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Red clover is one of the world’s oldest agricultural crops, cultivated since prehistoric times. The small, ball shaped flowers of the three-leafed herb have been used for almost as long in herbal healing. Red clover’s role as a cancer treatment is still very controversial. However, the herb is finding its place on the herbal medicine shelf as a remedy for menopausal issues, despite the lack of research to support it. Other cultures around the world use red clover for skin irritations, eye problems, as a diuretic, as a sedative, cough medicine, and cancer treatments. Red clover was considered a charm against witchcraft. A more potent protector was the rare four-leaf clover, which represented the cross and the four aspects of happiness: health, wealth, fame, and love. Today kids still search for four-leaf clovers to represent good luck. Red Clover Medicinal Uses Red clover is not highly regarded in herbal medicine. The FDA says, “There is not sufficient reason to suspect it of any medicinal value.” However, the National Cancer Institute has researched the red clover’s affect on tumors. They found that red clover contains four different phytoestrogens that fight tumors in the human body. It also contains Vitamin E which helps prevent cancer and heart disease. Red clover is no substitute for traditional cancer treatments but it does hold promise for some non-estrogen dependent tumors in addition to regular treatment. The phytoestrogens found in red clover are similar to those found in soybeans. Like soybeans, red clover has been shown to reduce the hot flashes associated with menopause.
In addition, studies were conducted on red clover’s effectiveness against several kinds of bacteria, including the type that causes tuberculosis. This research lends some credibility to the use of the herb in treating TB. Red Clover Recommendations You can make red clover tea by using 1 to 3 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep it for 15 minutes, strain, and drink up to 3 cups per day. Red Clover Safety Precautions There are no reports of harm from red clover, however the phytoestrogens found in it could aggravate some types of estrogen-dependent cancers like breast cancer and uterine tumors and fibroids. Estrogen also increases the likelihood of blood clots forming and inflammation of blood vessels. People with a history of heart disease or women taking birth control pills should consult their doctors before taking red clover. If you are looking for a safe herb for added antioxidant protection, the mystical and lucky red clover could be just what you’re looking for. It can be taken in pill form, tea, or extract. Despite some of its critics, red clover has been effective in reducing cancer incidence, eases menopausal symptoms, and may fight bacterial infections like tuberculosis. It’s commonly combined with other herbs to create herbal remedies.
Many herbalists recommend red clover today for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis, to aid digestion, and bronchitis and whooping cough. Always speak with a health professional before taking red clover. Although herbs are naturally occurring substances, not everyone should take them, so speak to someone who understands herbs and their interactions with any medications you may be taking.
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