purple blossoms of the red clover make an outstanding nourishing oil that, by increasing collagen production, improves the elasticity of your skin and reduces wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with eczema or psoriasis.
Did you also look for four-leaf clovers as a child with the hope that it would bring you good luck? Now as an adult my preferences have changed. I prefer collecting purple blossoms instead as they have the highest content of effective substances.
Red clover contains a high level of isoflavonoids (a substance that acts as estrogen) and is therefore widely used to relieve menopausal symptoms.
In this post, however, we would like to explore its positive effect on the skin.
In this article you will learn:
- Incredible benefits of red clover oil for skin
- 3 easy steps on how to make red clover oil and video
- Uses of red clover oil
- Contraindications
Benefits of Red Clover for skin
There has been clinical evidence (1) that isoflavonoids that are present in red clover help slow down signs of ageing on the skin. Isoflavonoids that act as phytoestrogens increase collagen production and add moisture to the skin. They also improve skin thickness, skin elasticity, hydration and reduce shrinks.
In addition, these substances have a healing ability and make red clover an ideal herb for various skin irritation, wounds, skin sores, burns and insect bites (2)
Isoflavonoids possess anti-inflammatory properties and can, therefore, improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. (3)
Isoflavones and other phytoestrogens have been suggested to be anticarcinogenic. It has been observed that there is a reduced incidence of breast cancer associated with the diet. In this study, scientists explored some mechanisms by which red clover can have cancer-preventive effects. (4)
How to make red clover oil
1. Collect the blossoms
To get the highest medicinal qualities you need to start the whole process early in morning after the morning dew. That is the best time to harvest the purple blossoms of red clover.
in a thin layer of the collected flower, spread them on a sieve and let them dry for a few days in a dark dry, well-ventilated place. The flowers have a tendency to deteriorate from below, so watch it and turn it if necessary.
Alternatively, skip the first step and purchase the dried red clover blossoms
2. Select carrier oil
The selection of a carrier oil depends on several factors:
How do you want to use the final product? For example, if you want to use your infusion oil for massaging chose sweet almond oil which is ideal for massages however is not suitable for your facial treatment. Whereas some carrier oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins that will perfectly nourish your skin are ideal for your face but are not a perfect fit for a massage as they are too heavy.
It’s also beneficial to know what type of skin do you have? Once you figure this out then you just simply look at their properties, actions and viscosity of carrier oils and choose the best for your particular project. You can find a detailed guide about carrier oils here
In my case, I want to use my red clover infused oil for making lip balm and use it for an occasional massage. So I selected coconut oil as it perfectly moisturises your body and lips. Coconut oil is also easy to absorb, the smell is just perfect for me. It leaves the skin smooth and perfectly hydrated. Coconut oil also makes for a suitable treatment for dry hair which with the combination of red clover makes the hair stronger, treating the scalp and reducing dandruff.
3. Select the infusion method
There are several infusion methods you can select depending on how much time you have. I prefer the old method of infusion and that is traditional cold maceration. Once I have my red clover blossoms dry, I cover them with oil and place them in a dark place. Leave them to macerate for about 4-6 weeks. I shake it occasionally. If you are in a hurry and want to speed up the process, go for the double boiler method.
Amazing Uses of Red clover oil
thanks to its antiaging properties, red clover oil is the best to use for making antiaging cream or salve. The isoflavonoids present in the red clover increase collagen production and make your skin youthful and soft.
massage oil – Red Clover oil contains calcium and magnesium which tones and relaxes the nervous system, relieving tension due to stress and anxiety. It is easily absorbed into the system.
Red clover infused oil can also be used as a massage oil in an effort to cure a lump or benign tumour. Do not use this with breast cancer, the tumour could get worse due to estrogens.
Thanks to its purifying herbal action, red clover oil is a wonderful oil for rashes, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Make red clover lip balm to protect your lips and slow their ageing
soap making – due to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties this infused oil makes for a perfect ingredient for soap makers and leaves your skin soft and youthful
Its healing power makes this oil perfect for healing cuts, wounds or small skin irritations.
Keep it handy as a First aid kit for mild burns
Use it for your scalp and hair. Red clover combined with coconut oil makes for a perfect moisturizer of dry hair. It also reduces dandruff and likelihood of scalp infections. Furthermore, red clover promotes fast, healthy hair growth.
Dry or fresh blossoms?
When it comes to blossoms I strongly suggest using dry flowers. Blossoms are full of juices and have a tendency to spoil the oil. Also, the infused oil made of dry herbs tends to last longer.
Contraindications of red clover oil
- Red Clover is not suitable for patients with hormone diseases such as breast, uterine, ovarian cancer or endometriosis. Red clover has similar effects to estrogen and could complicate these conditions and interfere with treatment.
- Patients taking hormonal contraceptives should not use clover, as this may reduce the effect of contraception.
- Do not administer with hormone replacement therapy in menopause.
- Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding
What are you going to use this red clover oil for?
How to make and use red clover oil
purple blossoms of the red clover make an outstanding nourishing oil that, by increasing collagen production, improves the elasticity of your skin and reduces wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with eczema or psoriasis.
Tools
Instructions
- Fill your jar about halfway with dried red clover blossoms.
- Pour coconut oil into the jar until it’s just about full. Make sure that herbs are covered completely with oil, if some oil evaporates just add more to cover them.
- Close the jar with a piece of cloth and rubber band so it can breath and place in a dark spot.
- Shake occasionally to redistribute the jar’s contents.
- After 4-6 weeks, pour the jar’s contents through a small strainer or a muslin bag in a jar with lid which is dry and clean. Don't forget to squeeze a muslin bag before discarding as every drop of this valuable oil is counted.
- label well and store
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Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
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Oh this sounds great! I have been thinking about trying collagen, but I’m not sure about taking a collagen supplement especially if it is animal-based. So this seems like a potential alternative! Thank you for sharing the detailed post!
I love infusing oils with herbs, but I have never tried red clovers. They sound like a powerhouse! I love the idea of using it for dry hair and scalp issues as both my children tend toward dried scalps even though they eat a nutrient-dense diet. I actually use red clover as a green mulch in my garden, so I generally have a lot of it and I can’t wait to make an infused oil with it now! Thanks so much for this post!
This is beautiful and something I would have never thought of! There is tons of red clover around here and I am definitely going to give this a try. Thank you!
I had no idea those little flowers packed such a powerful punch. Thanks for sharing all this information, makes me want to go find some red clovers now.
Bonjour, huile de coco fractionnée ou autre ? Merci
I have been using fractionated coconut oil but you can use regular coconut oil too.
I am just beginning to learn about herbs and infused oils.I enjoyed your post very much.It was very helpful,than you.
Do you have to air dry the blossoms or would it work to dehydrate them instead?
Your post sounds very interesting and I am looking forward to giving it a try!
I just air dry them, but the dehydrator would work too!
Great post, thank you. I do have a couple questions…. do you refrigerate it after it’s made, and how long does it last?
Hi Carol, make sure the blossoms are dried and don’t contain any moisture. It could cause the oil to turn rancid. I keep it in the fridge and try to use it within 6 months.
I’m on HRT and this post says to avoid administering red clover but could I use it externally as a facial oil?
Hi Kylie, I am not a medical expert on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), however using red clover externally as a facial oil is generally considered safe and may not have the same effects as internal use.
Thankyou for your wonderful recipes, but please get rid of the ‘Waaaa’ at the end. It’s creepy.
thanks for your advice, I understand:)
Can I use avacado oil instead of coconut oil
Avocado oil is a good alternative as it has a high content of beneficial fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it perfect oil for skin care.