Medicinal Properties of Red Clover

Red clover is native to Europe and Central Asia, where it has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Today, it is a common ingredient in various herbal remedies and is also available as a nutritional supplement. This herb offers a number of medicinal benefits, particularly in the treatment of conditions affecting the reproductive and cardiovascular systems.

Menopause

This herb contains high levels of mildly estrogenic compounds called isoflavones, which are beneficial in relieving the symptoms of menopause. The results of a Dutch clinical study by Vrije University (see Resources below) showed that post-menopausal women who took red clover experienced a reduction of hot flushes a day of over 15 percent. The study attributed this result to red clover isoflavones such as genistein, daidzein, biochanin A and formononetin.

Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that red clover has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol. The Baker Medical Research Institute, for example, conducted a study on the effect of the isoflavones in red clover on LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) in the bloodstream. It found that the isoflavones helped to lower the amounts of LDL cholesterol in men. However, the herb did not have the same beneficial effect on the women who participated in the same study group.

Blood Thinner

Red clover is rich in coumarins, which are chemical compounds that have potent anticoagulant properties that help protect against heart disease. Coumarins help prevent heart stroke and disease by thinning blood and hindering the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This improves blood flow and prevents the hardening in these blood vessels, which causes heart attacks and strokes.

Antioxidant

The isoflavones in red clover also have very strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are potent chemical compounds that neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are chemical molecules in the body that are responsible for causing diseases, such as cancer, and premature aging. Antioxidants help to minimize their harmful effects in the body.

Expectorant

Red clover has expectorant properties that are beneficial in treating respiratory infections such as colds, coughs and influenza. These benefits range from loosening phlegm to easing bronchial spasms. Red clover tea is a popular folk remedy that is used as an herbal gargle for treating sore throats and mouth ulcers. It is also used to help alleviate the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis and other pulmonary conditions.