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- Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a species of clover, native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa. It is is a plant that is used for medicinal purposes because of its many health benefits.
- It contains isoflavones (estrogen-like compounds) which can mimic the effect of endogenous estrogen. The isoflavones (like irilone and pratensein) from red clover have been used to treat the symptoms of menopause.
- Traditionally, red clover has been administered to help restore irregular menses and to balance the acid-alkaline level of the vagina to promote conception.
- It is also rich in chromium, niacin, thiamine, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, potassium. The red flowers are dried and utilized as an herbal supplement or as a tea.
- Health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory:
- Relieve skin rashes and inflammations.
- Bone health:
- Studies show that red clover may increase bone density and slow bone loss in menopausal women.
- Blood thinner:
- Helps with blood-flow and prevents blood clots
- Cancer fighter:
- According to studies, red clover can be effective as a supplemental cancer therapy.
- Increases good cholesterol:
- The isoflavones found in red clover may help to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
- Natural expectorant:
- Helps with cough and loosens phlegm in children
- Reduce hot flashes:
- Because of its estrogen-like properties it can offer relief for symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
- However, because of its estrogen-like properties red clover should not be used for breast cancer.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. Geller SE, Shulman LP, van Breemen RB,et al. (2009).
- “Safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover for the management of vasomotor symptoms: a randomized controlled trial”Menopause (New York, N.Y.) 16 (6): 1156–66. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e3181ace49b. PMC 2783540. PMID 19609225
- 2. “Red Clover Flowers Herbal Information“. Indigo-herbs.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-08-05.
- 3. Tice JA, Ettinger B, Ensrud K, Wallace R, Blackwell T, Cummings SR (2003). “Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trial”. Journal of the American Medical Association 290 (2): 207–214. PMID 12851275.
