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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- PubMed.Gov: Isoflavones From Red Clover (Promensil) Significantly Reduce Menopausal Hot Flush Symptoms Compared with Placebo
- PubMed.Gov: Isoflavones From Red Clover (Promensil) Significantly Reduce Menopausal Hot Flush Symptoms Compared with Placebo
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Are the Benefits of Red Clover Tea?
Red Clover is a wild herb found in the meadows of Europe and Asia which cattle commonly graze upon 1. The small purple flowers are usually dried before they are used medicinally, either topically or as a tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, red clover is nutrient-rich and contains phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, niacin, potassium,chromium, thiamine and vitamin C. Before taking any herb you should first speak to your physician 14.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Cancer
Traditionally, red clover has been used as an herbal treatment for cancer 1. Herbalist Micheal Tierra describes it as a alterative, antispasmodic, antitumor and expectorant. Tierra also suggests its use as a tea in combination with other herbs may help reduce tumors. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, red clover is commonly used to treat breast and prostate cancer 1. The Swedish Medical Center notes that few studies have been done to verify the relationship between red clover and anticancer benefits, and that further research is needed 14.
Menopause Symptoms
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Red clover contains isoflavones which are believed to act like estrogen, and has been used by herbalists to help ease menopausal symptoms 1. A study published in the July, 2002 issue of "Maturitas" confirmed the use of red clover as effective in reducing the hot flash symptoms associated with menopause 1. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies show that using red clover extract can reduce bone loss in pre and perimenopausal women, and increase bone mineral density 14.
Other Uses
Red clover has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat inflammation of the skin, whooping cough and respiratory conditions 1. Herbalists suggest drinking a tea made with red clover, steeped for five to 10 minutes to ease coughing due to colds or the flu 1. A poultice made from a strong red clover tea can be placed on skin irritations associated with eczema or psoriasis to ease discomfort and speed healing 1. Red clover contains coumins, which have a mild blood thinning property and are believed to help chronic degenerative disorders 1. There are no serous effects listed for taking red clover, but it is advised that you speak to your physician before taking this herb 1. Children and women with a history of breast cancer should not use red clover 1.
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References
- Drugs.Com: Red Clover
- PubMed.Gov: Isoflavones From Red Clover (Promensil) Significantly Reduce Menopausal Hot Flush Symptoms Compared with Placebo
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra; 1998
- Swedish Medical Center: Red Clover
- Population structure and genetic diversity in red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) germplasm | Scientific Reports
- Trifolium pratense L. as a Potential Natural Antioxidant
- Osteoporosis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
- Primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
- Prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Effects of isoflavone interventions on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed
- Soy Isoflavones and Osteoporotic Bone Loss: A Review with an Emphasis on Modulation of Bone Remodeling
- Soy isoflavones for osteoporosis: an evidence-based approach - PubMed
- Intake of Novel Red Clover Supplementation for 12 Weeks Improves Bone Status in Healthy Menopausal Women
- The effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial - PubMed
- The effect of isoflavones extracted from red clover (Rimostil) on lipid and bone metabolism - PubMed
- Red clover isoflavones enriched with formononetin lower serum LDL cholesterol-a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study - PubMed
- Antiresorptive Effects of Phytoestrogen Supplements Compared with Estradiol or Risedronate in Postmenopausal Women Using 41Ca Methodology
- Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Effects of a standardised extract of Trifolium pratense (Promensil) at a dosage of 80mg in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study - PubMed
- Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Improvement of postmenopausal depressive and anxiety symptoms after treatment with isoflavones derived from red clover extracts - PubMed
- The effects of red clover on quality of life in post-menopausal women
- Effects of Trifolium pratense on the climacteric and sexual symptoms in postmenopause women - PubMed
- Safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover for the management of vasomotor symptoms: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed
- Red clover and lifestyle changes to contrast menopausal symptoms in premenopausal patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer receiving tamoxifen - PubMed
- Trifolium pratense isoflavones in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Clinical studies of red clover (Trifolium pratense) dietary supplements in menopause: a literature review - PubMed
- Phytoestrogens for menopausal vasomotor symptoms - PubMed
- Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women
- A new strategy to modulate alopecia using a combination of two specific and unique ingredients - PubMed
- Red clover isoflavones enriched with formononetin lower serum LDL cholesterol-a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study - PubMed
- Effects of red clover on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women's blood lipid profile: A meta-analysis - PubMed
- Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones on the lipid profile of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- Safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover for the management of vasomotor symptoms: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed
- Multifocal and recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an herbal supplement containing natural coumarins - PubMed
- Red clover causing symptoms suggestive of methotrexate toxicity in a patient on high-dose methotrexate - PubMed
- Non-estrogen conventional and phytochemical treatments for vasomotor symptoms: what needs to be known for practice - PubMed
- Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer - PubMed
- Red Clover | NCCIH
- Coagulation Disorder following Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Misuse: a Case Report
- Red clover causing symptoms suggestive of methotrexate toxicity in a patient on high-dose methotrexate - PubMed
- Effect of Red Clover on CYP Expression: An Investigation of Herb-Drug Interaction at Molecular Level
- Red clover and lifestyle changes to contrast menopausal symptoms in premenopausal patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer receiving tamoxifen - PubMed
- Soy, Red Clover, and Isoflavones and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
- Coagulation Disorder following Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Misuse: a Case Report
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Writer Bio
Catherine Smith has been writing professionally since 2000. She runs a client-based wellness office in Bastrop, Texas. She specializes in pain and stress management using herbs and alternative medicine She received her doctorate in natural health with a concentration in herbal studies from Clayton College of Natural Health.