Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an herb that belongs to the legume family, which also includes peas and beans. In herbal medicine, red clover is typically used to treat respiratory issues (such as asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis), skin disorders (such as eczema and psoriasis), inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and women’s health problems1 (such as menopausal and menstrual symptoms).
Red clover’s brightly colored flowers contain many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. They are also a rich source of isoflavones. These are compounds that act as phytoestrogens—plant chemicals like the female hormone estrogen. Isoflavone extracts are touted as dietary supplements for high cholesterol and osteoporosis in addition to menopausal symptoms.
Health Benefits
In alternative medicine, red clover is said to help with the following conditions. Note, however, that research hasn’t shown that the herb is conclusively effective for these or any other health concerns.
Bone Loss
Research is ongoing as to whether isoflavones lower the loss of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Red clover is one source of supplements used in some studies.
A review done in 2016 concluded there may be some beneficial effects on bone health,3 while a 2017 review found that different formulations of red clover may be effective or ineffective.2
Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that red clover may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In a 2009 study of prostate cancer cells, scientists found that treatment with red clover led to a decrease in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein found at elevated levels in men with prostate cancer.4
Heart Disease
A few clinical trials have looked at the effects of red clover on the development of risk factors for heart disease in postmenopausal women, with no strong evidence that it helps, reports Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Making Red Clover Tea
You can also make tea from dried flower heads. Some proponents claim that to get the full benefit of red clover you need to use the whole flower, and not commercial red clover isoflavones, which many studies use.
To make a tea, use one to three teaspoons of dried red clover flowers for every cup of simmering (not boiling) water. Let steep for 15 minutes. Drink up to three cups of tea a day.
Important Reminders About Supplements
People often ask if dietary supplements are safe. It’s important to keep in mind that supplements haven’t been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. As noted earlier, in some cases, a product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, it may be contaminated with other substances such as metals.