Rød Klover (Red Clover) grows and flowers quickly in the Norwegian summer. I’m a little late with this post now Autumn has already begun, but I hope this can offer inspiration for the following summer or you may be able to source dried red clover flowers. I enjoyed the whole process of collecting the flowers, preparing them and bottling the resultant ’pink lemonade’ to share with friends. I found this recipe in a library book but I’m not sure what it’s called for the credit. However, it seems the same or similar recipes are found widely online, so perhaps no one requires particular credit.
Follow these steps to make your own delicious and refreshing herbal cordial.
When foraging for red clover, make sure you’re in an area that hasn’t been treated with pesticides or fertiliser. Both red and white clover are edible, flowers and leaves alike, and packed full of nutrients. Pick plants on a sunny day or after any dew has evaporated.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups red clover flower heads
4 cups filtered water (unless you live in Norway)
1 cup lemon juice or, to taste
1/2 cup blossom honey
A good pinch of Himalayan Pink Rock Salt or Celtic Sea Salt
Cold still or sparkling water to serve
METHOD
1. Carefully inspect flower heads for insects, gently shaking or pre soaking in a weak vinegar solution to remove them if necessary.
2. Add flowers to the water and gently simmer for ten minutes.
3. Cover and allow to cool or steep overnight.
4. Strain the decoction into a large jug, discarding the spent flower heads.
5. Add lemon, honey and salt, mixing well.
6. Chill or add ice cubes
7. Pour into serving glasses or small bottles, adding sparkling water if desired.
8. Garnish with mint and sliced lemon, add a straw or decorate a tray with fresh clover flowers, and napkins to serve.
9. Share with loved ones.
10. Refrigerate leftovers overnight and consume within a day or two.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has long been considered a herbal remedy rich in phytoestrogens and other nutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The plant has been traditionally used to support women’s health, particularly to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, and to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It has also been used as an alterative, a ‘blood cleanser,’ to assist with detoxification and lymphatic support. However, red clover is not suitable for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, and may interact with blood thinners or affect liver-metabolised medications. Recent scientific studies have found mixed results when attempting to verify the traditional health impacts and research is ongoing.
𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚄𝚜𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚝𝚜
ꕥ Women’s Health : Due to its phytoestrogens, red clover may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, and may support hormonal balance during adolescence and the menstrual cycle.
ꕥ Skin Health : Its alterative and lymphatic properties make it a traditional remedy for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
ꕥ Detoxification : It is thought to act as a ‘blood cleanser’ and offer lymphatic support, aiding the body’s natural detoxification processes.
ꕥ Respiratory Support : It may help with respiratory issues due to its expectorant and anti-spasmodic properties, potentially soothing coughs and clearing mucus.
ꕥ Bone Health : Some research suggests red clover may have a positive effect on bone mineral density, which is important during menopause.
𝙸𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚁𝚒𝚜𝚔𝚜
ꕥ Contraindications : Do not use red clover if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions.
ꕥ Drug Interactions : Red clover may interact with blood thinners and certain medications metabolized by the liver. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining red clover with any medications.
ꕥ Side Effects : Possible side effects include nausea, headache, muscle aches, and vaginal spotting.
ꕥ Consult a Professional : It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider or qualified herbalist before using red clover in a remedial manner, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Today’s Ecotherapy tip is to 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 ‘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚍𝚎’ 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚜. Alternatively, you could drink the decoction while warm, as a herbal tea. Share this homemade drink with your family and family or treat yourself, sipping slowly. Consider the potential health benefits as you enjoy this refreshing treat.
Smile to yourself
#ecotherapy #friluftsliv #naturetherapy #outdoors #wellbeing #summer #redclover #rødklover #flowers #herbalremedy #traditionalmedicine #arctic #alta #finnmark #norway #twowildfeet
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Location : Alta, Norway
Music : Homemade Lemonade (North Sphere), Epidemic Sound
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1 Comment
Very exiting. Newer thought about making a juice. I dry them for tea. I will try next year
They are done now 😆 as you say