Gifts of Siberia: Clover

The Chapter Revealing the Abundant Benefits the Modest Yet Charming Meadow and Field Dweller Holds for Us...

Clover is an herb familiar to all of us. Coming across a four-leaf clover promises good fortune! You might remember this from childhood tales. However, it turns out this plant is not just a lucky charm but a true natural pharmacy growing at our feet. Especially abundant in Siberia, where it feels right at home. Let's find out more about clover!

Botanical Profile

Clover (Trifólium, in Latin) is a low herbaceous plant within the legume family (Fabaceae), growing 15-60 cm high, identified by its distinct trifoliate leaves often marked with light horseshoe-shaped patterns. It is easily recognizable by its fluffy flower heads, which vary by species in color from pink and white to lilac, attracting bees with sweet nectar. In Russia, clover grows ubiquitously: Thriving in meadows, on forest margins, along roadsides and in city parks. Favoring moist, fertile soils, it forms vast blooming carpets across the central region and Siberia.

The wide-open spaces of Siberia are home to several varieties of this plant.

Meadow Clover (Trifolium pratense) is renowned for its healing properties and is officially recognized as a medicinal plant worldwide. It can reach a height of up to 60 cm, with dark pink or purple flowers.

White Clover (Trifolium repens) is a low-growing plant with trails and white flowers. An excellent honey plant, but it is used less frequently in medicine.

Lupine Clover (Trifolium lupinaster) is distinguished by its five-parted leaves and rose-lilac flower heads. Found in meadows and forest edges and frequently used for medicinal purposes.

Natural Healer with a Rich History

Meadow clover's healing properties were discovered centuries ago in Ancient China, where it helped treat gout, intestinal and liver disorders. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued it for its blood-purifying abilities, and in the Middle Ages, clover was widely popular to address skin ailments and women's health issues. In medieval Russia, a decoction of clover blossoms was given to those recovering from surgery or injuries to help rapidly regain vitality. Later studies revealed clover to be a rich source of copper, magnesium, chromium, calcium, Vitamins C, E, K, various B vitamins and other beneficial substances. It also contains salicylic acid (remember aspirin?), isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and others), and bioflavonoids (quercetin and others).

Together, these active components provide therapeutic and preventive effects, which are successfully utilized by modern physicians. Clover-based remedies exhibit anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antiviral, expectorant, diaphoretic, diuretic and choleretic benefits. All this ensures a comprehensive cleansing and detoxifying effect. Traditional practices use clover for bronchitis, chronic cough, painful menstruation cramps, heavy uterine bleeding and atherosclerosis.

One of the main active ingredients in clover is isoflavones (genistein, prunetin, formononetin, etc.) These phytoestrogens help regulate hormonal balance and improve women's well-being during hormonal fluctuations such as premenstrual syndrome, pre- and menopausal period. They also have hepatoprotective properties and positively impact the cardiovascular system by reducing the formation of blood clots and preventing osteoporosis.

The plant contains a unique complex of other biologically active substances, including coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides trifolin and isotrifolin, organic acids (p-coumaric, salicylic, ketoglutaric), vitamins (ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, carotene, tocopherol), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron), as well as both essential and fatty oils.

A Multifunctional Ally for Health

With its diverse chemical composition, clover exerts wide-ranging benefits on the human body:

Supports cardiovascular function by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of diseases and strengthening blood vessel walls.

Aids female wellness by relieving menstrual pain and cramps, easing hot flashes, mood swings during premenstrual syndrome and menopause.

Enhances digestion as flavonoids stimulate intestinal mobility, normalizing metabolism, while clover-based decoctions are used for gastritis and to stimulate appetite.

Relieves cough, acting as an expectorant, and is used for respiratory diseases, including bronchitis and colds.

Promotes skin healing by serving as an antiseptic for wounds and suppurative inflammations.

Cleanses the body by detoxifying, normalizing the electrolyte balance and providing mild diuretic effect.

Boosts overall vitality by fighting fatigue and restoring energy.

The clover herb is a part of Siberian Wellness products:

Herbal Tea No. 1 (Cleansing and drainage) by Baikal Tea Collection series
The herbal blend of clover, Kuril tea and senna helps remove excess fluid and get rid of accumulated toxins.

Next time you spot clover again, remember it is more than just good fortune -- it's a precious treasury of wellness!