Red Clover

[WuWei]

Red Clover Leaf Infusion 101 (s/o: Herbal infusion study group)

Red Clover Leaf and Flower Profile

Also known as- Trifolium pretense, Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trefoil, Trifolium pratense, Wild Clover
Introduction

Red clover is a perennial plant that grows wild in most temperate climates. It has been used medicinally to treat a wide variety of conditions, many of them having to do with reproductive functions and menopause. While these uses are traditional, modern science has recently isolated isoflavones from red clover plants that are similar in shape and action to estrogen. Among its common uses are to relieve the symptoms of PMS in premenopausal women, and in place of hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. .

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/lea...er_flower.html

---Medicinal Action and Uses---

The fluid extract of Trifolium is used as an alterative and antispasmodic. An infusion made by 1 OZ. to 1 pint of boiling water may with advantage be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough. Fomentations and poultices of the herb have been used as localapplications to cancerous growths.

http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/clovrd75.html

Susun Weed lists red clover as the single most useful herb in establishing fertility.This herb's high vitamin content is very valuable to the uterus and it's highprotein content benefits the whole body. It's also quite high in calcium & magnesium which relax the nervous system and help promote fertility. This herb also contains nearly every trace mineral needed by the glands. Daily use can help balance hormonal functioning.

Red clover contains isoflavones which have shown to be useful in helpingto alleviate the symptoms of female menopause.

http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/redclover.html

Contraindications: It is contraindicated in pregnancy and for individuals using blood thinning agents. Red clover's action as a blood thinner will potentiate the effect of other blood thinning agents.

http://www.familyherbalremedies.com/red_clover.html


Herbs for Fertility by Susun S. Weed
"One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). "
http://www.naturalmom.com/fertherb.htm

"Plants contain many types of phytoestrogens; additionally, they contain minerals and other constituents which help our bodies modify the phytoestrogens and so we can use them safely. Red clover, for instance, is mineral-rich and contains all four of the major types of phytoestrogens: lignans, coumestans, isoflavones, and resorcylic acid lactones. It is the world's best-known anti-cancer herb."
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezin...ter_Feb-02.htm

"Phytoestrogenic food-like herbs are generally considered longevity tonics. For optimum effect, use only one from the list below and to stick with it for at least three months. Citrus peel, dandelion leaves and/or roots, fenugreek seeds, flax seeds, green tea, hops, red clover, red wine. " http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezin...ter_Feb-02.htm


Pat

[foodmachine]

So ok to take while nursing?

[BunnySlippers]

Has anyone heard of eating the roots?
I was reading a novel and it mentioned cooking the rots and eating them dipped in oil. I am intriuged and would like to try this, but I only have two red clover plants at the moment.

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by foodmachine

So ok to take while nursing?

Per Kellymom: Non-fermented red clover is reported relatively safe for nursing moms. However, fermented red clover should be avoided altogether.
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/ref/herbs_r.html

However, most mainstream sites say for nursing women not to take Red Clover due to estrogen like properties.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/r...ver-000270.htm
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altme...&contentId=309


Pat

[WuWei]

Pat

[pianojazzgirl]

Ok, I know this thread is pretty old, but I just came across it through a link in the herbal infusion study group thread.

I've been going through some pretty serious hair loss and when I had my sex hormones tested I was found to have low estradiol. I've hit on a few places where Red Clover was recommended for hair loss due to low estrogen. I'm a bit concerned about using it though. I've read some conflicting things about phytoestrogens - on one hand that they can protect against estrogen caused cancers (breast, ovarian, etc), and on the other that they can cause them! I have breast and ovarian cancer in the family so I want to be careful about what I take. Any thoughts?

As well, interestingly, I was worried about estrogens because they are purported to have blood thickening properties (I have a blood clotting disorder: MTHFR polymorphism), but it seems like Red Clover actually has blood thinning properties. That's good at least!

[pianojazzgirl]

I found this study about Red Clover and breast tissue thickening (which is associated with greater risk for breast cancer).

n contrast to studies showing that conventional hormone replacement therapies increase mammographic breast density, the isoflavone supplement did not increase mammographic breast density in this population of women. Furthermore, there were no effects on oestradiol, gonadotrophins, lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity, or menopausal symptoms.

[pianojazzgirl]

I found this study about Red Clover and breast tissue thickening (which is associated with greater risk for breast cancer).

n contrast to studies showing that conventional hormone replacement therapies increase mammographic breast density, the isoflavone supplement did not increase mammographic breast density in this population of women. Furthermore, there were no effects on oestradiol, gonadotrophins, lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity, or menopausal symptoms.

Another great article about phytoestrogens, menopause and breast cancer.