About Red Clover

Red clover can be brewed into an herbal tea.

Used to alleviate the symptoms of several conditions, red clover is similar to beans and peas and is a member of the legume family. Because red clover contains phytoestrogens, it's usually used to treat conditions that plague women. While studies have mixed results of its efficacy, proponents claim that its properties work similar to other estrogen treatments.

Benefits

In the past, red clover was mostly used to treat cancer and respiratory issues, such as asthma and whooping cough, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says. Now, though, it is used to treat women's hormonal issues, such as menopausal symptoms and breast tenderness associated with menstruation. Red clover contains isoflavones, which could have estrogen-like side effects, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. During menopause, estrogen levels drop, so women are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Using red clover, then, could theoretically decrease a woman's risk. Some proponents of red clover also say that it could prevent cancer, as isoflavones could stop cancer cells from growing.

Dosage

The flowers of the red clover plant come as dried herbs for teas, tablets, capsules and as tinctures. To make a tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in eight ounces of hot water for 30 minutes. If using the capsules, take for 40 to 160 milligrams of the supplement daily. Or, take 60 to 100 drops -- about 3 to 5 milliliters -- of red clover daily in tincture form. The tincture should be about 30 percent alcohol.

Considerations

The NCCAM notes several small studies that have had mixed results for menopausal women; however, NCCAM claims that most of the studies had design flaws. A large study showed that red clover had no positive effect on menopausal women. It says that overall scientific evidence is lacking, and further research is needed.

Warnings

The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take red clover. In addition, red clover could have negative effects for children, so parents should contact their pediatricians before giving it to children. NCCAM says that because red clover has estrogen-like compounds, it could actually increases the likelihood that a woman would develop cancer of the lining of the uterus. No studies, though, have shown a direct correlation. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that red clover could interfere with the body's ability to process some drugs. Before taking it, speak with your doctor about red clover and its possible interaction with other medications.

References

• The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Red Clover
• The University of Maryland Medical Center: Red Clover