Like peas and beans, red clover belongs to the family of plants called legumes. Red clover contains phytoestrogens – compounds similar to the female hormone estrogen.
red clover, cow clover, meadow clover, wild clover
Trifolium pratense
Historically, red clover has been used to prevent cancer and to treat respiratory problems such as whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis.
Red clover is currently used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, breast pain associated with menstrual cycles, high cholesterol, and symptoms of prostate enlargement. It is also used to reduce the loss of bone mineral density in post-menopausal people.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
Consult a health care practitioner if:
In addition, anytime when the symptoms worsen, you should consult a health care practitioner.
Currently, the evidence is conflicting for the effect of red clover on menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms. There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether red clover is effective for any other health conditions.
Red clover seems to be safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. No serious adverse effects have been reported. Common side effects include muscle pain, nausea, and vaginal spotting.
Because red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, there is a possibility that its long-term use may increase the risk of people developing cancer of the lining of the uterus. Be sure to complete clinical testing such as any mammograms or ultrasound scans of the lining of the uterus before taking red clover.
Red clover may interact with:
It is unclear whether red clover is safe for people who are pregnant or breast-feeding, or who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.
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