Red Clover

Botanical name: Trifolium pratense (Fabaceae)

Parts used: flowers

Energetics: cooling, moistening

Taste: sweet, salty

Actions: alterative, antispasmodic, expectorant

Constituents: Phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides, isoflavones, salicylates, polysaccharides, expectorant 

 

 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture:  1tsp 3 times a day

Tea: Infusion

 

Description:

Red clover was traditionally used in folklore medicine to treat breast cancer. And has been widely used in traditional medicine to help treat osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, skin disorders and respiratory health. Today research has  shown therapeutic use during menopause with hot flashes; helping to reduce the impact of falling estrogen levels, but also to exert a protective effect on the heart and circulation in menopausal women with low estrogen levels.

Benefits:

Menopause

This beautiful flower has been found to contain flavonoids that mimic estrogen, known as phytoestrogens and these substance are what help contribute to maintaining normal estrogen levels during menopause. These higher estrogen levels are what help reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women whose estrogen levels have dropped off.

Studies have shown red clover improves cardiovascular health and can help lower the bone density loss of menopausal women. It's estrogen-like properties have a positive effect on the arterial walls, causing them to be more flexible and resulting in less strain on the heart. Whereas other studies show the isoflavones of red clover may help slow down bone loss and could even increase mineral density which reduces the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women. 

In addition, studies have shown that the isoflavones in Red Clovers can actually help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in post-menopausal women. 

Skin Health

Research shows that Red Clover can help slow the process of aging skin due to its estrogen-like effects. Traditionally Red Clover has been used to treat irritating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes  by helping boost circulation which in turn speeds up the body's natural elimination process helping by removing waste and toxin beneath the skin's surface. But can also be applied externally or used in a bath to bring relief from these skin issues. 

Respiratory Health

Red Clover is commonly used in herbal medicine for respiratory issues such as whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, and colds. Red clover is known as an expectorant, which means it moves phlegm away from your airway. Red clover promotes the drainage of the mucus from the lungs by thinning it out and lubricating the irritated respiratory tract while also calming the bronchial spasms. A great herb to take before bed to help alleviate coughing while sleeping. 

Research:

Isoflavones: early-stage research points to them countering bone loss in menopausal women. And may be helpful in both preventing and treating breast cancer. 

 Contraindications:

Not recommended for those taking birth control pills or anyone who has a hormone-sensitive cancer (such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis) because of its estrogenic activity. Also be advised red clover may increase anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs and may interfere with hormone replacement therapy drugs. It's also not recommended for those taking Methotrexate injections for psoriasis.

Red clover is contraindicated in pregnancy or breast feeding women.

*Chevallier, Andrew, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, New York City, Penguin Random House, 1996.