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When it comes to dabbling in ancient healing traditions, there’s quite a bit to learn before jumping in. For instance, have you ever heard of red clover?

This flowering plant is widely used in many ancient traditions including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic healing, and even in North American medicines. It’s used to treat a wide variety of ailments from osteoporosis to heart disease to skin disorders. Yet, this herb is specifically known as an aid for menopausal symptoms and irregular menstruation.

Still curious?

Read further to learn all about this plant, how it’s used, and how to use it!

What is Red Clover?

red clover

adege/Pixabay

By now, we’ve designated red clover as a flowering plant, yet there’s much more to this vibrant, purple beauty!

Turns out that red clover is actually part of the legume family and is rife in those plant-based compounds that make it so good for your body. Red clover is rich in isoflavones — a “type of phytoestrogen … [which has a] similar chemical makeup to estrogen, the female hormone that declines with menopause.”

Red clover is found and grown in a variety of places around the world including the “northern Atlantic and central Europe, the Mediterranean region, [the] Balkans, Asian Minor, Iran, India, [the] Himalayas, Russia from [the] Arctic south to east Siberia, [the] Caucasus, and the Far East.” Surprisingly, you can also find red clover grown in the Americas as it was brought overseas by British colonists.

While research is still in its infancy regarding the scientific proof of red clover’s health benefits, there’s a long line of history showing it’s efficacy.

The Tradition of Red Clover

Red clover is one of those herbs that has quite a bit of history. While a beautiful flower, it’s also known to be a wonderful natural medicinal aid with “health-supporting properties … celebrated in many herbal traditions around the world.”

Even though red clover is native to “Europe, North Africa, and central Asia,” many cultures outside of these realms have used the herb in traditional medicines including “Russian herbalists, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, and indigenous North American healers.” Even the Greeks and Romans believed this herb invoked the “triad goddesses,” Celtic priests associated it with their “three-lobed symbol of the sun,” Druids used it to “ward off nasty spells and evil spirits,” and even Christians saw the reminiscence of the Christian trinity within its three-leafed design.

Health Benefits of Red Clover

Although red clover has been studied in people, the research hasn’t shown clear benefits for any health condition.

While red clover is an ancient herb, it’s also used in our modern times as a natural remedy. First and foremost, red clover is known to help “menstrual irregularity and menopause.”

You’ve heard it a few times already, but red clover is most well-known for its ability to reduce menopausal symptoms, as well as reduce menstrual irregularities. It’s all about those isoflavones!

Due to the “estrogen-like effects” of these isoflavones, researchers have found that red clove reduces “hot flashes and night sweats.” While more research is necessary to pin down the actual effects of red clover on menopause symptoms, the current research is incredibly inspiring for those seeking a natural remedy!

Reminder: Women should not take red clover supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Red Clover Supplements

natures answer red clover

Nature’s Answer Red Clover/Amazon.com

1. Nature’s Answer Red Clover

Nature’s Answer is a great brand offering vegan and vegetarian options. This Nature’s Answer Red Clover$7.49.

2. Vitanica Red Clover Extract Plus

This Vitanica Red Clover Extract Plus is not only vegan, but it’s also formulated by a doctor. This formula is not only meant to support women through menopause but also seeks to promote cardiovascular health. Vitanica uses the most trusted form of red clover that contains four isoflavones — formononetin, daidzein, biochanin, and genistein.  A 60-capsule bottle costs $22.28.

3. Herb Pharm Certified Organic Red Clover Liquid Extract

If you haven’t tried Herb Pharm supplements or extracts yet then it’s time to get on board! Herb Pharm not only provides vegan and vegetarian supplements and extracts, but they also have certified organic products. This Herb Pharm Certified Organic Red Clover Liquid Extract is gluten-free, non-GMO, and provides a rapidly absorbed liquid extract sourced from the blossom and leaf of Trifolium pratense plants. A 1-ounce bottle costs $10.79.

4. NOW Supplements Red Clover

Another trusted brand that has all the good stuff without any of the bad stuff. This NOW Supplements Red Clover sources its red clover from a variety of places including Europe, North America, and Asia to find the highest-quality product. Along with offering a high-quality product, NOW is vegan-friendly, GMP certified, and, as always with NOW products, is free of chemicals, toxins, preservatives, and artificial ingredients! A 100-capsule bottle costs $30.45.

5. Hekma Center Pure Red Clover Flowers

A smaller company that offers a vegan red clover option! This Hekma Center Pure Red Clover FlowersA 100-capsule bottle costs $35.00.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. 

Related Articles

While red clover has a few health benefits, we’ve learned that it’s most effective — and most studied — as a way to manage menopause symptoms. For a bit more information regarding managing menopause, as well as more info about your hormones, take a look at some of these awesome One Green Planet articles!

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!london fog latte

London Fog Tea Latte/One Green Planet

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

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