Safe Herbs for Dogs - Red Clover

Red Clover Trifolium pratense (Pea family)

Main Constituents

protein
Vitamins C, E, and B complex
calcium
potassium
magnesium

Medicinal Activities

nutritive
diuretic
expectorant
antispasmodic
antitumor
tonic
estrogenic

Common Uses in Dogs

Due to its highly nutritive constituents and because of its blood cleansing properties, this herb is excellent for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and other skin diseases caused primarily by accumulated toxins in the bloodstream. To this end, the herb can be used topically as a poultice on dry, itchy skin for quick relief. Internally, a tea or tincture of the herb can improve digestion and cleans the blood.

Red clover's expectorant property is useful for treating coughs and bronchitis.

Recent research has suggested that this herb is also anticancerous, probably because of its high levels of carotene, vitamin E, and flavonoid quercetin. The herb can be used both internally and externally to help treatment of cancer in animals. Internally, a tea or tincture can be fed to the animal. Topically, a poultice in the form of a compress can be applied to the cancerous lesions of the skin or extremities.

Precautions

This herb should not be fed to dogs in large doses. In particular, since it has blood-thinning properties, it cannot be used on dogs with clotting disorders, or dogs with internal or external bleeding.

Availability

Available in various forms (e.g. tea, tincture, fresh or dried herb) from health food stores and herb retailers.

Get herbs (fresh and dried) and tinctures from:

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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