Red clover is a plant that grows wild in Australia, the Americas, Asia, Europe and northern Africa. The flower of the clover is used for herbal remedies, and ranges in color from pink to red or purple. Red clover has also been used for centuries to feed grazing animals, such as cattle. Other common names for red clover include purple clover, trefoil, wild clover, cow clover, cow grass, meadow clover and beebread.
Cardiovascular Health
Research has shown that red clover isoflavones --- a chemical found in plants that acts like estrogen have been associated with increases in high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, the "good"cholesterol in premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Preliminary evidence from one study has shown that red clover supplements may help the flexibility and strengthening of arteries in menopausal women. Red clover may also help prevent blood clots, as it may contain blood-thinning properties.
Cancer
Red clover has traditionally been used to treat cancer, and researchers have begun studying the effect of the red clover isoflavones. Red clover has been proposed for prevention of prostate cancer and endometrial cancer; however, the estrogen-like effects of the isoflavones may actually contribute to the growth of some cancers. Until more research has been conducted, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that red clover cannot be recommended for cancer prevention, and that women with a history of breast cancer should not use red clover.
Menopausal Symptoms
To date, studies on the effectiveness of red clover for treating menopausal symptoms have not been conclusive; however, several studies have found that the extract of isoflavones from red clover may significantly reduce the occurrences of hot flashes in menopausal women. However, according to the American Cancer Society, studies of commercial red clover isoflovanes have produced conflicting results, with most not finding a reduction in menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. More research is needed before red clover can be recommended for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Other Uses
Red clover is used medicinally for a variety of other conditions, including indigestion, whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, sexually transmitted diseases, breast pain or tenderness and premenstrual syndrome. Red clover has also been used topically for skin cancer, skin sores, burns, eczema and psoriasis. Red clover has not been proven as an effective treatment for any of these conditions. The solid extract of red clover has also been used to flavor foods and beverages.
Member Comments