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Health Benefits of Red Clover

Red clover or also known as bee bread, cow clover, meadow clover, purple clover or wild clover is a wild, short-lived plant. It is grown to feed cattle, sheep, horses and other domestic livestock. But this perennial herb has also been used as an herbal remedy and alternative medicine for many ailments.

Red clover contains many nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium and several other vitamins and minerals. The isoflavones is one of the compounds that bring about the many benefits of red clover.

Other than red clover, isoflavones is also present in other plants such as soy beans. It has an estrogen like effect in the body. Isoflavones has the potential to treat ailments such as hot flashes and red clover has been used for centuries to treat this ailment.

Because of the many nutrients and the presence of isoflavones, coumarin and resinous substance, the flowers of red clovers are dried, extracted or processed into tablets, tincture, capsules, liquid extract and ointments. Red clover extract is the isolation of isoflavones and some other nutrients.

The Benefits of Red Clover

Here are some of the uses and the benefits of red clover and red clover extract are as follows:

1. May help protect against heart disease
   
   
   
2. May improve blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clot
   
   
   
3. May help prevent or stop the growth of some cancer cells
   
   
   
4. May slow down bone loss and boost bone density in menopausal women
   
   
   
5. May increase HDL or good cholesterol level
   
   
   
6. May treat whooping cough
   
   
   
7. The red clover ointment is applied to skin to treat skin inflammations, psoriasis and eczema
   
   
   
8. Because it is also a diuretic, red clover helps in getting rid of excessive fluid from the body
   
   
   
9. Red clover is also an expectorant. It helps relieve respiratory problems or difficulties by clearing the lungs from thick mucus
   
   
   
10. It is also considered a blood cleanser and helps cleanse the liver
    
    
    
11. Red clover may strengthen the immune system
    
    
    
12. It has a cooling effect. It helps relax the nervous system. Because of this red clover extract is also made into essential oil and used in aromatherapy
    
    
    
13. Restore irregular menstruation
    
    
    
14. May enhance fertility in women
    
    
    
15. Drinking red clover tea by steeping the dried blossom in hot water may help relieve cold and cough, ease chest discomfort, eases stomach upset and promotes a good night sleep

Red Clover Side Effects

Menopausal women are recommended to seek advice from medical professionals before taking red clover or isoflavones. Because of the estrogen like property, red clover extract may also contribute to the growth of some cancers. People who are on medication are also advised to seek advice because isoflavones may interfere with certain drugs.