Red clover, also known as cow clover, wild clover and meadow clover, belongs to the legume family--which also includes peas and beans--and is used medicinally in several ways, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or the NCCAM. The flowering tops of red clover are the source of the extracts used in teas, capsules, tablets and liquid.
Menopause
Red clover has traditionally been used to treat menopausal symptoms in women, according to the NCCAM. But according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, studies haven't conclusively proven that red clover helps relieve menopausal symptoms. However, red clover extract contains isoflavones, compounds also found in soy that have an effect on the body's estrogen levels, which drop during and after menopause.
Heart Disease
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, red clover extract might improve the elasticity of major arteries, particularly in post-menopausal women, which can keep blood pressure in check and help stave off heart disease.
Osteoporosis and Bone Loss
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, red clover may help slow bone loss, due to the active properties of its isoflavones, which are compounds also found in soy.
Cancer
Although red clover has been used historically to treat cancer, according to the NCCAM, laboratory experiments do not confirm its effectiveness. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, red clover extract seems to stimulate the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells, which might mean that it's harmful to those with estrogen-sensitive cancers. It has also been shown to increase the resistance of prostate cancer cells to radiation treatments, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Other Uses
Red clover is also sometimes used to relieve chest congestion and to stop muscle spasms, but there's no evidence supporting either use, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Member Comments