Red clover (trifolium pratense)
Synopsis
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a flowering plant in the legume family (Fabaceae), commonly found in meadows and pastures throughout Europe, Western Asia, and North America. Though often considered a forage crop, red clover has long been recognized in herbal medicine for its gentle yet versatile therapeutic properties. The aerial parts—especially the blossoms—are rich in phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen), flavonoids, coumarins, and salicylic acid derivatives.
Red clover is best known today for its hormonal balancing effects, particularly in supporting women's health during menopause. Its isoflavones, such as genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin, can bind to estrogen receptors and may help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and bone density loss. In herbal protocols, red clover is often used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
In addition to its estrogenic activity, red clover has blood-purifying and lymphatic-stimulating effects, making it a frequent inclusion in detoxification formulas. Traditionally, it was thought to "cleanse the blood" and assist in the elimination of waste products through the liver, kidneys, and skin. The herb is mildly expectorant and has been used to ease chronic coughs, bronchitis, and spasmodic respiratory conditions.
Modern research has also explored its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, with ongoing studies examining its role in cardiovascular health, including potential benefits for improving arterial flexibility and lipid profiles.
Historical Usage
Red clover has been used medicinally for centuries, particularly in European folk medicine and North American indigenous healing systems. In traditional European herbalism, red clover was valued as a general tonic, especially for children with chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Its gentle nature made it suitable for long-term use to support digestion, circulation, and skin clarity.
During the 19th century, the Eclectic physicians of the United States—who integrated herbal and conventional medical approaches—used red clover extensively. It became a standard remedy in their materia medica for treating whooping cough, chronic bronchitis, and skin eruptions. Red clover was also used as part of herbal cancer formulas, with early herbalists suggesting it could help shrink tumors or improve general vitality in people with wasting diseases.
Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Iroquois, used red clover teas and poultices to treat fevers, eye infections, and respiratory problems. Its blossoms were also used in ceremonial and seasonal cleanses to prepare the body for transitions.
By the early 20th century, red clover had entered official pharmacopeias and was considered a gentle, nourishing herb for cleansing the blood, easing glandular swelling, and supporting overall convalescence.
Today, red clover remains widely used in herbal practice, often as a foundational herb in women’s formulas, skin health blends, and detoxification teas, bridging its rich folkloric past with modern phytotherapeutic applications.
Uses: Health Conditions
Estrogen (low) (Scientific)
Menopause (Scientific)
Menorrhagia (Traditional)
Menstrual Irregularity (Traditional)
Menstruation (scant) (Traditional)
Breast Milk (dry up) (Neither)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Hot Flashes (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Neither)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Neither)
Body Systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Breasts (Traditional)
Estrogen (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Arteries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
Vagina (Traditional)