In Mother Nature's wellbeing and beauty department, we find red clover. A real source of health benefits, this plant with a thousand virtues is also effective for beautiful skin! 

In today's fast-paced world, old-fashioned remedies and traditions are increasingly taking their place in our daily lives. As a way of refocusing on what's essential, we're returning to nature to find answers to our physical and mental health problems, as well as ways to take care of our beauty. Mother Nature's pharmacopoeia is overflowing with good things to cleanse our bodies, purify our skin and give our minds a boost... This is particularly true of red clover, a plant from Asia, Africa, North America and Europe that has the ability to grow just about anywhere! But above all, it can be used to treat many ailments, such as the side effects of the menopause, to soothe coughs or to care for the skin.

What exactly is red clover? 

Red clover is a member of the Fabaceae family (flowering plants) recognized the world over for its many medicinal virtues. It has been used for centuries in phytotherapy and as a forage plant. How to recognize a red clover? Its flower (more purplish than red) is adorned with multiple, long petals and grows at the end of a hairy stem. The plant grows randomly in fields or along roadsides and can measure up to 40cm. 

What are the benefits of red clover?

The benefits of red clover are legion! Trifolium Pratense, from its scientific name, has phyto-oestrogenic, depurative, diuretic, antitussive, choleretic and antispasmodic properties, but this medicinal plant also has an expectorant action (effective against coughs) and acts very effectively on the skin barrier. Used externally, this perennial plant effectively protects the skin from the sun and soothes inflammations such as dermatitis and eczema. This versatile plant is a must-have in your home pharmacy! 

How to eat red clover

Red clover can be used internally or externally, depending on the problem you're targeting. If you're looking to optimize the virtues of red clover for skin beauty and well-being, you can use it both ways. Red clover is most commonly found in the form of dietary supplements (capsules), essential oils, dried herbal teas, or as an active ingredient in cosmetics. 

How to use red clover for the skin?

While red clover is excellent for soothing menopausal symptoms, since it stimulates low estrogen levels in women, it is also known to be good for the skin! In fact, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, the plant effectively treats chronic skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, skin ulcers and itching of all kinds.   

Red clover can be used on the skin in two ways. Either internally via dietary supplements, mother tinctures or infusions for drinking, or externally via poultices, oil baths, cold compresses or cosmetics containing the plant as an active ingredient. 

Quick and easy homemade tips for using red clover

To treat skin problems without having to resort to cosmetics, which can sometimes cost a fortune, you can make your own homemade preparations with red clover. Make sure you have dried red clover flowers on hand (preferably organically grown), which are readily available from herbalists.

Herbal tea: Firstly, you can prepare it as an herbal tea and drink two cups a day until the skin improves. Secondly, you can use this decoction directly on the skin.

Compress: pour onto a sterile compress and dab onto affected areas. For even greater effectiveness, particularly in the case of severe eczema or psoriasis, red clover can be used in conjunction with other plants such as burdock or wild pansy. Please note, however, that this is by no means a miracle cure, and in the case of severe skin disease, it is always best to seek the advice of a health professional.

Skin care oil: dried red clover can also be used as a key ingredient in the preparation of a skin care oil. Simply macerate the dried flowers in a jar of natural, cold-pressed vegetable oil for around four days. Once the mixture is ready, the oil can be used without moderation, and not just on problem areas of the skin! It can also be used as an oil for facial treatments, such as kobido massage. And for even more beauty, don't hesitate to combine this ritual with our eyelash serums and hair serums, both naturally formulated to help hair grow and strengthen, for healthy lashes and hair.

Are there any contraindications to using red clover?

Red clover is a gentle, natural medical solution with no known unpleasant side effects, but it does require a few recommendations to ensure that you're in the right condition to use it. Red clover should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers or women who have had breast cancer. Finally, people on anticoagulant therapy should not consume it at the same time.