Red Clover for Menopause

Some women used Red Clover to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Is it really as beneficial as claimed?

Pretty pink Red Clover blossoms are source for naturally occurring organic compounds that have beneficial effects on human health. The plant is also known known as bee bread, cow clover, meadow and purple clover. Red clover or Trifolium pratense in Latin has been planted and naturalised in many part of the world. It is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. Its leaves are alternate, trifoliate (with the leaflets), broad and green with a characteristic pale crescent on the outer half. The dark pink flowers have a paler base and grow in clusters on a hairy stem. Usage The national flower of Denmark, red clover has traditionally been used for cancer and respiratory problems such as whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis. The flowering heads of red clover are also believed to improve urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, blood circulation and bile secretion. Red clover is also used for skin problems especially eczema and psoriasis

Nutritional Benefits The flowering tops of red clover are used to prepare extracts available in tablets,capsules, teas and other liquid forms. Red clover is a source of nutrients such as calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine and vitamin C. Red clover comes from the same family as beans, Leguminosae. Members of this family are an almost exclusive source for isoflavones, organic compounds that have a chemical structure very similar to human oestrogen. Isoflavones are can also be found in soya and soya products. Red clover and menopause The isoflavones content in red clover is useful in treating a number of condition associated with; - premenstrual syndromes (PMS) - menopause - hot flashes - cardiovascular health and osteoporosis. However, there are mixed result from studies done on red clover. The jury is still out on its efficacy. Nonetheless, treatment with isoflavones from red clover found to be safe when used healthy women. So far no serious adverse effects

have been reported by adults user. But, it is still uncertain how oestrogen like compounds in red clover may effect our health after each treatment. There are possibilities of women developing cancer of the uterus lining in long term intake of isoflavones  treatment. Further studies needed to accurately evaluate whether prolong intake of red clover affects the uterus. It is also uncertain if red clover is safe for pregnant women and breast feeding mothers or women who have breast cancer and hormone sensitive cancers. As for the other therapeutic benefits of red clover, more research needed to support the claims. Consult your qualified alternative complementary health provider or therapies to ensure coordinated and safe intake of any alternative complementary health products. Adapted from HT