Trifolium pretense is the formal name for red clover. It has also been called Cow Clover, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trefoil, and Wild Clover. Red clover grows wild as a perennial plant in almost all temperate climate zones. A wide array of medical conditions have been successfully treated with red clover leaves and flowers for a very long time now. Many of the uses are centered around relief from menopause symptoms and reproductive issues. Red clover contains isoflavones that are structurally and chemically very similar to estrogen.

Red clover leaves and flowers are used to help individuals in the following manners:

·           Relieving PMS symptoms;

·           Use in place of hormone replacement therapy in women during menopause;

·           Reducing hot flashes;

·           Delaying the loss of bone density associated with osteoporosis;

·           Lowering LDL cholesterol levels;

·           Alleviation of benign prostrate hyperplasia;

·           Reversing the buildup of arterial plaque that can lead to heart disease;

·           Effective treatment for psoriasis;

·           Reducing infections of the skin;

·           Helping skin to heal and replenish itself;

The leaves and flowers from red clover plants can be used to brew healthy teas and also to make tinctures, capsules and extracts. Many people also enjoy just eating them raw on their salads.  Pregnant women should not use red clover leaves and flowers as a part of their herbal medicinal program as there are some studies that suggest it could affect a developing fetus. Also, avoid using red clover if you are taking medications for thinning your blood.