Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
also known as red clover blossom
Moderate (menopause)
A common pasture flower whose deep pink heads are rich in isoflavones — plant compounds with mild estrogen-like activity. Long used in European folk medicine for women's health and as a 'blood cleanser,' red clover's modern use focuses on menopausal symptoms.
- Eases menopausal hot flashes for some women — effects are modest and not universal
- Isoflavone content provides mild estrogen-like activity
- Traditionally associated with skin conditions when used as a tea or wash
- Long traditional use as a 'blood cleanser' or general tonic, particularly in European and Indigenous American traditions
- May modestly support bone density in menopause
- May modestly improve cholesterol profile
Skip with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine) — the estrogen-like activity could promote growth
Skip with endometriosis and uterine fibroids
Use caution with hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen
Mild blood-thinning effect — caution with blood thinners
Stop two weeks before surgery
Skip during pregnancy and nursing
Generally well tolerated; effects on menopausal symptoms build over weeks to months
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