Benefits of the Herb Red Clover

Red clover is a perennial herb commonly found and cultivated in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The benefits of red clover (Trifolium pratense) are many. Red clover is rich in compounds that are helpful in the treatment of maladies specific to men and women and has potential for cancer prevention.

History

• The flowers of the red clover have been used for decades in various folk remedies. The Chinese have used infusions of red clover as an expectorant. The Russians used it to treat bronchial asthma. Europeans have used it to treat liver and digestive ailments and some Native American groups have used it to treat burns, whooping cough, fevers and to treat menopausal symptoms and cancers.

Menopause

• Red clover contains 1 to 2.5 percent of 4 different types of isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens or plant estrogens that act in the body the same way as estrogen. According to the American Botanical Society, some studies suggest that red clover can help reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, decrease bone loss, increase high-density lipoproteins or good cholesterol and reduce arterial stiffness that can contribute to hardening of the arteries.

Menstruation

• Because red clover contains phytoestrogens, it is believed that red clover can help reduce menstrual cramps and other menstrual symptoms, such as swollen breasts and pre-menstrual tension by increasing the levels of estrogen and bringing hormone levels into balance.

Cancer Prevention

• To grow, tumors need access to blood supply and to send out chemical signals to the body to increase the number of blood vessels to cancerous growths. Red clover contains the compound genistein, an agent that blocks these chemical signals to prevent tumor growth. Drinking red clover tea daily may decrease the possibility of developing cancer.

Prostate

• According to the American Botanical Society, recent studies suggest that a diet high in isoflavones like those found in red clover may reduce the risk for prostate cancer and are good for overall prostate health. Red clover extracts particularly have potential in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement, common with advancing age.

Warning

• Please check with your health care provider before taking red clover herb if you are currently taking blood-thinning drugs or prescribed hormones. There are no known contraindications or side effects related to taking red clover.