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Red Clover
(Trifolium
pratense)
Other names: Bee-bread, Cow Clover, Meadow
Clover, Purple Clover, Red Clover, Trefoil, Wild
Clover
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Medicinally
Current
uses of red clover are for menopausal
symptoms, breast pain associated with
menstrual cycles, high cholesterol,
osteoporosis, and symptoms of prostate
enlargement.
Red
clover is considered to be one of the
richest sources of isoflavones
(water-soluble chemicals that act like
estrogens and are found in many plants). It
is used for hot flashes/flushes, PMS,
lowering cholesterol, breast enhancement and
breast health, improving urine production
and improving circulation of the blood. It
is also used to help prevent osteoporosis,
reduce the possibility of blood clots and
arterial plaques and limiting the
development of benign prostate hyperplasia.
Red
clover is a source of many valuable
nutrients including calcium, chromium,
magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium,
thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also
considered to be one of the richest sources
of isoflavones.
Several
studies of a proprietary extract of red
clover isoflavones suggest that it may
significantly reduce hot flashes in
menopausal women. Also, menopause increases
a woman's risk for developing osteoporosis
(significant bone loss) and some studies
suggest that a proprietary extract of red
clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and
even boost bone mineral density in pre and
peri-menopausal women. The estrogen-like
effect of red clover isoflavones may be
involved, and red clover also may have a
direct effect by preventing the breakdown of
existing bone. However, this possible
bone-strengthening effect has not been seen
in men and post-menopausal women.
Because
it contains chemicals called isoflavones,
which belong to a larger class of plant
chemicals known as phyto (plant-derived)
estrogens, red clover is often taken to
relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
(PMS). Isoflavones are similar in shape to
the female hormone, estrogen. Therefore,
they may attach to estrogen receptors
throughout the body particularly in the
bladder, blood vessels, bones, and heart.
Menopause
symptom treatment: At
least four compounds, present in red clover,
have estrogen like function. These plant
estrogens, namely genistein, biochanin-A,
daidzein and formonetin, is beneficial for
reducing symptoms of menopause. Drop in the
estrogen level during menopause make women
susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. The
loss in elasticity of the blood vessels,
which slackens the blood circulation,
is partially to be blamed for this
condition.
According
to a study, red clover is capable of
improving the elasticity of arteries and
veins, consequently improving blood
circulation in the body. Diabetes patients,
who suffer from slackened blood circulation,
could also improve blood circulation in
their body by taking red clover. Women with
small breasts could also take red clover to
enlarge breasts naturally.
For
women with normal estrogen levels, red
clover isoflavones may displace some natural
estrogens, possibly preventing or relieving
estrogen-related symptoms, such as breast
pain, that are associated with PMS. This
effect may also reduce the possibility of
developing estrogen-dependent cancer of the
endometrium (the lining of the uterus). In
addition, results from a review of nearly
1000 women suggest that red clover may
interfere with an enzyme known to promote
the progression of endometrial cancer.
Red
clover may also block enzymes thought to
contribute to prostate cancer in men. It has
shown a definite limiting effect, however,
in the development of benign prostate
hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous
enlargement of the prostate gland.
Since
the 1800s red clover has been promoted as a
potential treatment for cancer. Recent
research by the National Cancer Institute
found that red clover contains four
phytoestrogens: biochanin-A, formononetin,
daidzein, and genistein. Daidzein and
genistein actually help prevent the growth
of cancerous tumors. Red clover also
contains tocopherol, a form of vitamin E
that some studies have linked to reduced
risk of heart attack and cancer.
It
is believed that red clover may help to
prevent heart disease in several ways.
Although results from human studies are not
definite, some show that taking red clover
may lower the levels of 'bad' low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and raise the
levels of 'good' high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol in the body. In addition, red
clover may also promote an increase in the
secretion of bile acid. Because cholesterol
is a major component of bile acid, increased
bile acid production usually means that more
cholesterol is used and less cholesterol
circulates in the body. Additionally, red
clover contains small amounts of chemicals
known as coumarins, which may help keep the
blood from becoming thick and gummy.
Therefore, the possibility of forming blood
clots and arterial plaques may be reduced.
Plaques are accumulations of blood cells,
fats, and other substances that may build up
in blood vessels, possibly reducing or
blocking blood flow. Red clover may also
help the arteries remain strong and flexible
(a quality often called 'arterial
compliance'), which may also help to prevent
some of the plaque deposits that may lead to
a heart attack or a stroke.
It
has been found to be helpful in quitting
smoking.
History
Red
clover has been cultivated since ancient
times, primarily to provide a favorite
grazing food for animals. But, like many
other herbs, red clover was also a valued
medicine. Although it has been used for many
purposes worldwide, the one condition most
consistently associated with red clover is
cancer. Chinese physicians and Russian folk
healers also used it to treat respiratory
problems
such as whooping cough, asthma, and
bronchitis.. It has also been used to speed
wound healing and relieve water retention..
In
the nineteenth century, red clover became
popular among herbalists as an
"alternative" or "blood
purifier." This medical term, long
since defunct, refers to an ancient belief
that toxins in the blood are the root cause
of many illnesses. Cancer, eczema, and the
eruptions of venereal disease were all seen
as manifestations of toxic buildup.
Red
clover was considered one of the best herbs
to "purify" the blood.
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Red
Clover herb C/O
(Trifolium pratense)
Origin- Croatia 
Red
Clover is very nourishing and high in
vitamins and minerals. Red Clover is a
mild sedative and a blood purifier and is
quite beneficial to the liver helping
eliminate waste products.
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For
educational purposes only This information
has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. |
