Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)

Family: Fabaceae

Part Used: Aerial Parts

Flavor/Aroma: Sweet

Energetics: Cooling

 

Overview:

Red Clover has popularly been used in therapeutic preparations to ease the frustrating symptoms of menopause, and the physical and mental changes associated with this hormonal shift. This plant medicine is also a go-to cough remedy for folk and modern herbalists alike. Red Clover has valuable medicinal properties that should never be overlooked or underutilized.    

Red Clover is a perennial herb with hairy, delicate stems. The leaves are smooth and notched, and slightly lighter in color toward the center of the leaflet. When in bloom, Red Clover expresses reddish-purple, aromatic flowers that express in a spiked or cone shaped arrangement.4

Cultivation and Harvesting:

Red Clover is naturalized and cultivated throughout the American nations amongst grasslands and open fields alike. It is used to replenish nutrient deficient soil, especially those low in nitrogen. Red Clover is native to Northwestern Africa, Asia, and across regions of Europe. The flowering tops are best collected when fully expressed, usually in the warmest summer months.

Southern Oregon Cultivation:

Red Clover can be spotted blooming in many wild spaces throughout the Rogue Valley. It prefers to grow in open fields, but is not shy to urban spaces such as lawns ann parks. Red Clover is an important source of pollen for our local pollinators, and should be harvested with care as to leave enough for other foragers.

History and Folklore:

Red Clover has been used as a whole-plant food, adding a sweet freshness to meals, as a remedy for liver and digestive ailments, and as a symbol for wealth, health, fame, and a faithful lover.1

European Medicinal Uses: During medieval times, Red Clover was often associated with the holy trinity and the cross.

Druids believed that the Red Clover was a symbol of protection, that it could ward off evil, and protect them from witches and spells.1 

American Native Medicinal Uses: Red Clover was commonly eaten as a nutrient dense food staple, integrated into topicals to treat burns, and used as a remedy for sore or irritated eyes.

Active Constituents: The primary compounds of interest in red clover are isoflavones, which are a type of phytoestrogen. These plant-derived compounds have a chemical structure that allows them to interact with certain receptors in the body. The main isoflavones found in red clover are biochanin A, formononetin, daidzein, and genistein.

Modern Applications:

• Women's Health: Research has extensively explored the use of red clover extracts for women's health. The isoflavones in red clover are of particular interest due to their phytoestrogenic properties. Studies have investigated their potential to address some of the discomforts associated with menopause.

• Bone Density: Some research has focused on the potential effects of red clover on bone mineral density. A few studies have examined whether red clover isoflavone supplements can help support bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women.

• Cardiovascular System: Limited studies have also looked into red clover's potential effects on the cardiovascular system, including its traditional use for supporting heart health.

Uses and Preparations:

Red clover is available in various forms, including dried flower heads for teas, capsules, tinctures, and standardized extracts. The amount and type of isoflavones can vary widely depending on the product and preparation.

Dried Herb Tea Preparation: 

1 Tablespoon per cup of warm water.

Using a reusable tea bag or tea ball, immerse the loose dried herbs into boiling water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, preferably covered, in order to release the maximum amount of herbal goodness. Some herbal tea can carry a strong flavor. We recommend organic honey as a sweetener which preserves the beneficial herbal compounds. 

Tincture: 

 2-4 mL up to 4 times per day.

Some herbal tinctures can have a strong flavor on their own. Adding your tincture to a glass of 6-8oz of water is one easy way to help, should you wish to dilute the flavor.  

Recommended Usage:

It is important to remember that some bodies may react differently than others when using herbal products. Our recommended usage amounts are designed to be an average dosage only. If you have specific concerns about the usage amount or interaction with other medication, please consult with your doctor or health care practitioner prior to using our products.

Precautions:

We recommend consulting with your practitioner if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or if you are using any other medications, especially those using blood thinners of any kind.  

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to its phytoestrogen content, the use of red clover is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before using red clover.

• Medication Interactions: Red clover may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and some hormone-related therapies. It is important to discuss its use with a healthcare provider, especially if taking any other medications.

References:

1. On the Cover: Red Clover. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue69/article2908.html 
2. Hidalgo, L. A., Chedraui, P. A., Morocho, N., Ross, S., & San, G. (2005, November). The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16373244&dopt=Abstract 
3. van, P. H., & Barentsen, R. (2002, July 25). Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=12161042&dopt=Abstract 
4. Trifolium. Red Clover. (n.d.). www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/trifolium-prat.html  

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.