Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa but has been widely naturalized in other regions around the world. Red clover is characterized by its distinctive red to pinkish-purple flower heads, which are borne on long stalks and consist of numerous tiny individual flowers.

Which Parts of Red Clover are Used Medicinally

The flowers, leaves, and sometimes the aerial parts (stems and leaves) of the red clover plant (Trifolium pratense) are used for medicinal purposes. Each part contains bioactive compounds that contribute to its potential health benefits.

Here’s how each part of the red clover plant is used medicinally:

Flowers: The flowers of red clover are particularly rich in isoflavones, including genistein and daidzein, which are phytoestrogens with estrogen-like effects in the body. These compounds are often used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Red clover flower extracts or teas are also used for their potential benefits for bone health, cardiovascular health, and skin conditions.

Leaves: The leaves of red clover also contain isoflavones and other bioactive compounds, although they may have lower concentrations compared to the flowers. Red clover leaf extracts or teas are used for similar purposes as the flowers, including menopausal symptom relief, bone health support, and cardiovascular health benefits.

Aerial Parts (Stems and Leaves): In addition to the flowers and leaves, the aerial parts of the red clover plant, including the stems and leaves, may be used for medicinal purposes. These parts also contain isoflavones and other phytochemicals, although their concentrations may vary. Red clover aerial part extracts or teas are used for similar purposes as the flowers and leaves, including menopausal symptom relief, bone health support, and cardiovascular health benefits.

Red Clover Nutrients

Red clover has a long history of traditional use as a medicinal herb and fodder crop. It is also valued as a nitrogen-fixing plant that can improve soil fertility. The flowers, leaves, and stems of red clover contain various bioactive compounds, including isoflavones, flavonoids and phytoestrogens, which contribute to its potential health benefits.

As well as being rich in isoflavones, Red clover is also a source of many valuable nutrients including; calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin (vitamin B3), phosphorus, potassium, thiamine (vitamin B1) and vitamin C.

Health Benefits of Red Clover

Red Clover is considered to be one of the richest sources of isoflavones, which are water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens (known collectively as phytoestrogens). Red Clover is therefore used for; hot flashes/flushes, PMS, breast enhancement and breast health, as well as for; lowering cholesterol, improving urine production and improving circulation of the blood, to help prevent osteoporosis, reduce the possibility of blood clots and arterial plaques and limiting the development of benign prostate hyperplasia.

Below we will explore some of the health benefits and uses of red clover:

Red Clover for Menopause Relief

Red clover is often used as a natural remedy to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. This is attributed to its content of isoflavones, particularly genistein and daidzein, which have estrogen-like effects in the body.

Several studies of a proprietary extract of Red Clover isoflavones suggest that it may significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Also, menopause increases a woman’s risk for developing osteoporosis (significant bone loss) and some studies suggest that a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in pre and peri-menopausal women.

The estrogen-like effect of red clover isoflavones may be involved, and red clover also may have a direct effect by preventing the breakdown of existing bone. However, this possible bone-strengthening effect has not been seen in men and post-menopausal women.

Because it contains chemicals called isoflavones, which belong to a larger class of plant chemicals known as phyto (plant-derived) estrogens, red clover is often taken to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Isoflavones are similar in shape to the female hormone, estrogen. Therefore, they may attach to estrogen receptors throughout the body particularly in the bladder, blood vessels, bones, and heart.

This effect may also reduce the possibility of developing estrogen-dependent cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). In addition, results from a review of nearly 1000 women suggest that red clover may interfere with an enzyme known to promote the progression of endometrial cancer.

Red Clover for Breast Enhancement

There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that red clover can enhance breast size or shape in humans. While red clover contains isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, which are phytoestrogens with weak estrogenic activity, there is insufficient research to demonstrate their effectiveness for breast enhancement.

Phytoestrogens like those found in red clover mimic the effects of estrogen in the body to some extent. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a role in breast development during puberty and pregnancy. Some proponents of natural breast enhancement suggest that phytoestrogens may promote breast growth by stimulating estrogen receptors in breast tissue.

Herbs with more data to back up this use include: Fenugreek, Soy Isoflavones and Saw Palmetto. For genetic males who may wish to increase their natural breast size, it’s thought that adding Black Cohosh to your daily routine can help to counteract testosterone levels.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Red Clover

Red clover may help to prevent heart disease in several ways, although results from human studies are not definite. Some studies show that taking red clover may help improve cardiovascular health by lowering the levels of ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and raising the levels of ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

In addition, red clover may also promote an increase in the secretion of bile acid. Because cholesterol is a major component of bile acid, increased bile acid production usually means that more cholesterol is used and less cholesterol circulates in the body.

Additionally, red clover contains small amounts of chemicals known as coumarins, which may help keep the blood from becoming thick and gummy. Therefore, the possibility of forming blood clots and arterial plaques may be reduced. Plaques are accumulations of blood cells, fats, and other substances that may build up in blood vessels, possibly reducing or blocking blood flow.

Red clover may also help the arteries remain strong and flexible (a quality often called ‘arterial compliance’), which may also help to prevent some of the plaque deposits that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Red Clover for Cancer Prevention

Red clover has been studied for its potential anticancer properties, particularly due to its content of isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein. These phytoestrogens have been investigated for their effects on cancer prevention and treatment, although the research is still ongoing, and findings are mixed.

Some studies suggest that red clover isoflavones may have anticancer effects, including:

Anti-Proliferative Effects: Isoflavones in red clover have been shown to inhibit the proliferation (growth and spread) of cancer cells in laboratory studies. They may interfere with various cellular processes involved in cancer development and progression.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Red clover isoflavones have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is associated with cancer development and progression.

Estrogenic Effects: Red clover isoflavones have weak estrogenic activity, which may influence hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Some research suggests that they may have protective effects against hormone-dependent cancers by competing with endogenous estrogens for receptor binding sites.

Antioxidant Effects: Isoflavones in red clover have antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, potentially protecting cells from DNA damage and mutations that can lead to cancer.

However, it’s important to note that the evidence regarding the anticancer effects of red clover isoflavones is still preliminary, and more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. While some studies have shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies, clinical trials in humans have yielded mixed or inconclusive findings.

Additionally, red clover supplements should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments. If you are considering using red clover or any other herbal remedy as part of your cancer treatment or prevention plan, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably one experienced in integrative or complementary medicine. They can provide personalized guidance, assess potential risks and benefits, and help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Red Clover for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Red clover may also block enzymes thought to contribute to prostate cancer in men. It has shown a definite limiting effect, however, in the development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate may cause men to experience a weak or interrupted urine stream, dribbling after urinating, or the urge to urinate even after voiding. For most men, BPH is a normal part of aging.

Red Clover to Help Quit Smoking

Red Clover is sometimes suggested for smoking cessation due to its potential impact on nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Its isoflavones may also offer detoxification support. The herb’s mild sedative properties may aid in relaxation and stress reduction during the quit-smoking process. Additionally, red clover’s antioxidant properties may help combat oxidative stress associated with smoking cessation.

Red Clover for Bone Health

Red clover is often used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including promoting bone health. Isoflavones in red clover may have benefits for bone health by promoting bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

While scientific research on the effects of red clover specifically on bone health is limited, some studies suggest that certain compounds found in red clover, such as isoflavones, may have potential benefits for bone health.

Here’s how red clover may help support bone health:

Isoflavones: Red clover contains isoflavones, including genistein and daidzein, which are phytoestrogens. These compounds have weak estrogenic effects and may help support bone health by:

Stimulating osteoblast activity: Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for bone formation. Isoflavones may help stimulate osteoblasts, leading to increased bone formation and density.

Inhibiting osteoclast activity: Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. Isoflavones may help inhibit osteoclast activity, reducing bone resorption and turnover.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation can contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis. Red clover isoflavones have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the bones and surrounding tissues, thereby protecting against bone loss.

Antioxidant Effects: Isoflavones in red clover also have antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to bone loss by promoting the breakdown of bone tissue and interfering with bone remodeling processes.

Phytoestrogen Activity: The weak estrogenic activity of red clover isoflavones may mimic the effects of endogenous estrogen in the body, which plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

While these mechanisms suggest potential benefits of red clover for bone health, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine its efficacy in clinical settings.

Additionally, if you’re considering using red clover or any other herbal remedy for bone health, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide personalized advice and help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Red Clover for Coughs and Respiratory Health

Red clover tea or extracts may help alleviate coughs and respiratory congestion due to its expectorant properties.

Red clover is often classified as an herbal expectorant due to its historical use in traditional medicine for respiratory conditions, particularly to alleviate coughs and promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. While the specific mechanisms by which red clover exerts its expectorant effects are not fully understood, several properties of the herb may contribute to its potential benefits for respiratory health:

Mucolytic Activity: Red clover contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and saponins, which are believed to possess mucolytic properties. Mucolytics are substances that help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel from the airways. By thinning the mucus, red clover may facilitate its removal through coughing.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract can contribute to excessive mucus production and respiratory symptoms such as coughing and congestion. Red clover has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate associated symptoms.

Antitussive Activity: In addition to its potential mucolytic effects, red clover may also have antitussive properties, meaning it can help suppress coughing. By calming irritated airways and reducing the urge to cough, red clover may provide symptomatic relief for individuals with respiratory conditions.

Antioxidant Effects: Red clover contains antioxidants, such as isoflavones, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the respiratory tract. Oxidative stress can contribute to airway inflammation and damage, exacerbating respiratory symptoms. By reducing oxidative stress, red clover may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions.

Red Clover for Skin Health

Red clover is used in traditional medicine and herbal skincare products for its potential benefits for skin health. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, topical preparations of red clover extracts are used to soothe skin conditions such as; eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

While scientific research on the specific effects of red clover on skin health is limited, some of its bioactive compounds may contribute to its potential skincare benefits.

Here are some ways in which red clover may support skin health:

Isoflavones: Red clover contains isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, which are phytoestrogens with estrogen-like effects. These compounds may help promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Antioxidant Properties: Red clover is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the skin. This may help protect skin cells from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution, potentially reducing signs of aging and promoting overall skin health.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that red clover may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin. This may be beneficial for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, where inflammation plays a role in symptom severity.

Moisturizing and Hydrating: Red clover extracts or oils may have moisturizing properties, helping to hydrate the skin and improve its barrier function. This can help maintain skin moisture levels, prevent dryness and flakiness, and promote a healthy complexion.

Wound Healing: Red clover extracts have been investigated for their potential wound healing properties. Some research suggests that red clover may help promote the healing of minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions by stimulating tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.

How To Take Red Clover

Red clover is commonly consumed as a tea, either by steeping the dried flowers and leaves in hot water or by using commercially available tea bags. It is also available in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures, extracts and topical creams or ointments. The specific form and dosage will vary depending on the desired health benefit and individual preferences.

Where to Buy Evening Red Clover

USA:	Amazon.com
UK:	Amazon.co.uk

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Red Clover Herb Notes / Side Effects

While red clover is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with allergies to plants in the Fabaceae family.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis, should consult with a healthcare professional before using red clover supplements.

Additionally, red clover may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and hormone therapies, so it’s essential to discuss its use with a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications.

Because the estrogen-like chemicals it contains may have caused abnormal fetal development in animal studies, taking Red Clover is not recommended for pregnant women.

Women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus should not take red clover due to its possible estrogenic effects. Men with prostate cancer should also avoid taking red clover, unless a doctor recommends using it.

Latin Name

Trifolium pratense

Common Names

Bee-bread, Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Red Clover, Trefoil, Wild Clover

Properties of Red Clover

Nutritional, phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, antimicrobial, soil Improvement, detergent, sedative, tonic, antispasmodic, alterative (substances that gradually alter or restore the body’s natural functions, particularly in cases of chronic illness or debility).

Red Clover is Indicated for:

Hot flashes/flushes, PMS, lowers cholesterol, helps prevent osteoporosis, reduces possibility of forming blood clots and arterial plaques, limit development of benign prostate hyperplasia, breast enhancement and breast health, improve urine production, circulation of the blood, secretion of bile, loosen phlegm, calm bronchial spasms, preventing endometrial cancer in women, limiting prostate cancer in men, prevent heart disease, quitting smoking, menopause relief.