Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
红三叶草
Pinyin: Hóng Sān Yè Cǎo
Plant Family
Fabaceae
Part Used
Flowering top (blossoms, with leaves)
Origin
Europe, Asia, North Africa; naturalized worldwide
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Red clover is a common legume with pink-purple flower heads, found in meadows and fields worldwide. It is both an important forage crop and a medicinal herb. Red clover is one of the richest sources of isoflavones (phytoestrogens), which is why it has been studied extensively for menopausal symptoms and bone health. It has also been used historically as a blood purifier and respiratory remedy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bitter
Meridians (归经)
skin, blood, respiratory
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
- Bone health (osteoporosis prevention)
- Cough and bronchitis
- Eczema, psoriasis, and skin conditions
- Cancer (traditional "alterative" / blood purifier)
- Whooping cough
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- High cholesterol
- Whooping cough and asthma
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tea, tincture, capsules, standardized extracts, and topical cream. Red clover tea has a pleasant, slightly sweet, grassy taste. Standardized isoflavone extracts are used for menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones are the primary active compounds of interest.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1-2 tsp dried blossoms per cup, steeped 10-15 min, 2-3 times daily. Capsules: 40-160mg of isoflavones daily (standardized extract). Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer, when flowers are in full bloom. Flowering tops are picked on dry days and dried.
Quality Indicators
Pink/purple flower heads with green leaves, sweet grassy aroma. Standardized extracts should list isoflavone content (40-80mg per dose). Look for Promensil or Rimostil brand extracts (well-studied).
Storage
Dried blossoms: airtight container, cool dark place, 1-2 years. Extracts: follow manufacturer directions.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate)Endometriosis or uterine fibroids (phytoestrogen effect)Pregnancy and breastfeeding (phytoestrogens)Children (phytoestrogens may affect development)Bleeding disorders (coumarins - anticoagulant effect)Protein S deficiency (increased risk of blood clots)History of breast cancer (controversial - some studies suggest protective effect, others suggest caution)Hormone therapies (additive effect)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild digestive upset (bloating, gas, nausea)
- Headache
- Vaginal spotting or menstrual changes (in some women)
- Skin rash (rare)
- Long-term safety (5+ years) not well established
- Allergic reaction (rare, more common in those with legume allergy)
Drug Interactions
- Hormone therapies (estrogen, progesterone, HRT, birth control) - additive effect
- Tamoxifen and other hormone-modulating cancer drugs
- Anticoagulants / blood thinners (coumarins enhance effect)
- Methotrexate and other folate antagonists (red clover has folate)
- Liver-metabolized medications (CYP450 interactions possible)
- Significant interaction potential with hormone therapies
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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