Nutritional Supplement
Red Clover
Menopause Support
Menopause
Red clover is an herb with weak estrogen-like actions similar to soy. In one study, isoflavones from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.MenopauseA variety of herbs with weak estrogen-like actions similar to the effects of soy have traditionally been used for women with menopausal symptoms.6 These herbs include licorice, alfalfa, and red clover. In a double-blind trial, a formula containing tinctures of licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and motherwort (30 drops three times daily) was found to reduce symptoms of menopause.7 No effects on hormone levels were detected in this study. In a separate double-blind trial, supplementation with dong quai (4.5 grams three times daily in capsules) had no effect on menopausal symptoms or hormone levels.8 A double-blind trial using a standardized extract of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), a relative of red clover, containing 40 mg isoflavones per tablet did not impact symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, though it did improve function of the arteries.9 An extract of red clover, providing 82 mg of isoflavones per day, also was ineffective in a 12-week double-blind study.10 In another double-blind study, however, administration of 80 mg of isoflavones per day from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks.11 An extract of red clover also decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women in a double-blind study. The extract provided 80 mg of isoflavones per day and was taken for 90 days.12
Women's Health
Menopause
Red clover is an herb with weak estrogen-like actions similar to soy. In one study, isoflavones from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.MenopauseA variety of herbs with weak estrogen-like actions similar to the effects of soy have traditionally been used for women with menopausal symptoms.13 These herbs include licorice, alfalfa, and red clover. In a double-blind trial, a formula containing tinctures of licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and motherwort (30 drops three times daily) was found to reduce symptoms of menopause.14 No effects on hormone levels were detected in this study. In a separate double-blind trial, supplementation with dong quai (4.5 grams three times daily in capsules) had no effect on menopausal symptoms or hormone levels.15 A double-blind trial using a standardized extract of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), a relative of red clover, containing 40 mg isoflavones per tablet did not impact symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, though it did improve function of the arteries.16 An extract of red clover, providing 82 mg of isoflavones per day, also was ineffective in a 12-week double-blind study.17 In another double-blind study, however, administration of 80 mg of isoflavones per day from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks.18 An extract of red clover also decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women in a double-blind study. The extract provided 80 mg of isoflavones per day and was taken for 90 days.19
Bone Support
Osteoporosis
In one study, supplementing with isoflavones from red clover reduced the amount of bone loss from the spine by 45%, compared with a placebo.OsteoporosisIn a double-blind study, supplementation with isoflavones from red clover for one year reduced the amount of bone loss from the spine by 45%, compared with a placebo.20 The supplement used provided daily 26 mg of biochanin A, 16 mg of formononetin, 1 mg of genistein, and 0.5 mg of daidzein.Immune System Support
Cough
Red clover has a long history of use for relieving coughs.CoughThe mucilage of slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include bloodroot, catnip, comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), horehound, elecampane, mullein, lobelia, hyssop, licorice, mallow, (Malvia sylvestris),red clover, ivy leaf, pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium),onion, (Allium cepa), and plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.
Skin Protection
Eczema
Red clover has been used historically to treat people with eczema.EczemaBurdock, sarsaparilla, red clover, and wild oats have been used historically to treat people with eczema, but without scientific investigation.
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western folk medicine used this plant as a diuretic, a cough expectorant (an agent that promotes discharge of mucus from the respiratory passages), and an alterative.21 Alterative plants were considered beneficial for chronic conditions, particularly those afflicting the skin.