Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD
What is red clover?
Known for its sweet-scented, purple, round blossoms, red clover grows in meadows and near roadsides all over the world.
For thousands of years, Russian and Chinese health practitioners have prescribed red clover tea for asthma, kidney stones, skin conditions and more.
Current interest centers on the use of red clover as a plant estrogen or phytoestrogen for use with women's health concerns.
What does red clover do?
* red clover has been shown to reduce hot flashes for some women
Although one large clinical trial showed that neither red clover supplement used had a clinically important effect on hot flashes, in a double-blind study, 86 perimenopausal women took a red clover supplement and recorded their symptoms for eight months. The researchers found a high correlation between red clover intake and a reduction in hot flashes. Another randomized placebo-controlled study published in Climacteric concluded that the apparent placebo effect in many studies of menopausal symptoms may be attributable to dietary sources of isoflavones.
* red clover helps with the "good" cholesterol
Study findings presented at the 10th annual meeting of the North American Menopause society revealed that those who received 50 mg. of red clover raised their HDL by an average of 28.6%. More HDL means better heart protection. In another placebo-controlled trial women who received 80 mg of red clover improved the elasticity of their arteries by 23%. Healthy arteries mean less chance of developing heart disease.
* red clover improves bone density and strength
Base on a large body of studies, researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Bari, Italy concluded that phytoestrogens, including red clover, increase bone density.
* red clover encourages breast health
Fibrocystic breast disease occurs in approximately 80% of perimenopausal women. Breast cysts can be stimulation by estrogen overload. The phytoestrogens in red clover attach to breast tissue, discouraging the growth of benign cysts. Dozens of studies show that phytoestrogens inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. The June, 2004 issue of Breast Cancer Research reports that red clover does not cause any estrogenic increase in breast density, while taking estrogen does. This is encouraging since an increase in density is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Red clover may turn out to be a preventive against breast cancer.
Statement of the North American Menopause Society
After a review of the evidence, the North American Menopause Society concluded that clinical trial results are insufficient to either support or refute efficacy for isoflavone supplements from red clover. They noted that no serious side effects were associated with short-term use and suggested that women who need relief for hot flashes may want to consider dietary isoflavones, either soy or red clover-based.
How to find and use the real red clover
Red clover is available in dried bulk form, capsules, tinctures, and teas at your local health food store. You may also find enough red clover in your backyard to wash and dry for use. Red clover can be added to rice, salads and other dishes as well as taken as a supplement.
Medical herbalist Tammi Hartung suggests taking two 500 mg capsules three times daily with meals. As with other herbs, red clover works slowly and it may take 3 to 6 weeks to see results. For tea, 1 to 3 teaspoons of dried red clover is placed in a glass or cup and boiling water is added for steeping.
Who shouldn't take red clover?
Salicylates occur naturally in the plant. They thin the blood, so red clover shouldn't be taken by anyone
* on blood thinners,
* on anti-coagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin)
* pregnant, nursing or under 10 years of age
For more information on menopause, click on...
This article is for information purposes only. For treatment, consult your health care practitioner.
