Psoriasis is a skin disease that influences the life cycle of skin cells. People with psoriasis, have skin cells that build up rapidly, causing thick silvery scales and itchy red patches. Red clover is a wild perennial that herbalists have used for over 2,000 years to treat many ailments, including psoriasis. You should always consult a physician before using red clover or any other herbal remedy.
Red Clover
Red clover is a herb that grows wild throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that it is a great source of chromium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine and vitamin C. For centuries, holistic practitioners and herbalists used red clover flowers to help clear mucus from the lungs, purify the blood and improve circulation. Red clover purportedly also helps with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to thick silvery scales forming on the skin as well as itchy, red, dry patches that may cause pain. MayoClinic.com explains that psoriasis has periods of remission when symptoms briefly disappear, but as of 2010, there is no cure for psoriasis. People with psoriasis may experience red patches of skin, small scaly spots, skin that cracks and bleeds, itching, burning, soreness, thickened nails with pitting or ridges and arthritis causing swollen or stiff joints.
There are several prescription medications on the market to treat psoriasis including corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids and anthralin. Each medication comes with its own list of side effects. For years, herbalists have used red clover to treat the skin lesions associated with psoriasis.
Red Clover for Psoriasis
When herbalists use red clover to treat psoriasis, they create a topical ointment containing 10 to 15 percent flowerheads and instruct patients to apply as needed to help relieve the pain, swelling and irritation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Despite its long-term use as a psoriasis treatment, insufficient clinical evidence exists to rate the effectiveness of the herb for psoriasis treatment. Never use red clover to treat psoriasis unless first discussing the risks and the benefits with your physician. Also, never apply ointment to broken or open skin.
Warning
Topical red clover may cause skin irritation and rash. If you experience these side effects, you should stop use immediately. Red clover may also cause muscle aches, headache, nausea and vaginal bleeding, according to the National Institutes of Health. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid red clover as its effects on pregnant women are unclear. If you have a hormone sensitive condition, such as uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis and prostate cancer, you should use caution with red clover as it contains estrogen like chemicals that can exacerbate your condition.
Drug Interactions
Red clover may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills and estrogen as well as affect anticoagulant medications increasing the chance of bleeding. Medications changed by the liver such as amitriptyline, verapamil, warfarin, glipizide and losartin may also interact with red clover.
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