Red Clover has a history of medicinal use that crosses continental divides. It is a native plant of the Mediterranean region, central Europe, the Far East, Siberia, and the Himalayas. It was eventually brought to England and America where its use grew from folk remedy to herbal medicine.
Medicinal Uses
Red Clover has been used medicinally as a blood cleanser, for balancing estrogen levels, to treat whooping cough, and to soothe skin inflammation such as eczema. It’s also used as part of anti-cancer herbal preparations.
Nutrition
The nutrients abundant in Red Clover include the minerals calcium, zinc, chromium, potassium and magnesium, as well as the vitamins A and C, and several B vitamins.
It also contains isoflavones, a plant estrogen. Isoflavones may be helpful for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, some studies showed little or no beneficial effects so more thorough clinical trials are needed.
Cancer Prevention
Researchers have begun studying the role of isoflavones from Red Clover in cancer prevention and treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests these isoflavones may stop cancer cells from growing or actually kill cancer cells in test tubes. Researchers theorize that Red Clover may help prevent some forms of cancer, such as prostate and endometrial cancer.
If you have a family history or personal history of cancer, please consult your holistic doctor to determine if Red Clover is appropriate for you.
Have you tried this herb? Share in the comments below!
References
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Jain, P.K., Joshi, H. “Coumarin: Chemical and Pharmacological Profile.” Jnl. Applied Pharmaceutical Sci. (2012) 02:06. pp. 236-240. Accessed on August 4, 2016: http://www.japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/538_pdf.pdf
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University of Maryland Medical Center. “Red Clover.”Complementary and Alternative Medicine Database Online. Accessed on August 4, 2016: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/red-clover
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Baber R.J., Templeman C., et al., “Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an isoflavone supplement and menopausal symptoms in women.” Climacteric. (1999b) 2(2). pp. 85-92. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13697139909025571?journalCode=icmt20
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Duke J.A. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc.; (2000) p.614. Full Text Available: https://archive.org/stream/HandbookOfMedicinalHerbsByJamesA.Duke/HandbookOfMedicinalHerbs_djvu.txt
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North American Menopause Society (NAMS). “The role of isoflavones in menopausal health: consensus opinion of the North American Menopause Society.” Menopause. (2000) 7(4):215-229. Accessed Aug 4, 2016: https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-document-library/psisoflavones11.pdf?sfvrsn=2
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Gartoulla P., Han M.M. “Red clover extract for alleviating hot flushes in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis.” Maturitas. (2014) 79(1):58-64. Accessed on Aug 4, 2016: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25074017
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Mannella P., Tosi V., Russo E., et al. “Effects of red clover extracts on breast cancer cell migration and invasion.” Gynecol endocrinol. (2012) 28(1). pp. 29-33. DOI:10.3109/09513590.2011.579660. Accessed on Aug 4, 2016: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09513590.2011.579660?journalCode=igye20
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Powles TJ, Howell A, Evans DG, et al., “Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer.” Menopause Int. (2008) Mar. 14(1) pp.6-12. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081968 Accessed on Aug 4, 2016.
Photo Credit
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Emelianov Evgenii/bigstockphoto.com
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