Beebread’s botanical or latinized name is Trifolium pretense. Beebread is known by a variety of common names and is often referred to as Beebread, Red Clover, Cow Grass, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trefoil, Ladies Posy, Missouri Milk Vetch, and Clover Rose. Filled with healing attributes, Beebread has been revered by individuals using natural remedies for centuries. The red clover known as Beebread has a wonderful fragrance and is often used to treat a variety of ailments.

Beebread, or red clover, is often seen in fields where cattle and livestock feed, and in vacant lots, parks, and along the highways. Bumblebees are drawn to the fragrance of the clover, hence the common name, beebread. Red clover has been used since the 17^th century for treating eye disease and skin conditions. In the past, the flowers and leaves were boiled with lard and applied as an ointment for cuts, bites, and stings. Native Americans used the leaves of beebread for skin conditions and for curing the pain from snake and insect bites. The Pennsylvania Dutch called red clover, Rhoda gae Blumma, and brewed the dried blossoms in a Tea to remedy whooping Cough and croup. Rich in nutrients, beebread promotes Circulation and purification of the blood through the excretion of urine and mucous and increases the supply of bile in the digestive system.

Beebread is a perennial herb growing wild in Europe and Asia. Beebread is a plant that has been naturalized in North America. This low-growing plant is often between five and eight inches high. Beebread has globe-like flowers at the ends of banded, white oval leaflets. The heads of the Beebread flowers are composed of tiny florets and form lovely, large blossoms, sometimes an inch in diameter. The flowers, ranging in color from pale pink to deep magenta, bloom between May and October.

The flowers of red clover, when it thoroughly dried, have proven to be of enormous medicinal value, since beebread consists of large amounts of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. In addition, red clover, similar to other plants, contains water-soluble chemicals or isoflavones, which interact to produce estrogens. For this reason, it is a valuable supplement for women requiring Estrogen replacement, during pre-, menopause, and post-menopause. The entire plant, roots and seeds, are boiled in a Tea that is often used by women to relieve menstrual disorders such as cramps, prevent hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause. Studies have shown that red clover improves and strengthens the arteries, helping to lessen the possibility of cardiovascular disease. It has been noted, as well, that beebread appears to increase the quantity of good cholesterol (HDL) and that extracts of red clover are helpful in promoting bone growth and density in pre- and post-menopausal women. Beebread has a number of other uses for treating medical conditions including Cancer, mastitis, joint disorders, jaundice, bronchitis, coughing, and Asthma. Skin conditions, such as psoriasis and Eczema, are often improved with applications of beebread. Studies have shown that it may also be useful for inhibiting the growth of tumors.

Tinctures, extracts, tablets, capsules, and liquids of beebread are available and skin conditions can be treated with ointments prepared from red clover. For children, red clover may be used as a Cough remedy, although not over the long term. In general, adults may drink three or four cups a day of a Tea prepared using 1 to 2 tsp. of dried flowers, steeped in 8 oz. of hot water for ½ hour. Two to six capsules, 500 mg. each, of the powdered herb can be taken daily or 60 to 100 drops of Tincture may be added to hot water. In addition, 1 mL of the fluid extract may be added to hot water or Tea and a combination of Honey, sugar, and red clover blossoms can be combined to make a soothing Tea for coughs and sore throats.

There seem to be no serious side effects for humans taking beebread. Of course, if you experience breathing problems, chest pain, unusual Bleeding, or skin disorders such as hives, rash, itchy or swollen skin, you should discontinue beebread. Your physician should be advised if you have ever been diagnosed with Cancer, specifically a gynecological form. As is the case in most medications, women who are pregnant or breast feeding or people who have high Blood pressure or any type of cardiovascular disease should not take red clover. The isoflavones extracted from the beebread are heavily concentrated and should be used only in moderation. In any event, it is extremely important to follow exactly the directions on the label.

One should also seek out the assistance of a professional in botanical medicine or a physician when they are using Beebread, or any other herb for that matter. A professional can monitor individuals for adverse affects and allergic reactions to the herbs in question. Meanwhile, a professional in botanical medicine can advise individuals on the proper dosage to take when using Beebread and can also advise what kind of interactions may occur while taking the herb.

Beebread should not be taken by women who have a history or at risk of breast Cancer or those on hormone replacements, including birth control pills, patches, and injections, or other medications containing Estrogen, progesterone, and androgen. Since there may be a risk of internal Bleeding, people who are using blood thinners (anticoagulants) of any sort, such as warfarin, Coumadin, Plavix, or LovenoxR should avoid red clover. In addition, people who take aspirin, Tamoxifen (Nolvadex(R), or natural herbal supplements such as ginger, garlic, ginkgo, and vitamin E should not use beebread.

Pregnant women should avoid the use of many herbs as they may have unwanted side effects on a unborn child. Further, those women who are lactating may also want to refrain from using herbal remedies to prevent the unwanted passage of the herb from mother to child through the breast milk.