Red clover is a perennial native to Europe and Asia. Its red flowers serve as food for cattle and other animals, but the plant can be dried and made into medicinal teas and capsules. Synonyms for red clover include cow clover, purple clover and the scientific name Trifolium pratense. Red clover contains a substance called isoflavones, which act like the hormone estrogen. The herb is used to relieve or regulate several medical conditions, ranging from the symptoms of menopause to improving heart health and skin problems. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that due to the estrogen-like effects of red clover, people who have a history of breast or ovarian cancer should not use the herb.
Ease Menopausal Symptoms
The isoflavones found in red clover supplements imitate estrogen in the body, which might help ease some of the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and aging of the skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies that suggest such a connection show varied results. If you are a woman entering menopause and want to consider using red clover as a natural form of hormone replacement therapy, consult your doctor to learn more about the herb and its medicinal effects. The American Cancer Society explains that standard dosages of the herb range from 4g of the dried herb, usually steeped into a tea, or between 1/4 and 1/2 tsp. of a liquid extract.
Improve Blood Vessel Health
Red clover may improve blood vessel health in some people, which could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center says preliminary research shows that some menopausal women who take red clover for their symptoms also have more pliable arteries that are less prone to plaque buildup. The herb also increases the effects of blood-thinning medications, which lessens the risk of blood clots, according the the American Cancer Society. A decreased risk of blood clots also minimizes your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Relieve Congestion
More traditional or folk-loric uses for red clover speak to its purported expectorant properties, as described by online resource Drugs.com. The herbal remedy is used in Chinese medicine to treat chest congestion and coughs, especially the extremely contagious but rarely seen condition of whooping cough. As with conventional treatments, consult a physician before using red clover to treat conditions that have not been adequately studied.
Soothe the Skin
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center indicates that red clover can also be used to soothe the skin, especially if you have chronic diseases such as psoriasis or eczema. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests applying an ointment or liquid extract that contains between 10 and 15 percent concentration of red clover flowers to reduce skin inflammation. If you have open skin wounds, ask your doctor to be sure that red clover preparations are an appropriate treatment.
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