Red Clover For Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure increases your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Since the symptoms of high blood pressure are not always apparent, it's imperative to see your doctor regularly for testing. Herbs have been used since the dawn of time to treat disorders and illnesses. Red clover may be beneficial in controlling high blood pressure, but it can't replace the need for professional medical advice. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal remedies, so you have no guarantee of quality or effectiveness.

Blood Pressure Basics

Two numbers denote your blood pressure reading, written as one over the other. The top one, or systolic, should be less than 120 to be considered normal, and the bottom one, or diastolic, should be less than 80. If the systolic reading is 120 to 139, you are pre-hypertensive; from 140 to 159, you have Stage 1 hypertension; and over 160, you have Stage 2 hypertension. If the diastolic is 80 to 89, it signifies pre-hypertension; from 90 to 99, Stage 1 hypertension; and over 100, Stage 2 hypertension.

Red Clover

Only the round scarlet blossoms of the red clover plant, or Trifolium pretense, are valuable in herbal remedies. The blossoms contain isoflavonoids, coumarin, volatile oils and glycosides, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." These constituents may be responsible for red clover's ability to reduce blood pressure.

In a study conducted at Boston University, published in 2003 in the journal "Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism," menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes received 50 mg of red clover isoflavones daily. At the end of a four-week testing period, the researchers noted a drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Additional testing on people who are not diabetic or menopausal is necessary to confirm the beneficial effects of red clover on the general population.

Dosage

Red clover is available in tea form or as tablets, capsules and tincture. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines" suggests making a herbal infusion by pouring 2.5 cups of boiling water over 2 oz. of red clover blossoms. Steep for 30 minutes before straining and store the liquid in a refrigerator. Take one or two sips at a time, not to exceed one cup per day. For red clover in other forms, follow package directions.

Considerations

High blood pressure is a dangerous medical condition, and your doctor is the best source of advice for determining if red clover is right for you. Red clover appears to be safe when taken at the recommended dosages, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia," and there are no listed drug interactions. Use caution, however, when adding any new herb or supplement to your diet. See your doctor for high blood pressure symptoms, and use red clover only as part of a doctor-recommended treatment plan.