Red Clover Benefits

Red clover’s botanical name is trifolium pratense and it is commonly known as meadow honeysuckle, meadow trefoil, purple clover, trefoil, wild clover, cleaver grass, marl grass, and cow grass. Red clover belongs to the legume family, and cattle and other animals graze on it. Red clover is native to Northwest Africa, Europe, and Western Asia.

Red clover has been used in traditional medicine for its deobstruent (ability to remove obstructions), antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-dermatosis benefits. Red clover has been used to treat cancer, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations like as psoriasis and eczema.

Red clover is a diuretic that helps the body regulate fluid levels and helps the excretion of toxins through urination. It is also and expectorant that helps remove excess mucous from the respiratory system (lungs), and is a blood purifier, cleaning the liver and improving circulation.

My specific interest in red clover’s deobstruent benefits, which Dr. Sebi uses in his lymphalin product to remove calcification in soft tissue in the body. Calcification of soft tissue is harmful and serves as a protective barrier for pathogens against agents that clean the body.

Scientific studies haven’t been focused on identifying red clover’s soft tissue decalcification properties at this time, but it has been used by women to remove soft tissue calcification in breast tissue that aids in the proliferation of breast cancer.^[1][2]

Red Clover And Balancing Estrogen

Red clover scientific studies have focused on its isoflavone phytonutrient compounds that produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Studies have shown that isolated isoflavones have shown potential in treating estrogen related conditions like menopause and hot flashes, and conditions related to cardiovascular health and osteoporosis. The evidence has been mixed though so more studies need to be done.

There is caution about taking isoflavone or estrogen supplements because they can unbalance estrogen in the body which can adversely affect the thyroid and breast. The issue revolves greatly around the use of synthetic substances or the use of concentrated amounts of the substances without the natural packaging they come in.

Nature provides the isoflavones in red clover in combination with nutrients and other phytonutrients that regulate its absorption in the body, which isoflavone supplements or extracts do not offer. The extended use of red clover is cautioned against because it does effect estrogen levels in the body. In laboratory experiments, red clover extract can stimulate the production of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells, indicating that this herb may not be helpful for women with estrogen-sensitive cancers.^[3]

No serious side effects have been reported in people taking red clover for up to 1 year.^[4]

Red clover was also shown to stop the growth of normal prostate cells and increase resistance of prostate cancer cells to high-dose radiation in lab experiments.^[3]

There are women who do take red clover for extended periods of time to control menopausal symptoms without any adverse effects.^[5][6] If you do choose to use red clover for extended use, you should monitor yourself for side effects.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are cautioned against taking red clover.

Learn more about red clover and other herbs used in Dr. Sebi’s methodology and how to use them in my book Alkaline Herbal Medicine.

Learn About Foods That Support Health and Vitality on the Dr. Sebi Nutritional Guide »