Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Once known primarily for its eliminative; detoxifying and cleansing activites, red clover is making headlines because of the role it can play in establishing hormone balance and fighting cancer. In fact, these familiar roadside blossoms are among the top three sources of phytoestrogens, along with soy and licorice.

Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens that bind with and activate human estrogen receptors. They're extremely weak compared with human hormones, but when included in the diet they are able to help normalize estrogen and progesterone levels.

I am approaching menopause and would like to try a natural form of estrogen support. I've heard that red clover is particularly high in plant estrogens. Is it available as a supplement?

A botanical we don't want to overlook.

Around St. Patrick's day, thoughts of clover naturally turn to the green, four-leaf variety, for everyone knows that a shamrock is good luck. However, if your wish is for good health, you may want red clover instead of green. Unlike its shamrock relative, red clover (Trifolium pratense) has three distinct leaves, but what makes it stand out are its vivid, reddish flowers.

Presents a study which found that a blochanin-enriched isoflavone from red clover lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in men. Average age of participants in the study; Importance o...

Women's Health Update: Red Clover; A Review of its Use in the Menopausal Woman