Evidence supporting the use of: Red clover
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has been used traditionally in various cultures as a remedy for women’s health concerns, including menstrual irregularities. Folk medicine has often attributed benefits to red clover based on its content of phytoestrogens—plant-derived compounds with estrogen-like activity. These isoflavones, mainly genistein and daidzein, are believed to exert mild estrogenic effects, which could theoretically help balance hormonal fluctuations that contribute to irregular menstrual cycles.
However, while red clover’s use for menopause symptoms has been more extensively studied, evidence specifically addressing its effectiveness for menstrual irregularity is limited and largely anecdotal. Historical herbal texts and ethnobotanical sources reference its use for “clearing the blood” and regulating menses, but these claims have not been substantiated by rigorous, modern clinical trials. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest phytoestrogens can interact with estrogen receptors, but translating these findings to clinical benefits for menstrual regularity remains unproven.
Overall, the use of red clover for menstrual irregularity is rooted in traditional practice rather than strong scientific validation. Clinical research is lacking, and current evidence does not strongly support its efficacy for this particular condition. Individuals interested in using red clover for menstrual health should consult with a healthcare provider, especially given its potential to interact with hormone-sensitive conditions and medications.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
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Aerva lanata
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Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Akebia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Angelica
anise
Anserina
apple cider vinegar
Ashoka
ashwagandha
Baccharoides anthelmintica
balsam
Bergenia
bethroot
betony
big quaking grass
black cohosh
black gram
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black root
black salt
blackboard tree
Blepharis
blessed thistle
blue cohosh
blue flag
Bupleurum
cactus
calamus
calcium
Calotropis gigantea
cassia bark
chaste tree
chirata
cinquefoil
Clary sage
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cnidium
cohosh
corktree
Corydalis
cowslip
cumin
Cyathula
Didymocarpus
dioscorea
dong quai
dong quai root
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Erythropalum scandens
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fenugreek
fig
Fumaria parviflora
Japanese sophora
joe-pye
juniper berries
knotgrass
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
Leptadenia
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
little ironweed
Lophira lanceolata
lovage
maca
macaenes
Marjoram
Mentha haplocalyx
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
Mung bean
Pennyroyal
Pentatropis capensis
Phytoestrogens
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
prickly ash
Pulsatilla
Qin Jiao
queen of the meadow
red clover
rose
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
Sanguisorba
Semecarpus anacardium
Semiaquilegia
shepherd's purse
Snakeroot
Southernwood
Speedwell
Spikenard
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Tarragon
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Turtle Head
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vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
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Zinc
