Alternative Medicine:Red Clover

By Kalynn Amadio

I can remember spending hours in the neighbor's yard sorting through patches of clover looking for that one lucky four leaf variety. On two occasions I found such a specimen and still have one in my wallet today, 35 years later. While that clover might have brought a countless measure of luck, it's the blossom that is considered lucky in alternative medicine. The red clover or trifolium pratense, is an herb that has compounds called isoflavones. Isoflavones are a form of estrogen.

Cancer Fighting Properties

Isoflavones are currently being studied as a possible means of fighting cancer. Preliminary research shows that red clover might aid in prevention of cancer cell growth or kill the cells in lab test tubes. Because red clover's isoflavones have an estrogen quality that is similar to human estrogen, it is possible that cancers fed by estrogen production would be aided to grow rather than diminished.

Because red clover contains estrogen-like compounds known as phytoestrogens, there is a possibility that its long-term use would increase the risk of women developing cancer of the lining of the uterus. Conversely, phytoestrogens may be responsible for the absence of cancer in people who eat a plant-based diet, because these plant-based estrogens lock on to certain cells, preventing the "real" human estrogens from over stimulating the body.

Since red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, it could change the behavior of hormone derived, prescribed medicines (birth control pills), and natural human hormones already at work in the body.

It is unclear whether red clover is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers. Studies looking at the extract's effectiveness against prostate enlargement and prostate cancer have begun.

Women who are in early stages or peri-menopausal may find comfort from the use of red clover as will women battling adverse symptoms of the menstrual cycle like breast pain. It is also used for the symptoms of prostate enlargement, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. The red blossoms of the clover are processed into extracts formed into capsules and tablets, teas and liquid.

Isoflavones, Menopause and Osteoporosis

There are good reports on the use of isoflavones in treatment of several menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular health.

There is not enough reliable scientific evidence to recommend red clover for osteoporosis. Menopause increases a woman's risk for developing osteoporosis (significant bone loss). Taking red clover has been shown to help delay osteoporosis in women who have not hit that stage of life.

Red clover goes by several other names like purple clover, bee-bread or cow clover and is used as an herbal remedy for cervical dysplasia. It is available in a variety of forms like tea or liquid extract, capsules and tablets or tinctures. Red clover is also a source for several nutrients: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine, vitamin C, niacin and chromium.

About the Author:

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