Red Clover

Naturally growing wild, red clover has been referred to by many different names. These names include cow grass, beebread, purple clover and meadow clover. It grows naturally in Europe as a meadow plant as well as Asia. In the last few years it has also been cultivated in parts of North America. Traditionally, it has been used to supplement feed for livestock although there are certainly plenty of health benefits for humans.

The part of the plant that is thought to contain the most health benefits is the blood of this rather purple colored flower. It is believed that the bloom contains several nutrients that the human body requires for essential processes. These nutrients include calcium, chromium, niacin, magnesium, thiamin, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin C. Isoflavones, thought to be beneficial for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, is also believed to be contained within red clover herb.

Other benefits of red clover herb include the treatment of coughs, bronchitis and asthma as well as certain conditions of skin and joint disorders. Jaundice is also believed to be improved through the use of this herb.

Certain symptoms associated with menopause such as night sweats, hot flashes and bone loss may be improved through the use of red clover and there have even been reports that red clover herb may contribute to good cardiovascular health. Red clover herb has also been noted to provide short term relief from coughs.

There are no known adverse side effects related to the use of red clover herb. It is recommended; however that women who are pregnant or nursing not use this product. It should also be noted that there have been some reports of infertility in livestock who were fed extremely large amounts of red clover herb in grazing materials. While there have been no indications or reports of infertility caused by red clover herb in humans, it would be a good idea not to consume large amounts of this product.

In some cases isoflavones have been associated with increasing the risk of breast cancer and since red clover does contain some parts of isoflavones, there are some concerns that it could increase the risk of breast cancer as well; although reports indicating this are contradictory. Finally, red clover herb products containing isoflavones are not recommended for use in children. There are some red clover herb products which do not contain isoflavones which are perfectly suitable for use in children.

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