Red Clover Medical Benefits

The wild perennial red clover is a weed to some, but others use its nutrient-rich flowers for both modern and traditional medicinal uses. Red clover, or trifolium pratense, is an all-natural, alternative therapy for a variety of ailments, including some that specifically affect women's health. Consult a doctor or holistic health-care practitioner before using red clover, as it may be dangerous or unsuitable to your individual health needs.

Skin Health

The component of red clover that benefits skin health is unknown, according to University of Michigan Health System, but it is a traditional therapy for skin afflictions, such as eczema and psoriasis. In "Medicinal Plants of North America," author Jim Meuninck notes that red clover tea was an external wash for wounds, burns and insect bites.

Menopause and Osteoporosis

Isoflavones, an active constituent of red clover, contain estrogen-like properties, which may help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. An additional benefit of red clover use during menopause is that it may help lower the accompanying risk of developing osteoporosis. Isoflavones may improve bone mineral density, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and they may even slow bone loss.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health

An expectorant by folk and traditional medicine, red clover helps treatment of coughs, asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Historical use also included blood purification, which is similar to its modern use as a blood thinner and promoter of cardiovascular health. Red clover's isoflavones improve arterial compliance in women, according to the Baker Medical Research Institute, and this aids prevention of heart disease. Additionally, it may improve blood flow and increase beneficial HDLs in cholesterol, though the University of Maryland Medical Center reports conflicting evidence of these red clover benefits.

Cancer Fighting

Red clover is an ingredient in anticancer formulas, such as Hoxsey and Essiac. Laboratory studies do not clearly confirm the cancer-fighting properties of these formulas, according to the National Cancer Institute, but red clover may help prevention of some cancers, including breast and prostate cancer, according to the University of Michigan Health System.