Red Clover

Scientific name:  Trifolium pratense
Synonyms:  meadow clover

Part(s) used

Flower heads and seeds

Principal constituents

Isoflavones, saponins, flavonoids, sitosterols (sterols), essential oil and coumarins

Recognized therapeutic effects

• Reduces symptoms of menopause

Traditional use

• Expectorant used in the treatment of productive cough or bronchitis
• As a topical application, treatment of skin conditions (burns, eczema, psoriasis, etc.) and eye pain

Contraindications

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and sensitivity to estrogen (due to the estrogenic activity of the plant)
• Ovarian or breast cancer, history of hormono-dependent cancer in close relatives. The isoflavones contained in red clover are phytoestrogens and consequently, may directly stimulate the growth of an estrogen-dependent tumour
• Children under two

Drug interactions

• None documented

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