Red Clover
All About Red Clover
Red Clover is useful as an herb for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, bone loss, and vaginal composition. Its isoflavones influence estrogen production. It also shows a potential cholesterol lowering effect.
Fun Fact
When ingested, certain enzymes in red clover may help prevent prostate cancer in men!
Red Clover Research
A few dozen research articles were found, most clinical human studies. Red clover has an estrogenic effect that may help with menopausal symptoms, bone loss, cholesterol levels, prostate growth, and more. It has also shown potential in reducing alopecia and mastalgia (tender breasts). In vitro studies show potential for its anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, chemo-preventative actions. It may also be a useful ingredient in sunscreen. More research is necessary. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Red Clover Herb
Latin Name: Trifolium pratense
Family: Fabaceae
Other Common Names
Trefoil, trifolium, cow grass, cleaver grass, beebread, wild clover, purple clover, meadow clover, honeysuckle clover, clovone, daidzein
Plant Description
Clover is a common perennial weed, with a hairy stem, typically three leaves (unless your lucky) and a purple round flower head. It is a legume with phytoestrogen content.
Herb Description
Flowers are used and prepared as a decoction, fluid extract, tincture, or powder. Minerals from the clover flower are not completely extracted with an infusion. The taste of clover is sweet, with no aroma. Leaves are also sometimes used.
Adult dosage 4x a day for the flower is 1 Tbsp fresh or 1/2 Tbsp dried, made into a tea (brewed under 10 minutes). Use half the amount if making a decoction.
Key Constituents
- Minerals: iron, phosphorous calcium, magnesium, copper, molybdenum
- Vitamins: A, B
- Biochanin, formonetin, and genistein are three phytoestrogenic isoflavones that interact in the body with the estrogen hormone.
- Salicylic acid
- Coumarins, sugars, protein, volatile oils
