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Impact on Hormonal Health and Menopause Symptoms

Red clover, a member of the legume family, has a long history of use in folk medicine.

It functions as a diuretic and expectorant, traditionally employed to treat water retention, respiratory conditions such as whooping cough, and skin infections.

The plant’s isoflavone content, which exhibits estrogen-like activity, has garnered significant attention.

These compounds suggest red clover’s potential in alleviating menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, and in promoting bone and cardiovascular health.

We will now explore the benefits of red clover tea in greater detail.

Impact on Hormonal Health and Menopause Symptoms

Red clover contains plant compounds called isoflavones that mimic the effects of estrogen and can positively impact hormonal health as follows:

The isoflavones in red clover bind to estrogen receptors in the body, balancing hormonal fluctuations that occur due to menopause.

Benefits of red clover tea for hormonal balance:

Treats hot flashes: Red clover reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes, especially when taken as an extract.
Protects bone density: Red clover helps maintain bone mineral density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. (National institute for complementary and integrative health, n.d.)

Antioxidant and Detoxifying Properties

The benefits of red clover tea are due to its antioxidant and detoxifying properties, as it is a good source of isoflavones and polyphenols, so it can achieve the following for you:

Protects the skin: The antioxidants present in red clover work to regenerate damaged cells and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Works as an anti-inflammatory: Red clover reduces the production of compounds associated with inflammation.
Has antioxidant properties: Red clover can prevent the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause cell damage.
Purifies the blood: Red clover works as a natural blood cleanser, detoxifies the body and enhances liver function.
Diuretic: Red clover has diuretic properties, which rids the body of excess fluids.
Cleanses the respiratory system: Red clover works as an expectorant, which helps remove mucus from the lungs. (PubMed, n.d.)

How to Prepare and Consume Safely

To get the benefits of red clover tea, you must follow the instructions for use. This is because it contains isoflavones, which act as estrogen in the body.

This means that it can interact with hormone-related medications or cause unwanted symptoms if consumed in excess.

Products that contain red clover

Red clover can be consumed in different forms, including:

Tea, which is made from an infusion of dried flowers.
Dietary supplements in the form of capsules or tablets, which are made from dried, powdered herb.
Alcoholic extract.
Topical ointments.

Preparation and Safe Consumption

To make red clover tea:

Steep 1-3 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
You can add honey or other sweeteners as desired.

Harvest:

If you are harvesting wild red clover flowers, make sure it is from a clean, uncontaminated area.
Harvest the flower heads before they start to turn brown.
Dry the flowers thoroughly before using them for tea or other preparations.

Safe Dosage

It is recommended not to exceed the following amounts of red clover:

For tea, 2-3 cups daily.
For capsules, follow the product label.

Safety Precautions

Do not use without a prescription if you are pregnant, nursing, taking hormone-related medications, or have any health conditions.
People with hormone-related conditions such as breast, uterine, or endometrial cancer should avoid red clover.