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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)Female Reproductive

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Overview

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a perennial legume about 16 in (40 cm) tall, with trifoliate leaves bearing a white crescent and pink-purple egg-shaped flowerheads. Used as a traditional “blood purifier,” it’s rich in isoflavones (phytoestrogens) and helpful for menopausal symptoms, certain skin conditions, and respiratory issues.

Traditional uses & properties

Alterative & Lymphatic: Commonly taken for skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), cleansing the blood, and swollen lymph glands. Phytoestrogenic: Helps block estrogen receptor sites, potentially supporting menopause and inhibiting estrogen-dependent tumors. Expectorant & Mild Antispasmodic: Traditionally used to ease coughs, spasmodic breathing conditions, and whooping cough in children. Nutritive Tonic: Contains vitamins, minerals, and protective flavonoids.

Preparations & dosage

Osteoporosis

Create an infusion with flower heads.

Safety & precautions

Pregnancy: Some recommend avoiding during pregnancy due to phytoestrogens. Blood-Thinning: Has mild blood-thinning properties; consult a healthcare provider if on anticoagulants.

Drug & food interactions

It has been suggested that red clover may interact with anticoagulants, but evidence for this is largely lacking.

Tamoxifen

No data for red clover found.

Antibacterials

No data for red clover found.

Herbal medicines

No interactions found.

Fexofenadine

No data for red clover found.

Paclitaxel

No data for red clover found.

Anticoagulants

The interaction between red clover and anticoagulants is based on a prediction only.

Digoxin

No data for red clover found.

Food

No interactions found.

Habitat

Originally from Europe and Asia, red clover is cultivated globally as fodder and a nitrogen-fixing crop. The flowerheads are gathered in summer once they fully open.

Traditionally used for

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