That Purple Flower

I remember as a child my mom telling me it was ok to eat this purple flower. I trusted my mom so I ate it. It wasn't that good so that was the last time I ate one. Not sure if my mom knew the health benefits of the flower or it was something her mom told her.

The flower was a red clover. Why it's called red when it's actually purple is unknown to me.

Today I would clean the flowers before I ate them because of the toxins and pesticides in the air. (We live right by a field). This little flower has a list of great uses.

1. In tea – The flowers have long been used as a blood cleanser, fertility tonic, and for liver and gall bladder support. The flowers are very helpful for inflammatory situations like arthritis and gout. They also make a good addition to cold and cough formulas, or as a support for those with asthma.

2. As a flour additive – You can dry the flowers and grind them into a powder. Mixing them into your flour as you bake adds a chewy texture and slight sweetness.

3. Added to salads – The leaves and the flowers can both be added to salads for their nutrition, flavor, and color.

4. Added to soups – The leaves are high in protein and can be added to the liquid of your broths and stocks.

5. As a vitamin supplement – You can also pull the individual flowers from the flower heads and add them to rice dishes and casseroles. Red clover is high in both vitamins and minerals so they make a perfect vitamin supplement.

Who knew mom was on to something!

Keep healthy!