What is Red Clover?

Red clover is a wild flowering plant belonging to the same family as peas and beans. It is a dark-pink herbaceous plant originating from Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

What are the benefits of red clover?

Bone health

Osteoporosis is often associated with menopausal and post-menopausal women due a decline in reproductive hormones, namely oestrogen, which can lead to increased bone turnover and a decrease in the density of bones. Red clover contains isoflavones, which can weakly mimic the actions of oestrogen in the body. Research has shown a connection between isoflavone intake and a decrease in osteoporosis risk [i] [ii]. One particular study on 60 premenopausal women found that taking (150 ml) of red clover extract containing 37 mg of isoflavones daily for 12 weeks resulted in less bone density loss in the lower spine and neck, compared with the placebo group [iii].

Menopause

It is also thought Red clover’s high isoflavone content may help regulate menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. A study observed a 73% decrease in hot flashes after 3 months of taking a supplement containing red clover, amongst others. Red clover was also seen to improve libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness in menopausal women [iv]. Additionally, some research shows that taking red clover might improve menopausal vaginal dryness [v].

Hair, skin and nails

In traditional medicine Red Clover has been used to promote healthy growth and replication of skin, hair and nails. Women in a trial were provided with red clover extract and reported improvements scalp hair and skin status, as compared to placebo [vi].

Other potential applications

Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Early research shows that applying a combination product containing red clover flower extract might increase hair growth in people with hair loss [vii].

Breast pain (mastalgia). There is some early evidence that red clover might help relieve cyclic breast pain and tenderness, in the menstrual cycle [viii].

Safety

You may not be able to use red clover if you have a blood clotting disorder, cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Red clover may have estrogen-like effects, which can make certain conditions that are sensitive to estrogen worse. Please check with your doctor before taking supplemental red clover.