It is these plant oestrogens that are interesting in the use of the herb in an extract – in our extract more than 90% of these are in aglycone form. A great source of nectar, especially for bees. It has a deep taproot which makes it tolerant to drought and gives it a good soil structuring effect. Facilitating use of Nordic plant genetic resources: Evaluating the Nordic Red Clover Collection for Arctic breeding. Red clover can be taken as a supplement, extract, or tea. Red clover varieties are tested at Prairie du Sac. Red clover contains substances called isoflavones. Due to its beauty, it is used as an ornamental plant. Though many people enjoy red clover tea, no data shows it has the same potential health effects as concentrated forms of red clover, such as supplements and extracts. Further, always be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications or herbal remedies you’re taking if you’re going to have surgery (35). Still, a 3-year, double-blind study found taking 40 mg of red clover daily to be safe for women with a family history of breast cancer. Traditionally an element of hay meadows where it fixes nitrogen in its roots. Ideal seeding depth is approximately 1/4 inch, but error on the side of being shallow rather than too deep. Hence, it has the botanical name Trifolium, which in Latin translates loosely as "tri", meaning "three", with "folium" meaning "leaf". Red clover may help decrease menopausal hot flashes, though more research is needed. [4], The red clover is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but it has been naturalized in other continents, like North and South America. Likewise, other studies have failed to find that red clover can help treat BMD (13, 14). University of Wisconsin Forage Variety Performance Results This link takes you to results from the most recent UW forage variety testing information. The main ingredients of red clover are phytoestrogens that act similarly as estrogen in the human body. Red clover plants grow from crowns. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a wild flowering plant belonging to the same family as peas and beans. The flowers are dark pink with a paler base, 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long, produced in a dense inflorescence, and are mostly visited by bumblebees. Red clover is usually found as a supplement or tea using dried flower tops. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and speak with a healthcare professional before trying red clover. Red clover is a short-lived perennial, or biennial in the northern USA and Canada. The doctors believe red clover interfered with a psoriasis medication known as methotrexate. The flower tops are used to make medicine. Higher quality, third-party research is needed (24). Prepared by Marvin H. Hall, assistant professor of agronomy The main aim of this project is to increase the use of plant genetic resources by directly channelling information and seed material to plant breeders working in the Northern/Arctic region. Red clover is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant, variable in size, growing to 20–80 cm (8–31 in) tall. What Teas Help with Menopause Symptom Relief? Due to the wide range of potential drug interactions with red clover and limited data on the subject, always speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements. Plants have hollow, hairy stems and branches. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a wild flowering plant belonging to the same family as peas and beans. Some preliminary research has shown red clover may improve heart health in postmenopausal women. Some old people even watered the wild fields so that they could increase its production. It contains many vitamins and nutrients, including protein! Easily overseeded or frostseeded into standing crops, it creates loamy topsoil, adds a moderate amount of N, helps to suppress weeds and breaks up heavy soil. Finally, it’s widely used as a traditional medicine to treat osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, skin disorders, cancer, respiratory problems like asthma, and women’s health issues, such as menstrual and menopausal symptoms. However, little research supports these uses. Additionally, no safety data on red clover among children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is available. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). To make red clover tea, add 4 grams of dried flower tops (or red clover tea bags) to 1 cup (250 mL) of boiling water and steep for 5–10 minutes. Red clover is subject to bacterial as well as fungal diseases, including the red clover rust, Uromyces trifolii-repentis var. It is viewable or downloadable as a .pdf file via this link. Red clover is a dark-pink herbaceous plant originating from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Older studies have also shown improvements in BMD after taking red clover extract (10, 11). It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L), a short-lived perennial, is the most widely grown of all the true clovers. Currently, there’s no clear evidence that supplementing with red clover will improve menopause symptoms. For these reasons, it is used as a green manure crop. Red clove as edible plant. Details Red clover reaches 30-50cm in height and bears trifoliate leaves and rounded clusters of pinkish-red flowers 2-3cm acrossfrom May to September. Plus, it’s now popular throughout South America as a fodder crop to improve soil quality (1). However, health experts are wary of its purported benefits due to a lack of scientific evidence. What are the most effective remedies? This article reviews red clover, its potential benefits, downsides, and uses. Suited to high rainfall with a good proportion of it during summer. Hot flashes can appear suddenly, or you may feel…. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 6 of the Best Multivitamins for Menopause, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What Is Clover Honey? It grows as a winter annual in the southeastern USA. [5] The red clover has become increasingly important as a source of economic stability in Chile, which has made the need for pollinators even more important. Though it has a good safety profile, some side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and vaginal spotting. Due to reports of side effects with 5 cups (1.2 liters) per day, it’s best to limit your daily intake to 1–3 cups (240–720 mL) (35). This bumblebee has been one of the important pollinators of red clover in South America and other countries such as New Zealand.[7]. [15] It is said to be a blood cleanser. It doesn't seem to work, though, for lowering cholesterol or controlling hot flashes in women. Historically, red clover was used … Trifolium pratense, the red clover,[1][2] is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalised in many other regions. Cattle and other animals graze on red clover. When women reach their menopause, the decrease in oestrogen that occurs affects their body and mood. However, a 2015 study in 147 postmenopausal women found that taking 50 mg of red clover daily for 1 year resulted in no improvements in BMD, compared with the placebo group (12). Estrogen is needed for bust growth and this substance helps women’s bodies to increase their breasts in a natural way without dangerous side effects. Stem lengths of medium and mammoth types average 18 inches and 24 to 30 inches, respectively. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones in your body to become weak and porous. Plant red clover seeds at 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 16 lbs per acre. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens—compounds similar to the female hormone estrogen. Another study in 30 men showed a 13% increase in the hair growth cycle (anagen) and a 29% decrease in the hair loss cycle (telogen) when a 5% red clover extract was applied to the scalp for 4 months, compared with the placebo group (26). One review of studies in postmenopausal women taking red clover for 4–12 months showed a significant increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and a decrease in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol (28). Warning: Not to be taken by women who are pregnant or are nursing. [8] They can be ground into a flour. Red clover is a common plant of all kinds of grassy areas in the UK, from lawns to pastures, roadsides to meadows. Red clover is used to treat cancer as well as respiratory problems such as asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis. Trifolium pratenseL., red clover, is an introduced biennial or short-lived perennial that grows as one of two types: medium (double-cut) or mammoth (single- cut). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s widely used in traditional medicine as a remedy for menopause symptoms, asthma, whooping cough, arthritis, and even cancer. You can buy them in most health food stores or online. They … Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) is a wild edible that is a nutritional powerhouse! In alternative medicine, red clover is said to help with the following conditions. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate (with three leaflets), each leaflet 15–30 mm (0.6–1.2 in) long and 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in) broad, green with a characteristic pale crescent in the outer half of the leaf; the petiole is 1–4 cm (0.4–1.6 in) long, with two basal stipules that are abruptly narrowed to a bristle-like point. A 2007 report noted a 53-year-old woman had a subarachnoid hemorrhage — a type of stroke — after taking a supplement containing 250 mg of red clover, as well as eight other herbs, to treat hot flashes. Once established it’s capable of rapid growth and shows reasonably good persistence up to three years, although ongoing breeding work is being carried out to increase plant persistence. Learn about alternative treatments for osteoporosis. Most added that further research is needed to confirm the results. Most growth occurs in summer and autumn. Red clover is a wild plant that can be eaten. Trifolium pratense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. Red clover is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant, variable in size, growing to 20–80 cm (8–31 in) tall. Last medically reviewed on August 20, 2020, Are you looking into treatments for menopausal symptoms that avoid hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)? It has become naturalised in many temperate areas, including the Americas and Australasia as an escape from cultivation. You can call them plant estrogens. It is a vigorous establisher and good yielder in the establishment year. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. However, limited evidence shows that red clover helps with any of these illnesses. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones exhibit low bone mineral density (BMD) and have become weak (3). Therefore, higher quality research is needed (29). Specifically, the red clover was brought to Argentina and Chile over 100 years ago, although it is not clear how exactly it was introduced. It has also been used medicinally to treat several conditions including cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations, such as psoriasis and eczema. Therefore, be sure to follow the recommended dose on the package. Harvesting red clover, though, is somewhat complicated and should only be done with knowledge of the plant. [13] Due to its activity on oestrogen receptors, red clover is contraindicated in people with a history of breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids or other oestrogen-sensitive conditions,[14] although some authors have suggested the high isoflavone content counteracts this, and even provides benefits in these conditions. Despite limited scientific evidence, red clover is used to treat a variety of conditions. Their essential oil may be extracted and its unique scent used in aromatherapy. Red Clover plant clade, plant tribe and order fall under the scientific classification of Red Clover. Red Clover genus and other classification is necessary information to know for every botanist. It will grow in poor soil, but it won’t thrive there. Due to its coumarin derivatives, T. pratense should be used with caution in individuals with coagulation disorders or currently undergoing anticoagulation therapy. Autumn plantings are preferred in the Lower South. Genus is a group of plants which are related to each other in some or the other way. Red clover contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen. After stopping the red clover, she made a full recovery (31). However, beyond this, little evidence supports using red clover to treat other health conditions. One 2015 study in 147 postmenopausal women indicated a 12% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol after taking 50 mg of red clover (Rimostil) daily for 1 year (27). Despite this study, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking red clover to ensure that it’s safe and right for you. fallens. [19], This article is about the plant. [9], In alternative medicine, red clover is promoted as a treatment for a variety of human maladies, including symptoms of menopause, coughs, disorders of the lymphatic system and a variety of cancers. Red clover is a wild plant belonging to the legume family. Red Clover as an Herbal Treatment for Hot Flashes. [10][11] There is no evidence in the human trial literature that red clover has been tested for effects on cough, lymphatic system or cancer prevention/treatment. sativum. [6] One important pollinator, which was also brought from Europe, is Bombus ruderatus, or the large garden bumblebee. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Description: A short-term (2–3 years) perennial legume. Alsike clover, a perennial species sometimes called Swedish clover, or Alsatian clover, bears globular rosy-pink flower heads. To protect your health, always speak to your healthcare provider before taking red clover. Therefore, it should be avoided (34). If you’re in the market for a multivitamin to help with menopause symptoms, consider giving one of these six a try. They’re also available in tinctures and extracts. Another study observed a 73% decrease in hot flashes within 3 months after taking a supplement containing numerous herbs, including red clover. Red clover contains isoflavones, which are a type of phytoestrogen — a plant compound that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body. Red clover is a dark-pink flowering plant that’s used in traditional medicine to treat menopause symptoms, asthma, heart disease, skin disorders, and even cancer. Good seed-soil contact helps ensure establishment. Red clover is used for symptoms of menopause, weak and brittle bones, high levels of cholesterol, and many other conditions, but … Red clover is used in Turkish folk medicine as expectorant, antiseptic, analgesic properties and as a treatment for rheumatic aches. For comprehensive information (e.g. The flowers It has a deep taproot which makes it tolerant to drought and gives it a good soil structuring effect. Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons Subclass: Rosidae Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae ⁄ Leguminosae – Pea family Genus: Trifolium L. – clover Species Additionally, there have been a few case reports of rare but dangerous side effects of red clover (20). Those with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometriosis, should speak to their healthcare provider before taking red clover due to its estrogenic activity (32). We also discuss the symptoms of menopause…, Hot flashes bothering you? Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a perennial plant, grown widespread and cultivated as a forage grass in many countries. Red clover is a plant. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. Clover honey is popular due to its sweet, mildly floral taste. A 2015 study in 60 premenopausal women found that taking 5 ounces (150 mL) of red clover extract containing 37 mg of isoflavones daily for 12 weeks led to less BMD loss in the lumbar spine and neck, compared with the placebo group (9). Learn about its causes, risk factors, and…. The herbaceous plant can be found mainly on nutrient-rich meadows, forest clearings or roadsides. Red clover has also shown mild improvements in other menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and vaginal dryness (14, 17, 18). Several cultivar groups have been selected for agricultural use, mostly derived from T. pratense var. Red clover, a biennial, or short-lived perennial, bears an oval purplish flower head about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. It is very well suited for use as the forage legume in short rotations with corn. Red clover's flowers and leaves are edible, and can be added as garnishes to any dish. Like peas and beans, red clover belongs to the family of plants called legumes. These teas for menopause may be a natural way to ease your symptoms. Growing red clover for silage production circumvents that problem. Several systemic reviews and meta-analyses concluded that red clover extract reduces the frequency of menopause hot flashes. The flowering portion of red clover is used decoratively as an edible garnish or extract, and it can be extracted into essential oils (2). It is a legume and has been used as a cover crop like white clover. We’ll tell you what the research says. Though generally recognized as safe, red clover has minor estrogenic properties and should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people with bleeding disorders or who take hormone replacement therapy or other medications. Plant it in fertile, calcium-rich soil with a ph ranging from neutral to slightly acidic to keep it happy. Many proponents of red clover claim it can help with weight loss, cancer, asthma, whooping cough, arthritis, and other conditions. That said, the hemorrhage could not be directly linked to red clover (30). Though promising, more research is needed. Most red clover is seeded in late winter to early spring in the northern and central parts of the red clover belt. Red clover is a popular yet underrated flowering plant used for a variety of purposes around the world. Red clover is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn't enough scientific evidence to determine whether it is effective for any of them. The dry flowers and seeds can be used to flavor bread.