By skyforbes 
Health Benefits of Red Clover
Historically, the medicinal properties of red clover have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, such as asthma, whooping cough, and gout. Modern science has corroborated some of these traditional uses and revealed new applications for this medicinal herb. These are some of the most remarkable red clover’s benefits:
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Alleviating menopause symptoms. The phytoestrogenic properties of red clover are effective for the treatment of female hormonal imbalances.
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Protecting cardiovascular health. Red clover is rich in flavonoids, which not only keep cholesterol levels in check, but also reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Soothing skin inflammations. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of red clover are popularly used to treat common skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, and sunburns.
Red clover is also popularly used for treating respiratory issues and fighting osteoporosis.
How It Works
Did you know?
As recently as the 20th century, red clover was known as a “blood purifier.”
Red clover contains volatile oils (benzyl alcohol and methyl salicylate), coumarins, and cyanogenic glycosides. However, the compounds responsible for red clover’s newfound popularity are isoflavones, which occur in high levels in this herb. Isoflavones are phytoestrogenic compounds, which have similar effects as estrogen in humans.1
Isoflavones bind themselves to estrogen receptors found on certain cells throughout the body. Once attached, their presence in the cells mimic the effects of estrogen. These reactions are not quite the same as true estrogen’s would be, but they are still more beneficial than if nothing was bound to the receptors at all.
Anthocyanins are pigments with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The combined action of anthocyanins and isoflavones are a powerful aid in the treatment of common skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis as well as for protecting against the harmful effects of UV light on the skin and reducing sunburn inflammation.2,3
Red clover extract has been shown to improve hair and skin health as well as boost libido, mood, sleep, and energy in postmenopausal women.3
Recent studies have also shown evidence that red clover extract can scale down the levels of total cholesterol in menopausal women, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.4
Other herbs with estrogenic properties are aguaje, dong quai, ginseng and soybean, whereas maca, despite not having phytoestrogens, naturally stimulates the endocrine system, relieving the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, avocado, olives (particularly olive oil), lucuma, and quinoa also help regulate cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
Red Clover Side Effects
Red clover is considered generally safe and does not have any dangerous side effects for the majority of the population, although it can occasionally cause skin rashes, nausea, and headaches.
Red Clover Cautions
Red clover contraindications are important as women who are pregnant, have a past history of breast cancer, or have blood clotting disorders should not take red clover products.
It should be noted that consuming phytoestrogenic supplements for a long time can hinder the ability of the body to produce its own estrogen supply.