Look at the happy surprise awaiting me on the kitchen table in the cabin in the pines. A simple, but artfully arranged, bouquet of plants… weeds really, set gracefully in a water glass. Beauty that could so easily be missed if not for guests that slowed their pace to notice.
A field of red clover to feed the bees, enrich the soil with nitrogen as a cover crop… and provide a spot of color in a wildflower bouquet.
Recently, a guest requested permission to gather some of our clover to use for medicinal purposes. Upon researching red clover's benefits, I learned that it is harvested for a variety of uses. It is used to help balance estrogen levels during menopause, as an alternative cancer fighting treatment, an expectorant, and a blood purifier by eliminating toxins. It is used externally for insect stings and bites, eczema, psoriasis, and wound healing. The blossoms contain calcium and magnesium. Caution: This herb has a blood thinning effect and should not be used by anyone taking blood thinning drugs. As with all herbal remedies, research side effects and drug interactions before using. Additionally, the blossoms can be used in salads or frozen individually in ice cubes for a pretty addition to a pitcher of lemonade or tea. I can picture that. Pale yellow lemonade with a pop of purple color floating in the glass… how pretty!
Whiteley Creek Homestead 
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