15% off €35
15% off €35
Code:TREAT
As red clover is high in isoflavones, it is believed to help decrease the frequency and severity of some menopause symptoms, like night sweats and hot flushes.
While some scientists have reported no improvement in menopausal symptoms from red clover, others have found significant positive effects.7
In a 2017 study published in PLoS One, scientists gave 59 perimenopausal women a supplement containing red clover and friendly bacteria and found they experienced a significant drop in both hot flushes and night sweats.8
Meanwhile, a 2016 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that red clover can decrease the numbers of hot flushes, particularly in women with severe hot flushes who experience five or more a day.9
Red clover also has potential to help other symptoms of the menopause, like depression, anxiety and vaginal dryness, but more studies are needed.10
The reduction in circulating oestrogen during the menopause causes bone loss that, over time, can lead to osteoporosis.
Red clover contains a type of phytoestrogen called isoflavones, which can weakly imitate oestrogen in the body. Some studies have found a connection between intake of isoflavones and a decreased risk of osteoporosis.11
In a 2015 study by Denmark’s Aarhus University, researchers gave red clover to 60 healthy menopausal women for three months. They found that red clover isoflavones can:12
However, even though the results appear positive, more research is necessary.
Some research suggests that red clover may help improve the heart health of postmenopausal women. Scientists think the isoflavones in red clover are the active ingredient responsible for this effect.
A 2006 review of studies by the University of Illinois in Chicago reported that red clover extract can decrease the amount of a type of fat in the blood called triglycerides, while increasing levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.
A meta-analysis of studies in postmenopausal women taking red clover for 4-12 months improved their heart health. This was due to a significant increase in the ‘good’ cholesterol HDL and a decrease in total and ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) levels.13
Another 2015 study on 147 postmenopausal women found that taking 50mg of red clover (Rimostil) daily for 1 year decreased ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by 12%.14
Therefore, despite some optimistic results, authors of the studies agreed that more large, high-quality studies are needed.
Also, it’s worth noting that these studies involved solely older, menopausal women, so it’s not known if these effects would be the same in the general population.
However, even though the results appear positive, more research is necessary.
Red clover has been used traditionally to promote hair and skin health for years. Modern studies into this looks promising, but more research is needed to confirm red clover benefits for skin and hair.
One study of 30 men who applied red clover extract to the scalp every day for 4 months found a 13% increase in the hair growth cycle (anagen phase), and a 29% reduction in the hair loss cycle (telogen).15
Another randomised study of 109 postmenopausal women found that taking 80mg of red clover extract for 90 days significantly improved participant’s skin and hair appearance, texture and overall quality.16
Some women use phytoestrogens and other herbal remedies to relieve menstrual irregularities and issues.
Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, estrogen levels can drop and cause uncomfortable symptoms.
As red clover contains phytoestrogens, it could ease some menstrual issues, but more research is needed.
Generally, red clover supplements are available as tablets, liquid extracts and teas. There is no reference nutrient intake (RNI) for red clover but in a three-year trial, scientists gave treatments of up to 120mg a day with no ill-effects.17
You will likely find red clover supplement doses vary from around 40mg to 450mg, so try to start off on a low dose to see how your body reacts then increase as you see fit. Can you take red clover every day? Yes, most people should be able to take red clover every day. Keep reading to find out who needs to be cautious with this herbal extract.
As red clover contains phytoestrogens, you should avoid taking it if you have breast cancer, ovarian cancer or another hormone-sensitive cancer.
Those with endometriosis could also experience adverse side effects, so always check with your GP if you’re interested in taking it.
Red clover may slow down the body’s natural blood-clotting process, so people with bleeding disorders should avoid it.
Those who are having surgery soon should also be cautious and seek a professional opinion before taking red clover.
Like a lot of natural herbs, red clover can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications.
These drugs could be affected by taking red clover:18,19
It has also not been proved safe for the following groups and should be avoided:20
If you are interested in taking red clover, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional first.
There are a few different types of red clover supplements, with their own unique benefits. Here are some of the most popular.
Red clover capsules and tablets seem to be the most common way to take this herbal supplement. The benefits include:
Red clover liquid extracts are one of the purest ways to take red clover. The benefits include:
People have been enjoying red clover tea for hundreds of years, and now you can get yours in a handy teabag. Red clover tea benefits include:
Red clover is often combined with other natural extracts, vitamins and minerals in menopause, hormonal balance and other women’s supplements. B vitamins, magnesium, green tea extract, calcium and soya isoflavones are popular examples.
The benefits of these combined supplements include:
Handpicked content: 11 of the best natural menopause remedies