Red clover is an undemanding plant, which is said to have healing properties for various diseases. How the clover works and how it is used, you can read here.
Red clover is also known as meadow clover. The plant grows worldwide and is also native to the meadows in Europe. As a remedy, red clover is said to alleviate menopausal complaints in particular. However, it has other positive influences on the organism.
In addition to the versatile health effects, however, red clover is also viewed critically. How the plant works as a remedy and how you can use it, you will learn in this article.
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Effect of red clover: How it affects the organism
Red clover is considered an ancient remedy. Due to its ingredients, it is said to have various health-promoting effects.
The clover contains vitamins (vitamin B1 and B3 and vitamin C) and minerals (magnesium, calcium and potassium), which play an important role the well-being and our physical processes.
In addition, red clover contains other substances relevant to health. These include:
- proteins, which are important for cell growth and muscles
- flavonoids, which have antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial effects in the body
- Salicylates, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects
- coumarins, which positively influence the blood flow in the organism
- glycosides, which support cardiac activity
- phytohormones, which can alleviate the symptoms of menopause, and
- essential oils
Red clover is particularly well known as a natural alternative to hormone therapy during menopause. Women over 50 often suffer from hormonal changes in the body. These include sweating and hot flashes, as well as depressive moods and sleep disorders.
Red clover contains isoflavones, which belong to the secondary plant substances. They act as phytohormones, or more concretely as phytoestrogens. This means that they have a great similarity with the structure of the hormone estrogen.
When the natural estrogen level drops during menopause, isoflavones can balance it and in this way reduce physical and psychological discomfort, as a study has also shown. By the way, the same principle also works for menstrual cramps.
Red clover is not only suitable for women. Middle-aged men can also benefit from the effect of the medicinal plant, according to an Austrian study from 2008.
Furthermore, clover is said to have a positive influence on the liver, cardiovascular system and bone health. It is also believed that clover has an anti-aging effect. Thus, clover could protect skin cells from solar radiation and thus delay the formation of wrinkles. Scientific evidence has not yet been able to confirm the assumption.
Controversial side effects of red clover
The secondary plant substance isoflavone influences hormone levels. It is repeatedly associated with problematic cell division, which can promote breast cancer.
Researchers suspect that the component genistein is a possible trigger for the development of cancer cells. However, this active ingredient is more likely to be found in soybeans. In red clover, it is only present in a small form.
In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that isoflavones have no harmful effects on menopausal women.
Application of red clover
Red clover can be supplied to the body in different ways.
- Red clover to eat. The sprouts of clover can be a wonderful addition on salads or soups. If you’re in a hurry in the evening, get inspired by lightning recipes for after work.
- Red clover to drink. You can also take the remedy as a tea. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried flowers. Strain the flowers after 10 minutes. You can drink up to four cups a day.
- Red clover in capsules. Since the active ingredients in food supplements are highly concentrated and the possible long-term effects have not yet been sufficiently researched, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment advises against taking them.