Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a lovely little plant that grows abundantly in meadows and along roadsides where I grew up, in Southwest Michigan, and in temperate regions across the world.
This herb has long been cherished in folk medicine. In his classic book, Back to Eden, herbalist, Jethro Kloss, claimed that red clover is “one of God’s greatest blessings to man.” Indeed, it has many healing virtues, including its soothing and nourishing effects on the skin.
Red clover is rich in many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the skin and has long been used to help boost improve its appearance and overall health. This herb is also helpful for various issues, including eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne, and boils. Additionally, research has shown that it accelerates the healing of wounds.
Red clover is a lovely addition to skincare preparations, like these rejuvenating lotion bars. They combine skin loving herbs in a blend of moisturizing oil, butter, and wax. Sunflower oil is an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps to reduce inflammation and has photo protective effects.
Cacao butter is an excellent emollient that softens and soothes. Both cacao butter and beeswax create a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture to help skin stay hydrated.
Adding lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil elevates the aroma of these lotion bars and boosts their soothing skin-protective effects. It helps to improve the health and appearance of skin, reducing redness, inflammation, and wrinkles.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp sunflower oil infused with red clover blossoms
- ½ oz beeswax
- 1½ oz cacao butter
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Makes one 2.65 oz lotion bar
Directions:
To make red clover infused sunflower oil —
Fill a dry, heat proof jar or heat-proof glass measuring cup about half full with dried red clover blossoms. Pour in the sunflower oil, making sure the flowers are fully submerged and covered with at least an inch or so of oil.
Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (ideally 100–140° F) for 1 to 5 hours in a double boiler or crockpot.The oil has finished infusing when the color and smell of the herb has been imparted. At this point, turn off the heat and let the oil cool.
Strain the oil through a cheesecloth and it’s ready to use! Pour any excess infused oil into a glass jar and be sure to label it including the date the oil was made, type of herb used, and type of carrier oil used. For best shelf life, store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
*Tip: always use dried or wilted herbs to reduce moisture, which causes oils to go rancid.
To make red clover lotion bars —
Add the red clover infused sunflower oil, beeswax, and cacao butter to a double boiler and heat until melted.
Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oil. Then pour into molds. Let cool completely and then remove from the molds and store in a glass jar or tin.
To use: Warm the bar between your hands for a moment, allowing it to melt slightly, then rub it over your skin.
References
Manzoureh, R., & Farahpour, M. R. (2021). Topical administration of hydroethanolic extract of Trifolium pratense (red clover) accelerates wound healing by apoptosis and re-epithelialization. Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission, 96(4), 276–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/10520295.2020.1797875
