvenates) should be checked with your doctor before using this product.

Cultivation of clover began in the 15th century in Italy, then the crop appeared on the border of Holland, and later in Germany. And in the 1630s it began to be cultivated in England. In Russia, clover appeared in the 18th century and was treated with some caution.

Soon, the grass began to be used to diversify the feed diet livestock, and also found its niche in the “bag” of herbalists, and after some time began to be considered medicinal. Today, clover is grown as green manure, ornamental plant and for livestock feed.

Red clover, plant description

Clover grass is a perennial plant reaching a height of 15-25 cm. The root system is well developed, the root is taprooted, branched, and has nodule growths. The axils of the basal leaves of clover produce stems crowned with shaggy spherical buds.

The plant's foliage folds when darkness comes, thus retaining twice as much moisture. The leaves have a trifoliate-complex shape, located on short petioles that lengthen along the height of the stem.

Clover begins to bloom in May and June. The flowers are round, often of different shapes, pink, red, white and speckled in color, do not exceed 1.5 cm in size, and are arranged in the form of capitate inflorescences. The fruits of clover can be called egg-shaped beans with very small brown seeds. The clover flower is often popular in decorative lawns.

The place where meadow clover grows is still Europe, Russia, and Asia.

Medicinal properties of clover and chemical composition

Clover is the concentration of many healing, tannins, esters, glycosides, trifolin, organic acids (such as coumaric, salicylic and ketoglutaric), and also absorbs resins and vitamins, isoflavones, thiamine and sitosterol.

During flowering, the ground part of clover contains more than 25% protein, 2% vegetable fats, 0.02% carotene, about 0.13% ascorbic acid, more than 1.4% free amino acids, as well as calcium and phosphorus.

Clover flowers contain in a large proportion: flavonols (pratoletin, kaempferol and quercetin), isoflavones (genistein and formononetin), and the content of esters exceeds 0.05%, of which a large proportion is coumarin.

The foliage contains maakiain, which has an antifungal effect. During the growing season, clover roots accumulate about 125 kg. nitrogen per hectare. Clover seeds contain about 15% fatty oils.

Preparations based on clover are presented in the form of dietary supplements, mixtures and teas. Indications for use of these are: anemia, inflammation of various etiologies, painful menstruation, inflammation of the urinary tract, uterine bleeding, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and also as a preventive agent for atherosclerosis and inflammatory processes in women.

Externally, clover infusions are used to disinfect and quickly heal abrasions, relieve swelling after bruises and for rheumatic aching pain. Herbalists advise using red clover juice to get rid of foot fungus, inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx, ear and abscesses.

Modern pharmacology obtains biologically active vitamin supplements from clover leaves. Clover is included in various healing herbal compositions and teas.

The juice squeezed from the leaves of meadow clover is used for inflammation of the eyes; herbalists used dried clover flowers as a diuretic, to increase appetite, and to treat tuberculosis, whooping cough and herpes.

Clover variety

Clover makes up a fairly large group of varieties that differ in shape, purpose, size, flowering time and botanical characteristics; the most prominent representatives include:

meadow clover one of the representatives of legumes, grows as a perennial spreading bush up to 35 cm high. The leaves are triple, wide, with triangular stipules. Flowering begins in the southern regions in May, in the northern in June. The flowers are small, moth-type, spherical, bright pink.

Habitats: meadows, fields, edges, forests.

White clover or creeping clover, a bushy herbaceous plant, with creeping shoots, trifoliate leaves, oval-ovate in shape. Flowering begins in May-June, the lifespan of the peduncle is about one and a half weeks. The flowers are spherical, about 1.5 cm in size, of the moth type. The height of the plant reaches 15 cm.

Creeping clover is used to decorate lawns.

The plant is unpretentious. It grows quickly and does not require painstaking care.

Pink hybrid clover, a herbaceous shrub with trifoliate leaves and spherical inflorescences. The species received its name due to the shade of the cap of the inflorescences. The foliage has a “classical” complex shape, trifoliate on short petioles. The plant grows up to 45 cm, is unpretentious and resistant to drought. It grows wild in meadows and along the banks of water bodies.

Alpine clover, has a powerful root, stays deep in the ground. It grows up to 40 cm, has fairly large stipules and impressive leaves for clover, located on short petioles.

The grass is grown for silage, and as a crop - green manure. The stable plant does not require additional care and grows well in any soil.

Arable clover, popularly called “cat”. This is an annual plant, represented by a spreading lush shrub, with a straight stem and trifoliate, carved foliage.

It blooms in May, the inflorescences are represented by pale, pink, spherical heads. The height of the stem does not exceed 25 cm, the plant perfectly adapts to weather conditions and tolerates drought well.

cup clover, a species that includes several subspecies of different shapes and sizes. It is found frequently, grows up to 45 cm, and is unpretentious. It has large carved oval-shaped leaves, collected in threes on one short petiole. The inflorescences are large, about 5 cm. The colors of the flowers vary, from milky to purple.

The fruits of the cup type are small capsules with seeds inside.

Clover multileaf, a perennial herb with a developed root system represented by a tap root. Unpretentious, stable and tenacious. Produces a large number of peduncles and blooms from May to June. The foliage is located on short petioles. The inflorescences are umbrella-shaped, fluffy, from pink to dark purple. Grows up to 35 cm.

Growing clover

After several years of active cultivation of tuber crops in the same area, its depletion occurs, and in order to replenish reserves nutrients, you should resort to sowing green manure crops such as clover.

Clover is also perfect as mulch; after mowing and chopping, you just need to scatter the chopped green mass over the area and the soil is no longer in danger of cracking, it remains moist and loose for a long time.

Before sowing clover, you need to prepare the seeds and cultivate the soil; plowing and harrowing are quite enough. Clover is a herbaceous plant that does not require care; it grows well on any soil, except saline and “acidic” soils. It grows quickly and easily withstands bad weather.

It is sown mainly on cultivated areas for pastures and as a green manure crop. In this case, business owners give preference to three types of clover: meadow, creeping white or pink.

The agricultural technology for growing clover does not differ from the technology for sowing perennial grasses; sowing is carried out in field and forage crop rotation. The most suitable predecessors are cereals and root vegetables.

Sowing dates vary depending on the sowing zone; in the southern regions, sowing can begin in March, with norms of about 13 kg. per hectare of area, this is approximately 8.5 million seeds; at this rate, field germination is more than 58%.

With early sowing, the first clover shoots will appear within a week, and the pores will begin to develop quickly. In the first phase of growth, actively developing root system, it will have a beneficial effect on the composition of the soil, while completely suppressing the appearance of weeds. With sufficient moisture, up to 450 centners can be obtained from clover crops during a productive year. greenery per hectare.

As for care, clover practically does not need it, but if the grass is grown for food, it should be juicy and there should be a lot of it, so it is necessary to apply mineral fertilizers and nitrogen during the growing season of the plant.

Autumn sowing of clover can be laid under the cover of winter crops of barley or other cereals at the time of sowing winter crops.

The norm for sowing under cover is considered to be 125 kg. per hectare of arable land, planting depth is from 5 to 6.5 cm. Afterwards, cereal grasses of about 22 kg are sown separately on the same area, 2.5 cm deep. per hectare of sown area.

Clover does not require special care; the entire vegetative process requires only watering. The powerful root system clogs any weeds, but needs moisture. Watering in dry regions should be done at least once a week.

In the second year of crop life, for more juicy and lush greenery, it would not be amiss to apply nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Phosphorus is applied in the spring, and nitrogen fertilizing is carried out in two stages, mainly after the third mowing, in equal parts.

Application of clover

The value of clover is due to its unpretentiousness and large volumes of green mass at the output. The grass is used as fodder for rabbits, poultry and livestock (in dried form). Clover is not only a high-protein plant, but more often than not, it is also decorative.

Today you can see lawns made of clover and decorative designs made of forbs. Therefore, low-growing and creeping types of clover are of particular importance to landscape designers. Clover is used not only as a monoculture in the design of lawns, but also as an addition to the main cover of lawn grass. To get a more "fun" look.

In addition to lawns, white clover can be used to decorate the trunk space of low-growing trees, which looks unusual and is pleasing to the eye.

Using clover for table purposes is also appropriate. Its dry mass was previously used in baking rye bread. Clover greens are added to first and second courses.

Asian cuisine uses flowers and young shoots of clover for pickling and adding to salads.

In terms of nutritional characteristics, clover is not inferior to alfalfa and is considered one of the highly valuable forage grasses. It is harvested for hay and silage, given to livestock in dried and fresh. As green manure, clover enriches the soil with nitrogen and increases the fertility of areas; when plowed, it saturates the soil with humus.

The fungicidal substance trifolyrizin is isolated from clover roots.

Esters are used in the manufacture of perfume compositions. The grass is also a valuable honey plant, but only for bees of a certain group that have a long proboscis.

Honey obtained from different varieties Clover is considered medicinal, retains a liquid consistency for a long time, has an unsurpassed, rich aroma and excellent sugary taste.

Collection and storage of clover

Clover is cut for hay during the period of budding and flowering, in dry sunny weather. Later cuttings will lead to shedding of the lower leaves, loss of part of the plant’s mass and a decrease in its nutritional value.

The optimal height of a plant for cutting is considered to be 9-10 cm. After cutting clover for hay, you should carefully ensure that the grass does not dry out, the mown mass is raked into windrows, and after drying, it is collected into shocks and stacked.

Clover seed material is collected in the second year, from the second mowing; harvesting is carried out with special combines when the seed box turns brown. The average yield of clover seeds is about 2.5 centners per hectare. After threshing, the seeds are subject to sifting, drying and sorting.

The medicinal parts of clover are the inflorescences and the upper crown part. Collection is carried out manually, in the flowering phase.

After harvesting, clover is dried and stored in fabric bags, and then brewed as needed.