Like many herbs, red clover has made its way to most of the world, though it originated in Europe and Asia. Herbalists use the plant's distinctive red, thistle-like flowers to make teas, tinctures, powders and other concoctions designed to promote health. Though herbal treatments can have benefits, they also might interact with certain medications or exacerbate existing health problems, so always check with your health-care provider before making herbal remedies, including red clover, part of your care regimen.
Identification
Red clover contains isoflavones or phytoestrogens, a compound in some plants that acts the same way the hormone estrogen does. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these isoflavones are the active ingredient in red clover. Red clover also contains other nutrients, including calcium, niacin, magnesium, chromium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C and thiamine.
Benefits
The isoflavones in red clover might be beneficial for several different conditions, though more research is needed to confirm its potential, according to the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase. Menopausal women who take red clover might improve their cardiovascular health and reduce menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. Red clover also might prevent osteoporosis for some people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
History
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, red clover has a long history of use for treating respiratory problems, including whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma because of its expectorant effects. Red clover applied topically was also used historically to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, according to the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase.
Considerations
To get red clover's health benefits, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends making a tea with 1 to 2 tsp. of dried red clover flower steeped in 8 ounces of hot water for 30 minutes two or three times a day. You can also take 40 to 100 mg of dried clover in capsules each day or 1 mL of red clover extract three times a day.
Warning
Red clover is usually safe as long as you stick to the recommended dosage, but it's not clear whether its estrogen-like effects pose a risk for women with certain kinds of cancer, especially breast and uterine cancer, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If you have cancer or are at increased risk for cancer because of family history or other factors, talk with your doctor before using red clover. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use red clover without getting the go-ahead from their health-care provider.
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