Red clover is an ingredient in many herbal remedies designed to clear the skin. The cleansing properties of red clover have been reported to be effective for eczema, psoriasis and acne; however, sufficient scientific evidence to back these claims is not yet available. Therefore, as with any new treatment, you should consult your health care provider before beginning use.
Red Clover
Red clover is an edible perennial herb that grows in the wild and is often grown as feed for grazing animals or a farming cover crop for soil replenishment. The blooming red flowers have purported medicinal uses for respiratory ailments, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalances and heart disease, as well as skin eruptions and eczema. Red clover is a rich source of isoflavones, vitamins C, B-1 and B-3, and minerals such as calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Complexion
Our skin is the largest organ of the body, and is one of the primary routes of detoxification. While not always profuse, water and toxins are continually released through the skin via sweat. If your other detoxifying systems, namely the liver and kidneys, are not removing chemicals and toxins as they should, the skin becomes distressed. If your skin becomes overburdened, breakouts may occur. A poor complexion can also be the result of hormonal fluctuations and stress.
Liver Detoxification
The liver is another major route of detoxification in our bodies. If liver function is depressed, toxins are not properly filtered out and can remain in our blood, leading to physical manifestations such as skin breakouts, eczema and a poor complexion. The isoflavones in red clover potentially upregulate liver detoxification by increasing bile acid flow, thereby aiding digestion, purifying the blood and clearing the complexion.
Dosage and Precautions
Red clover can be taken as a tea, tincture, capsule, tablet or eaten alone. A steeped tea is the most common method of consumption. As an added bonus, the increased water intake through tea will assist the kidneys to flush the system. Side effects are generally minimal, although digestive discomfort is sometimes reported. Red clover is GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe, in the United States; however, it is advised to consult your health care practitioner before taking any herbal preparations or supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Red Clover
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements"; Allison Sarubin Fragakis, MS, RD with Cynthia Thomson, PhD, RD; 2007
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