Red clover is a plant in the family of legumes that is used for its flavor, scent and therapeutic effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that this wild plant, used for grazing animals, has also been used medicinally to treat a number of conditions, including respiratory problems, whooping cough and skin inflammations such as eczema and psoriasis. Red clover can also increase female hormones in the body; this and other effects of the herb may affect fertility or reproductive health. However, red clover can also cause unwanted side effects and should not be used without the supervision of a doctor.
Effects on Uterus
The herb red clover contains isoflavone phytoesterogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the female hormone estrogen in the body. The site FemHealth.net notes that in some cases excess levels of estrogen in the body can lead to cancers of the uterus and other hormone-sensitive cancers. However, in cases of women who have problems with reproductive health due to low levels of hormones, red clover may be able to increase fertility by improving uterus health. There are not enough studies on this effect on the uterus, and red clover should only be used for this purpose under the direction of a medical professional.
Detoxification
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that red clover is thought to detoxify the blood because it is a diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess fluid and an expectorant that helps to clear mucous from the lungs. This helps to cleanse the liver to improve the health of all the organs, including the ovaries, uterus and other areas of the reproductive system, increasing fertility in some cases.
Blood Circulation
Red clover also improves blood circulation in the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that this effect is due to isoflavone compounds in this plant, which improve cardiovascular health and blood flow throughout the body. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that red clover helps to increase healthy high density lipids or HDL cholesterol in the body, prevent blood clots, lowers blood pressure and improve arterial compliance or strength and flexibility of the blood vessels. Though this effect is most notable in pre- and post-menopausal women, it also affects women of child-bearing age, improving reproductive health.
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