Red clover is a wild plant that is suggested as an herbal remedy for numerous conditions, most notably menopausal symptoms and skin disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Red clover has also been used to to relieve asthma and other respiratory problems. Some studies infer that plant-based chemicals contained in red clover called isoflavones may help fight cancer. Isoflavones mimic the effects of the female hormone estrogen, but not enough studies have been done to prove its efficacy in the treatment of any condition. Always consult with your doctor before using herbal remedies for medical conditions.
Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that isoflavones from red clover may stop the growth of cancer cells in test tubes and may help prevent certain types of cancer including prostate, endometrial and lung cancer, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
A large Japanese study published in March 2010 in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” found that isoflavone intake was associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The study was headed by T. Shimazu of the Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
The estrogen-like effects of isoflavones found in red clover may actually encourage the growth of some cancers, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Talk to your doctor about using herbs to prevent cancer.
Heart Disease
Researchers theorize that red clover might help protect against heart disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
A study published in February 2004 in the journal “Vascular Medicine” found dietary isoflavones may have cardiovascular benefit in the form of improved vascular reactivity in post-menopausal women. Vascular reactivity refers to changes in the blood vessels in response to a stimulus.
The research was led by L.W. Lissin of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Check with your health care provider before taking herbs for heart health.
Menopause and Osteoporosis
The isoflavones found in red clover might help reduce symptoms of menopause, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in the years leading up to menopause.
A study published in August 2006 in “Climacetric," the journal of the American Menopause Society, suggests that isoflavones found in soy foods and red clover appear to have a small but positive health effect on bone mass density, cholesterol and cognitive abilities.
The research was headed by S.E. Geller of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago.
Ask your health care provider before taking herbal remedies for symptoms and conditions related to menopause.
Skin Conditions
Red clover ointments have been applied topically to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and other rashes, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Talk to your dermatologist or health care provider before using red clover for problems related to the skin.
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