Red clover is one of my favorite herbs to have on hand. If you go out into your yard in the spring and summer, you’re likely to see it (depending on where you live).
Like many “weeds” around us, red clover has many health benefits. I use it in teas, in cooking, and topically for skin irritation.
Here’s why red clover is one of my favorite natural remedies:
A Common Weed That’s Much More
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized to grow in North America too. It’s also known by common names such as Beebread, Cow Clover, and Meadow Clover.
Red clover is a member of the legume family. The red flowers are dried and used medicinally for many traditional uses including:
- cancer
- whooping cough
- respiratory problems
- skin inflammations, such as psoriasis and eczema
- menopause symptoms
- osteoporosis and bone loss (used to improve bone mineral density)
- cardiovascular health (including supporting blood flow, blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, and avoiding blood clots)
- gout
While not all of these uses have been backed by science (yet!) many herbalists strongly believe that red clover is helpful for these issues.
Red Clover Health Benefits
There isn’t a lot of definitive research on red clover’s traditional herbal uses, but here is what we do know about the benefits of red clover.
Contains Important Nutrients
Red clover is very high in calcium and also contains chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Additionally, red clover contains a large number of isoflavones (a phytoestrogen), which can act like estrogen in the body. This can be beneficial for people who are low in estrogen.
Red clover also has strong antioxidant properties, according to a 2016 study. This makes red clover a great overall herb to support the body.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Red clover has been used traditionally for its cardiovascular benefits, though the science is a bit unclear. A 2006 review found no benefit of red clover on cardiovascular health.
However, a study that came out a few months after this review found that red clover does seem to have a positive effect on blood lipid levels (high cholesterol) and bone mineral density.
In another study, red clover significantly reduced C-reactive protein, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol”). Red clover also seemed to increase HDL-cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).
We need more research to be sure of red clover’s ability to support cardiovascular health, but because it’s been used traditionally used for generations without harmful side effects, many feel confident in trying it.
Helps with Menopause Symptoms
One of red clover’s most popular uses is for symptoms of menopause like hot flashes. Due to its phytoestrogen content, it is thought to be helpful for low estrogen related issues.
Red clover can decrease the frequency of hot flashes and help with vaginal dryness associated with menopause according to a 2016 systematic review. More research is needed though, to find out if it helps with other menopause symptoms such as sexual function or sleeping issues.
Cancer Support
Red clover may be helpful as an addition to anticancer medications. A 2019 review found that red clover had significant anti-tumor properties and that it acted synergistically with anti-cancer medications.
Additionally, in a 2009, researchers discovered that using red clover reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is a protein found at elevated levels in prostate cancer patients.
While it’s generally thought best to avoid any estrogenic herbs if one is dealing with breast cancer, some research shows that red clover may not be a problem. A 2011 study found that red clover, when used along with estradiol, acted as an estrogen antagonist (blocker). More information is needed, but this research suggests that red clover may help fight breast cancer as well as other cancers.
Skin Support
One of my favorite ways to use red clover is to help support healthy skin and scalp. I personally use it this way on rashes or other skin issues. In a 2011 study, researchers confirmed that red clover can improve skin and scalp.
Traditional Usage of Red Clover
Red clover can be used in a number of ways, but the way you choose to use it depends on what you are using it for. Here are some guidelines for using red clover:
- Tea – Red clover tea can be ingested to help with cough, menopausal symptoms, and to get the nutritive benefits of this herb (see the brand I use below).
- Tincture – Tinctures are best when you want a more concentrated product, such as help with menopausal symptoms or cardiovascular support. Teas can work for these things as well but tinctures get more of the medicinal properties into the body quickly.
- Poultice – A poultice of red clover can be used on skin irritations like rashes, eczema, and other mild skin issues. I like to mix red clover with calendula for its soothing properties.
- Capsules – you can use red clover capsules as well, which gets the entire herb into the body. This helps you get the nutritive benefits as well as the medicinal benefits if you can’t tolerate tinctures.
Foraging for Red Clover
Look for the distinctive purple red clover blooms in spring. I’m not a foraging expert by any means, but this site gives some helpful guidance.
What I Use
The easiest way to consume red clover is in capsule form, though tea bags and bulk red clover flowers are also available.
Is Red Clover Safe? Side Effects
Red clover is generally considered safe and there are no serious side effects. But as always you should ask a healthcare professional before using this or any herb.
Because red clover contains phytoestrogens, it’s not recommended for use by pregnant women, or those struggling with estrogen dominance conditions. It’s also not recommended for use in those with breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer (though there was the study mentioned above that contests this point of view).
Red clover is also not for use:
- in those with liver problems.
- with contraceptive birth control pills.
- in those on blood thinners (red clover may be an anticoagulant).
Always check with your doctor before starting a new herbal regimen.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Have you ever used red clover supplements? What did you use it for?
Is it in tablets. If yes. How can one get it. Thanks
I have red clover supreme extract from gaia herbs and plan to use it topically do I need to mix it with something first, such as coconut oil or alcohol? Or can I just put it on as is?
I would try mixing it with coconut oil first and see how you like it.
Hi I’m a hypothyroidism patient from the past ten years …can I take red clover pills 40 mg on a daily basis as I had total hystectomy and have stopped my Estrogen pills …can red clover 40 mg pills affect my hypothyroidism / levothyroxine??
I would definitely ask a doc before taking this or anything else to make sure it won’t interfere with any of your medications.
Hi just wondered if anyone has used red clover to make their breasts fuller. Im an A cup and after 3 kids they are now non existent. So could taking it help them a little bit, it would really help with my self esteem.
Hi and thank you for this info! Would a salve or butter be of benefit for menopausal symptoms?
I take red clover for the menopause and it works really well with hot flashes and irritability.I have recently been prescribed statins to lower my bad cholesterol and want to find out if red clover is ok to continue with
What is your basis for saying you should not take if you have ovarian cancer? I just read on another site it actually helps prevent cancer…
I’d absolutely check with a doc before taking anything, especially with cancer, but I found some evidence that red clover can speed up cancer growth in certain ovarian cancers.
I Sprout them and eat them as a snack.
I’m looking into red clover because of hot flashes, loss of energy, and bad mood swings. Will this help.I have at least 20 flashes a day and night sweats are worse.
Thank you for this. I was suggested to take red clover tea to help beat my candida but I’m noticing my hormones / cycle and pms are more intense. I have always had issues with high estrogen. I had a feeling the tea was making my high estrogen levels worse. There isn’t much info online about adverse affects of this tea but the information you provided is helpful. Thank you.
My wife uses it as a hormonal supplement. And I can tell when she’s not been taking it. Pill or tea form work equally well. It works wonders for menopausal symptoms.
Is it safe to use this herb as a man? I am eager to try as the book Candida Cure raved about its benefits but I am unsure about the impact of the estrogen.
Also thanks for writing a great blog. I changed almost my entire hygien setup now following your advice. To me ts staggering it can be so simple and inexpensive to do this changes.
Thanks so much for reading Dan. I’ve seen mixed information on Red Clover for men, but some studies seem to show a positive effect on liver and prostate. My husband doesn’t take red clover, and he sticks to Maca and other herbs instead. 🙂
From personal experience I started taking this because my period was a little off it was regular but it was as not like it was before I had my son, someone introduced me to this and I got pregnant the month after I stopped taking it. Fyi it broke my face out so bad and that’s the only reason why I stopped taking it.
Shaniece, the red clover detoxify the blood, the liver and the lymphatic system, a possible reason why your face broke out like that. The body was getting read of toxins. I know, nobody want that. I would do some research and go to the wellness store and ask what to do. Mine is very knowledgeable and always recommend the best herbs for me. In any case, a visit to an homeopathic practitioner never hurt.
hi am polycystic and want to be pregnant , I do not normaly get a period on my own, I have took clomid and it have me bleeding for four months now, can I take red clover, with vitex to help this problem
Red Clover and many others, are so much better as a sprout. Sprouting is easy and you always Ave fresh vegetables and herbs.
I wrote about sprouting here: https://wellnessmama.com/36686/grow-sprouts/
Hi.
I have sterilised(tubes tied and cut)can I use red clover i wanna get pregnant without going for reversal
It wont work if youve had your tubes tied,you will need to go have a reversal
How u know u can get pregnant with tubes tied some say they have while taking this
If the Fallopian tube is cut, the “egg” wont get to the uterine or towards the uterine, therefore the sperm can’t fertilize the egg and get pregnant. To enable the egg to be fertilized by the sperm, them must get together. In your case, the only solution is to have surgery to reverse it, in other words, the surgeon needs to re attach the tubes so the egg can go down the fallopian tube. Good luck in your future pregnacy.
Yes it will just try mines are tied with tubal rings and it’s been five years and I was told by a friend red clover will work so try it I never know until you try
How do i get ahold of RED CLOVER HER to end these hot flashes
Hi Wellness Mama,
Can I buy Red clover in its naturally state the flower and grind it up in a grinder to make my own supplements?
Can I also do this with Saw Palmetto and Fenugreek?
I was searching your website for articles on endometriosis and found this. I have endo and a large fibroid. I don’t know a lot about endo or fibroids but I thought it is in part caused by estrogen dominance so if red clover is estrogen like, I wonder how exactly it helps with endo/fibroids?
I would like to try this to boost fertility, but I have seasonal allergies. Would this mean I could be allergic to red clover as well?
Potentially, though not likely. You might try Maca instead…
To be fertile detox your body with standard process. I did it twice. One after another and i got pregnant. Red rasberry tea aso boost fertility
What do you mean detox your body with standard process?
I am 48 and am trying to get pregnant for over a year now. Am still having regular periods. Rill the red clover help me. My friend told me it will help but am not sure if it’s true