A member of the pea family, red clover has a long traditional reputation as a drink for cleansing the lymphatic vessels. It has been used for centuries as a ‘blood cleanser’ for psoriasis and eczema. More recently tablets containing a concentrated extract of red clover have been marketed to post-menopausal women as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and long term trials for this are still going on.

 

A tea made from the dried flowering heads is said to be particularly good for sickly children, with chronic bronchial or throat conditions. If picking the flowers make sure you they are clean and free from farmer’s sprays or dog wee. It is probably best to wash them first before carefully drying them.