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[R122]Red Clover Side Effects

by Steve Mathew, Ste

Red Clover
Red clover is a legume in the pea family often used for hay and as a nitrogen-fixing crop. This three-leaf clover is thought to be the model for the suit of clubs in playing cards, and perhaps for the Irish shamrock. The dried reddish flowers are used medicinally.
Uses and Benefits:
Red clover has gained widespread popularity as a phytoestrogen, along with other isoflavone-containing legumes such as soybeans. It is commonly used as a natural "estrogensubstitute" for menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in women. It is also being marketed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate health in men. Traditionally, red clover has been used for dermatologic disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, for venereal disease, and as an expectorant, antispasmodic, and sedative. Many supporters believe that red clover has anti-cancer properties, and this herb was included in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula in the 1940s, which is still used in some alternative cancer clinics.
Pharmacology:
Red clover contains phytoestrogenic isoflav

The news about hormone replacement therapy has motivated women everywhere to find alternative treatments for these symptoms of menopause. You know there must be a way to find natural menopause relief, but you want to be safe and not experience any side effects. Red clover is certainly one of the best herbal remedies available today.

What about scientific studies?
Red clover is the subject of current study in scientific circles and the preliminary results look very promising. Of course, this comes as no surprise to natural healers and herbalists. Nevertheless, it is always encouraging when science and traditional healing agree.

Red clover is rich in bio-active compounds, which are considered to help in menopause. Some of the chemicals in the plant bind with estrogen in the tissues and produce a subtle physiological action. Soy and kudzu, which are cousins to red clover, work in a similar manner by regulating responses in the bodies cells to help balance hormones. This explains why red clover is effective: it helps balance hormones, and menopause symptoms are caused by an imbalance.

Does it have side effects?
The good news is that no scientific study has demonstrated any negative side effects from using red clover. Of course, common sense always is in order, and you should talk with a herbalist or naturopath if you have any uncertainties or questions.

What is the right amount to take?
Should you decide to use red clover as a stand alone supplement, you should look for capsules containing extracts of organically grown clover, and it should include at least 40 mg isoflavones or 8% isoflavonoids per capsule. Usually the leaves are mixed with the flowers to maintain a balanced formula that is most effective in treating menopause symptoms.

How long have women used red clover?
There is evidence of women using red clover in teas, tinctures, infusions, and extracts from ancient times, but nobody really knows just how far back it's use goes. Certainly, any plant that gives and endures for thousands of years should be investigated.

Red clover is also commonly used to treat sore throats, ulcers, bronchitis,sores and eczema for centuries.

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Both Steve Mathew & Randy Hough are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Steve Mathew has sinced written about articles on various topics from Alternative Medicine, Acupuncture Chiropractor and Alternative Medicine. Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on for common ailments and diseases. For more informatio. Steve Mathew's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.

Randy Hough has sinced written about articles on various topics from Woman Menopause, Stress Management and Woman Menopause. Randy Hough and Laura Simon, MSW,MEd,have worked together to create a blog and a. Randy Hough's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.