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Red Clover

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Red Clover Trifolium pratense herb illustration

Photo: Snezana Trifunovic · Public domain · Source

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Family: Leguminosae  |  Parts Used: Blossoms and leaves

Red Clover is a mineral-rich herb traditionally used for skin conditions, hormonal support, and lymphatic cleansing, now studied for its isoflavone content and its effects on menopausal symptoms. The blossoms contain isoflavones and phytonutrients that support female health, along with a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, E, C, B2, and B3, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It also has a history of use for respiratory conditions in both adults and children.

Reproductive Respiratory Circulatory Western Native American

Traditional Uses

  • Blood and lymphatic system cleansing
  • Respiratory support, including for children
  • Menopausal symptom relief (hot flashes, hormone balance)
  • Skin condition support
  • Nutritive support for overall vitality

Properties

Key Constituents

  • Isoflavones
  • Flavonoids
  • Coumarins
  • Resins
  • Vitamins A, E, C, B2, B3
  • Calcium, chromium, cobalt, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silica, zinc

Preparations & Dosage

  • Tincture: 10-30 drops, up to 3 times daily.
  • Infusion: 1 tsp dried blossoms or leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Take 2-3 cups daily.
  • Edible: Fresh or dried flowers are edible and slightly sweet. Bonnie prefers infusion over tincture for this herb.

TCM Profile: Sweet, salty, cool.

Bonnie's Notes

Infusions of dried or fresh material taste mild. I prefer infusion over tincture for this one. The flowers are edible and have a slightly sweet flavor, which makes them a nice addition to teas and salads.

Cautions

  • Has blood thinning properties due to coumarin content. Avoid if taking heart medications or blood thinners.
  • Discontinue 2 weeks before and after any surgery.
  • Avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions without professional guidance, due to isoflavone (phytoestrogen) content.
  • Those with bleeding disorders should consult a provider before use.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Grows worldwide in temperate and tropical climates, found in fields, meadows, and roadsides. A common nitrogen-fixing plant used in agriculture as a cover crop. Grows as a short-lived perennial in most of North America.

Fun Fact: Red clover is a legume that fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, making it a natural soil improver. Farmers have grown it as a cover crop for centuries. The same isoflavones that make it interesting for menopausal support are the compounds that concerned livestock farmers when sheep grazing on large quantities developed fertility problems, which is what led researchers to investigate its phytoestrogen activity in the first place.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar, p. 193

Today's Herbal Health, Louise Tenney, p. 105

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p. 185

Published Research:

Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms | Nutrients (2021)

Pharmacological and traditional properties of the Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.): an overview of the new findings | Journal of traditional Chinese medicine (2021)

Role of Phytoestrogen-Rich Bioactive Substances (Linum usitatissimum L., Glycine max L., Trifolium pratense L.) in Cancer Prevention | Nutrients (2022)

Trifolium pratense isoflavones in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Phytomedicine (2007)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

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