Red clover flower is an herb that is believed by many natural and holistic health practitioners to have various medicinal benefits. According to "The Healing Herbs," by Michael Castleman, red clover is one of the oldest plants in the world and has been around since prehistoric times. Today, red clover is commonly used in alternative medicine for its many benefits. Always consult a health care professional before beginning treatment with herbs.
Cancer Treatment
According to "The Healing Herbs," red clover has had a reputation for being an effective cancer treatment for the last 100 years. Although some medical professionals dispute red clover's effectiveness as a cancer treatment, others see it as being a viable treatment option. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that test tube studies have shown that red clover can halt the growth of cancer cells and, in some cases, kill the cells completely. However, there is no conclusive evidence that red clover alone can be used as a cancer cure.
Heart Health
Studies show that red clover may be effective in treating heart disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tests are inconclusive on whether or not red clover can actually cure heart disease. However, studies do indicate that red clover is effective at thinning the blood, which discourages clots from forming and promotes blood flow. Studies conducted on a group of menopausal women indicated that subjects taking red clover developed stronger, more flexible arteries. VitaminStuff.com further states that a form of vitamin E, called tocopherol, is present in red clover. Tocopherol is known for its ability to lower the risk of heart attack.
Menopause
Another possible benefit of red clover is the ability to ease menopausal symptoms. According to "The Healing Herbs," red clover mimics estrogen, the female hormone that is essential to the reproductive system. For this reason, some medical researchers believe that red clover can reduce menopausal symptoms by balancing the deficit of estrogen in menopausal women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies indicate that, at the least, red clover is effective at reducing hot flashes. However, the validity of these findings is still inconclusive. Red clover is used in several over-the-counter products, such as Promensil, that are used for the treatment of hot flashes.
References
- "Prescription fo Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Red Clover
- Vitaminstuff: Red Clover
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