The beneficial isoflavones present in red clover extract show promise for treating a number of conditions, especially in women. Specifically, red clover, like soy, contains phytoestrogen, or plant-based estrogen. As with conventional estrogen therapy, using red clover extract carries a mixture of risks and benefits, which scientists continue to study. After consulting with your physician to rule out health risks or drug interaction, take the recommended dosage by adding it to hot or cold liquid.
Achieve Healthy Cholesterol
Research published on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website focused on using both soy and red clover to treat common problems encountered by older women, including cholesterol problems. While analysts found soy to be best at fighting LDL or "bad cholesterol," red clover raised the levels of HDL, or "good cholesterol." According the American Heart Association, raising HDL levels can lower the risk of heart attack. Additionally, red clover lowered the levels of triglycerides, a kind of fat that is often found in obese people or those who overindulge in cigarettes and alcohol. If blood tests reveal that your HDL is too low, or triglycerides too high, consult with your physician about using red clover extract.
Ease Menopause Complaints
Red clover extract may also help reduce hot flashes in women undergoing menopause. The research is mixed, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), with several studies showing a significant decrease in the number of hot flashes suffered by menopausal women, but one, larger study showed no difference between those taking red clover and a placebo. Women should consult their doctor before taking red clover extract to determine if the plant's phytoestrogens may put them at increased risk of breast cancer.
The NIH research examined red clover's effect on bone mass and memory issues in older women. The data was somewhat less convincing than the cholesterol data, although promising, for increasing bone mass density and improving cognitive abilities, the NIH article concluded.
Sooth Irritated Skin
Use red clover extract to combat skin irritations and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Add the extract to massage oil or a mild lotion, or simply apply it directly to the affected area. Northwestern Health Sciences University recommends using products containing extracts of red clover, perhaps along with chamomile, cucumber, oats, fenugreek, aloe vera or jojoba.
Possible Cancer Treatment
Current research gives red clover medicines mixed reviews concerning the treatment of cancer, according to UMMC. Some research found cancer cells in test tubes were killed or prevented from growing when treated with red clover. Additionally, the American Cancer Society (AMS) notes a 2002 Australian study in which men with prostate cancer were given red clover prior to prostate removal. Upon examining the removed prostates, it was determined that more cancer cells appeared to be dying than is the norm. Theoretically, red clover may help prevent cancers such as prostate and endometrial cancer. Neither ACS nor UMMC, however, currently recommends the use of red clover to treat cancer, citing concerns that the herb's "estrogen-like effect" may actually contribute to the formation of some cancers.
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