Botanical Name: Trifolium pratense
Red clover is a blood purifying herb and as such is used to detoxify the body and treat skin conditions, normally in combination with burdock and yellow dock. Red clover is an expectorant and may be used for spasmodic coughs.
Red clover, (leaf, stem, and flower) contains phytoestrogenic isoflavones such as formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein and has demonstrable phytoestrogenic activity that makes it an important herb to consider for menopausal complaints, including vaginal atrophy and dryness. In a double-blind, randomized study of 60 postmenopausal women receiving either a commercially available red clover isoflavone supplement (80 mg/day) or placebo for 90 days, the red clover isoflavone supplementation significantly decreased the rate of menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology. It is recommended in either a strong daily infusion, or in the form of red clover sprouts.
Warnings: Long-term use raises questions about the safety of red clover's estrogenic properties on endometrial and breast cancer cells and it is not recommended in such patients.
