Red clover
Red clover (Trifolium pretense)
Brief Background:
Red clover is a legume, which like soy, contains “phytoestrogens” (plant-based compounds structurally similar to estradiol andcapable of binding to estrogen receptors as an agonist or antagonist). Red clover was traditionally used to treat asthma, pertussis, cancer, gout, infection, supresses appetite, and purify blood. Red clover has expectorant, antispasmodic, and relaxing affects. Good for bacterial infections, HIV and AIDS, coughs, bronchitis, inflammed lungs, inflammatory bowel disorder, kidney problems, liver disease, skin disorders, and weakened immune system.
In modern times, isoflavone extracts of red clover are most often used to treat menopausal symptoms, as an alternative hormone replacement therapy, for hyperlipidemia, or to prevent osteoporosis.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Native American healers recommended red clover for pertussis and cancer. Chinese and Russian folk healers have used red clover to treat respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
Some experts believe that topical red clover accelerates wound healing and alleviates psoriasis. Recently, it has been speculated that red clover may have beneficial effects on bone metabolism, serum lipid levels, and arterial compliance, due to its phytoestrogen properties.
