What Is Red Clover
Red clover is a perennial herb which belongs to the legume family and grows wild in meadows across Europe, Asia and North America. Its red flower blossoms are harvested and dried for a broad range of therapeutic uses. It has been used traditionally to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, respiratory problems and to purify the blood. Modern research has focused a lot of its effort on the efficacy of using red clover to treat conditions related to menopause as well as bone and heart health.
Red clover tea is a great drink for general health and wellbeing. Apart from being delicious, it is a great source of protective antioxidants and being free of caffeine and calories makes for a healthy substitute to your regular cup of coffee. Studies have shown that red clover possesses abundant chemicals called isoflavones.
These are natural plant chemicals which produce effects on the body similar to estrogen. Red clover also contains a number of important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and chromium as well as vitamin C. Red clover also has diuretic and expectorant properties hence it has been used to purify the blood, cleanse the kidneys and clean out mucus from the lungs.
Medications That Slow Blood Clotting Interacts With Red Clover
Large amounts of red clover might slow blood clotting. Taking red clover along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel , diclofenac , ibuprofen , naproxen , dalteparin , enoxaparin , heparin, warfarin , and others.
Might Help Battle Cancer
Red clover contains certain compounds that might be instrumental in blocking certain enzymes that cause prostate growth, one of the significant reasons for prostate cancer.
A 2002 study published in a journal named Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, points to evidence that the isoflavones present in red clover, play a pivotal role in stopping the progress of prostate cancer by initiating apoptosis.
Red clover extracts have also shown potential in fighting the incidence of breast cancer in women that are caused by post-menopause hormone therapy.
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Red Clover Warnings And Precautions
- Pregnant and nursing women should not use red clover.
- Taking red clover while also taking a birth control pill could cause the potency of the prescription medication to be negatively impacted.
- No one with a hormone sensitive condition such as uterine cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, should use red clover.
- Do not take red clover if on a blood thinner, or when using melilot an herb that enhances bleeding.
- Do not take red clover if you have any type of coagulation disorder.
- Do not use red clover at least two weeks before undergoing surgery.
- People with a Protein S deficiency could experience an increase in the formation of blood clots if they use red clover due to its estrogen like effect on the body.
- Some prescription or over-the-counter medications that are processed or broken down by the liver, could experience an increase in possible medication side effects.
Benefits Of Red Clover As A Brain Booster
Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay
Benefits of red clover include positive effects on the brain, and red clover is even more effective when combined with ginkgo biloba.39)Prophylactic Neuroprotective Efficiency of Co-Administration of Ginkgo Biloba and Trifolium Pretense against Sodium Arsenite-Induced Neurotoxicity and Dementia in Different Regions of Brain and Spinal Cord of Rats. Prophylactic neuroprotective efficiency of co-administration of, July 19, 2016. https://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/ginkgo-biloba-and-red-clover-combination-was-more-effective-protective-agents-. This may be partially due to its tendency to improve circulation throughout the body. However, some of its brain-protective properties, such as its ability to block neurological damage from exposure to MSG, may be related to its other properties.40)Red Clover Blocks Neurological Damage From MSG. NaturalNews. Accessed September 23, 2019. https://www.naturalnews.com/024275_red_clover_food_MSG.html.
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How To Harvest And Preserve Red Clover
For the best taste and highest possible level of potency, it is recommended to harvest the flowerheads of red clover about 7 to 14 days after blooms first appear. I typically harvest red clover all spring and summer long, and have been happy with the results of the natural home remedies I create.
Our horses and goats like to beat me to the red clover whenever possible. Ingesting too much sweet clover can be incredibly harmful, possibly even lethal, to most species of livestock.
To harvest a flowerhead, simply pop or snip off the blossom. Dry the flowerheads on a rack or screen in the sun or put them on a dehydrator on the herbs and nuts setting for about four hours.
The red clover must be 100% dry before being stored or the plants will mildew and mold. If drying naturally in the sun, flip the flowerheads over halfway through the process to ensure even and full drying.
Never forage red clover from an area where it is likely that chemical pesticides or herbicides have been sprayed.
Red Clover Is Native To Europe And Is Now Widely Distributed Throughout North America It Is Most Commonly Known As A Ground Cover Crop
Editor’s note: Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician before using red clover. National Institutes of Health cautions against the use of red clover by children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Red clover is found in mountain grazing areas about 6,000 feet and higher. It has pink/red blossoms that are up to an inch across. A perennial, it grows to a height of up to 32 inches. The leaves are three parted, with many branches. Red clover is native to Europe and is now widely distributed throughout North America. It is most commonly known as a ground cover crop.
In early accounts of European herb lore, the flowers and seeds were boiled together and applied topically to boils and growths. The juice from the leaves was also used in the 1600s to clear the eyes of any film beginning to grow over them, or to soothe when bloodshot and hot.
In the 1800s, American doctors began taking red clover seriously, possessing valuable detergent properties in diseases of the blood. The pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis cited it for treatment of pellagra , scrofula , syphilis, whooping cough, and as an external wash for ulcers. Red clover blossoms are included in the 20-21st editions of the United States Dispensary and the 1916 National Formulary.
Deborah Brandt is an RN and clinical herbalist at From the Ground Up, 339 N. Alameda Blvd., in Las Cruces. She may be reached at 575-523-2652.
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The Key Benefits Of Red Clover
Lets start from the beginning. Throughout history, many cultures have ingested the red clover plant, either as part of their diets or for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, both Chinese and Russian cultures have used red clover as a treatment for respiratory issues, while Native Americans have used the plant to treat burns, coughs and fevers, and even ate the leaves as food.
In modern times, red clover has been used as a health supplement, mostly for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, as well as used topically on hair and skin. In order to be incorporated into topical products, red clover must first be prepared as an extract. Once its in this powerful form, the ingredient can be used topically for a few different purposes.
When it comes to skincare, red clover extract is utilized in serums and ointments for myriad reasons such as visibly firming skin and enhancing complexion, notes Sarah Akram, a celebrity master esthetician to stars such as Sienna Miller, Kate Walsh and Zoe Saldana.
Red clover has also become a popular ingredient in shampoos and hair treatments to support hair health. In fact, research done Obstetrics and Gynecology International reveals that red clover extract may even increase hair growth for those experiencing hair loss due to alopecia.
How To Take Red Clover
The easiest way to consume red clover would be through its supplements. You can find red clover extracts in the form of capsules.
Another preferred way is to brew its tea. You get ready-to-use tea bags on the market.
If you dont wish to use the tea bags, heres how you can make red clover tea at home.
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How And When To Harvest Red Clover
Flower heads are best when they are young, but fully opened. This will be in the summer. Pluck or cut off the blossom. Some people prefer to pick just the blooms, but a bit of stem is also acceptable.
If you are harvesting red clovers for food purposes, younger stems are better. The best food harvest will be before the plants blooms. However, you can harvest the plant at any stage. Boiling may help to improve the taste and digestibility.
Hormonal Hair Loss And Menopause
Hormonal hair loss usually goes hand-in-hand with dramatic hormonal shifts, such as menopause. During this time, the body is producing fewer female hormones like estrogen and progestin. Menopausal women can also experience an increase in DHT if their body produces more testosterone because of a specific endocrine health condition like polycystic ovary syndrome. And DHT can prevent nutrients from reaching hair follicles, causing them to shrink, which can lead to hair loss.
If you’re in any stage of menopause and you’re experiencing hair loss, see a health care professional who can perform a series of blood tests to detect levels of estrogen and testosterone to find out what’s going on.
Related: Let’s Talk About Hair Loss During Menopause
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What Are The Chemical Components In Red Clover
Scientists have identified about 22 compounds that make up > 36% of the red clover plant. These include isoflavones, pterocarpans, flavonoids, and coumarins .
Isoflavones include: daidzein, genistein, formononetin, pratensein, irilone, biochanin A, prunetin, and calycosin.
Flavonoids are: fisetin, naringenin, quercetin, kaempferol.
Coumarins include: scopoletin, fraxidin, xanthotoxol, coumestrol, daphnoretin.
These components, together, exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects on your body.
But is it safe to add this isoflavone-rich plant to your diet? Scroll down to know more.
How To Make A Delicious Clover Tea
- Written by Jen S. on Dec 01, 2009To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
Clover grows wild in many areas and it has long been used as an herbal remedy in the form of a steeped tea. Clover is a pleasant plant containing many nutrients such minerals like calcium and Vitamins B and C. Medical research has shown that the isoflavones in red clover prevent some forms of cancer. Red clover is the most common American variety of clover. It has historically been used as a home remedy treatment for skin rashes, childrens cough, and as a blood thinner. Because red clover does contain isoflavoneswhich have estrogen-like side effects, some may choose to avoid it.
Red clover is used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, but making clover tea is the most common method of consumption.
Step 1 – Harvest Clover
First gather 1 or 2 handfuls of clover blossom. This plant is easy to harvest and may even be growing in your own backyard or garden. Before gathering the flowers, ensure that no pesticides or other poisons have been used in the area. Keen plant growers might decide to grow their own clover on a window or in a greenhouse in order to ensure the quality of the blossom.
Step 2 – Dry Blossoms
Step 3 – Make Tea
To make a clover tea, you will need:
- 1 cup dried blossoms
- Dried mint
- Honey
Fresh Clover Tea
Iced Clover Tea
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Red Clover May Protect Against Effects Of Uv Radiation
The inflammation-reducing effect of red clover herbal extracts can also give some UV protection to your skin.
Researchers have discovered that red clover blossoms contain compounds such as genistein and equol that offer protection of UV radiation. These antioxidants can help to prevent skin cell damage. In fact, gels containing equol protect the immune system after a sunburn.
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.
When shopping for supplements, look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International. These organizations don’t guarantee a product is safe or effective, but they indicate that it’s undergone testing for quality.
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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Red Clover
Warnings
This medication contains red clover. Do not take Beebread, Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trefle Des Pres, Trefoil, Trifolium pratense, or Wild Clover if you are allergic to red clover or any ingredients contained in this drug.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
Is It Safe To Have Red Clover
No serious side effects of consuming red clover have been reported in research studies. However, it may not be safe for women who are pregnant or lactating , .
Children or women who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers should be mindful about the dosage .
Moreover, red clover has not been clearly shown to be helpful for any health condition. Research is ongoing as current data stands insufficient .
Despite these facts, if you wish to try red clover, how do you do it? Should you eat it raw or use its extract externally?
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What Is Clove Tea
Clove tea is an herbal tea brewed from the dried and ground flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. These dried cloves have a spicy, pungent flavor that makes them very popular as an ingredient in desserts and baked goods, as well as in savory meals. The cloves themselves are a rich source of eugenol, a powerful antioxidant, as well as other nutrients and vitamins, such as vitamin C, flavonoids, fiber, calcium, and certain omega-3 fatty acids. These cloves have been brewed into a tea for centuries and are used in many medical traditions.
Herbal Tea For Hypothyroid
Hypothyroid is the most popular form of thyroid disease and millions of people are suffering with debilitating symptoms .
The interesting thing is that hypothyroidism is not an incurable condition. It certainly can be uncomfortable, but it is not incurable.
There are many things you can do to help alleviate some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and one of my favorite things is to start enjoying a daily herbal tea. Its simple and easy and can support your body to help feel a little bit better.
Below are the ingredients in this tea and why I think they are essential to improving thyroid health.
Gotu Kola : member of the parsley family that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognitive performance and circulation. Many hypothyroid folks often complain of foggy memory and poor circulation. If you have trouble with blood sugar, I would swap out this Gotu Kola for Nettles Leaf instead.
Red Clover : this pretty little pea flower pops up all summer long and has been used as a lymph moving herb, natural diuretic, and supports liver cleansing and blood purification. Often times, if the liver is congested, the conversion of T4 to T3 is compromised, contributing to a sluggish thyroid.
Of course there are many more thyroid supportive herbs that can be used in this daily tea, but three good ones is a great place to start.
Drink 2-3 cups daily for best results.
About Andrea Beaman
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Healthy Holistic Habits For Hair Wellness
Now that you know how red clover and other plant-based products can help with hair loss or thinning, why not take things a step further? As with most things in life, a reset to your routine may help improve the quality of your whole-body health, including that of your skin, scalp and hair. To achieve hair wellness, along with overall healthy habits, try implementing all of these positive lifestyle shifts into your daily routine.
What Are The Health Benefits And Can Red Clover Help With The Menopause
The best known and researched benefit for red clover is its effect on alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes2. There have also been additional studies undertaken on menopause-related issues such as osteoporosis and hypercholesterolemia .
Studies in menopausal women using 80mg of red clover isoflavones have reported statistically significant differences in the number of hot flushes per day in comparison with those taking a placebo. Interestingly, the effect seems to be more noticeable in women that suffered at least five hot flushes per day3.
Does red clover help you sleep?
A common side effect of the menopause is difficulty sleeping8. One sleep study compared the effect of red clover against a placebo. After 90 days the red clover group showed improved sleep9.
Is red clover good for hair growth and your skin?
Another common symptom of menopause is hair loss and skin dullness. Due to its oestrogen effect, the isoflavones present in red clover could help improve skin and hair condition. Studies have shown that red clover can help with skin ageing caused by oestrogen deprivation9. In the same study where they looked at the effect of red clover in sleep, women reported an improvement of skin condition, after taking red clover supplementation10.
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