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| formula is still available today at the Bio-Medical Center in Tijuana, Mexico, and many contemporary herbalists in the United States manufacture similar products. |
| Red clover is considered safe and nontoxic, but its estrogenic plant sterols have been the source of concern for some who question its use as a treatment in estrogen-dependent cancers. However, medical herbalist Amanda McQuade Crawford says that red clover can be used as part of a holistic treatment for breast tumors and fibroids because its sterols compete with excess estrogen, thus bringing the body into balance. |
| Much of the red clover available commercially contains mostly leaves and brown flowers which are of poor quality, and therefore results are unreliable. To ensure good quality, buy from reputable wildcrafters. Island Herbs is an excellent source for high-quality red clover blossoms. See Herbal Suppliers in the Appendix. |
| To make a tea of red clover, use 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried blossoms to 1 cup of water or 2 ounces dried flowers per quart of water to make an infusion. Drink 1 cup, three times daily. A suggested dose of tincture is 1 teaspoon in water, three times daily. For external use, make a compress or use as a wash. |
| The only ill effects reported from the use of red clover are minor discomforts such as stomach upset or flatulence. This may largely be due to using red clover products containing mostly leaves. Since red clover is in the legume (pea and bean) family, flatulence may result from compounds in the leaf. |
| Reishi |
| (Ganoderma spp.) |
| Part used: Fruiting body |
| Actions: Adaptogen, immunostimulant, nervine, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial |
| Indications: Also known as ling-zhi (spirit plant), reishi |
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