Milk thistle and red clover are two very commonly used medicinal herbs. Both grow wild and may even be considered to be weeds, but both contain a powerful medicinal potential. The red clover flowering tops are used to make medicinal preparations, and the fruits, seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant are the portions used, according to Medicinal Herb Info website. Before using milk thistle or red clover, seek the advice of your health care provider.
Red Clover Uses
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) website says that red clover is useful as a treatment for symptoms of menopause, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, cancer, eczema, psoriasis and other skin irritations. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) website says that red clover is used to treat whooping cough, mastitis and chest congestion.
Milk Thistle Uses
According to the UMMC website, milk thistle is commonly used to treat viral hepatitis, liver disease from alcohol, food poisoning and cancer. The MSKCC site adds that milk thistle is useful in treating indigestion, drug-induced liver damage, liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Milk thistle is also often used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, lowering cholesterol and gallbladder problems, says the NCCAM website.
Research
The NCCAM site describes clinical research with mixed results when red clover was used to treat symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and hot flashes. The NCCAM is currently conducting research into the effectiveness of red clover in treating menopausal symptoms and prostate cancer.
The NCCAM is also currently studying the effects of milk thistle in treating hepatitis C, liver disease and people with chemotherapy-induced liver damage.
Possible Side Effects
The UMMC website says that red clover has been found to be generally safe when taken for up to a year. But it reports that a few people experience rash, nausea or vomiting when taking red clover.
The UMMC site reports that milk thistle is also considered to be generally safe in recommended amounts. Some people may develop a rash from handling the milk thistle plant, though. A few people may develop upset stomach or diarrhea when taking milk thistle.
The UMMC site warns pregnant and breast-feeding women not to take either red clover or milk thistle, in order to avoid potential risk to the unborn or nursing baby. The MSKCC website warns patients with hormone-sensitive cancers to avoid the use of both red clover and milk thistle.
Potential Interactions
The UMMC site says that people taking some cancer drugs, blood thinners, anti-anxiety drugs, allergy medications, seizure medications and anti-psychotic drugs should not take milk thistle due to possibly harmful interactions. The site also cautions people who take hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, blood thinners or the medication Tamoxifen to avoid taking red clover.
Forms Used
According to the NCCAM website, red clover is found in capsule, liquid extract and tablet form. The site also reports that milk thistle can be found as tinctures, powders, extracts and capsules.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Listings for Red Clover & Mik Thistle
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Listings for Milk Thistle & Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Listings for Milk Thistle & Red Clover
- Medicinal Herb Info: Listings for Milk Thistle & Red Clover
- PubMed: Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study
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