Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a flowering legume native to Europe, central Asia and northern Africa, now grown widely as livestock forage. Its pink blossoms have been used in traditional medicine for skin conditions, coughs and other complaints. Today it is mostly sold as a supplement for women's health, though research results are mixed.
What is red clover?
Red clover is a legume, in the same plant family as peas and beans, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Its common names include cow clover, meadow clover, wild clover, purple clover and cow grass.
NC State Extension describes how to recognize it:
- Large round flower heads made of many small tubular flowers
- Flowers that are pink to purplish pink, despite the name "red"
- Leaflets marked with pale chevrons
- A fragrant, honey-like scent in spring and summer
It grows in fields, pastures, meadows and along roadsides, and NC State notes that bees and butterflies visit it for nectar.
How is red clover used on farms?
Red clover is widely grown for agriculture. NC State Extension explains that farmers plant it as forage and hay for livestock and as green manure. Like other legumes, it fixes nitrogen, so it is often grown as a cover crop to improve soil fertility. NC State also notes that the leaves and young flower heads are edible raw or cooked, though it advises against eating the flowers during pregnancy or while nursing.
How has red clover been used in traditional medicine?
Red clover blossoms have a long history in folk herbalism. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) reports that red clover is traditionally used for skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema, for whooping cough and for mastitis.
What does modern research say about red clover?
Red clover contains isoflavones, plant compounds that NCCIH describes as structurally similar to estrogen. That is why modern supplements focus on menopause and women's health. Here is how the research looks today:
| Area studied | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Hot flashes | NCCIH says results are inconsistent, and some studies had a high risk of bias. MSK notes systematic reviews are mixed. |
| Cholesterol | NCCIH says red clover may help in postmenopausal women, but more research is needed. |
| Bone density | NCCIH reports only a few studies, with inconsistent results. |
| Overall | NCCIH states research has not shown conclusive evidence of benefits for any health condition. |
The traditional skin and lymphatic uses come from herbal practice. Neither NCCIH nor MSK reports clinical trials on them.
Is red clover safe?
NCCIH reports that red clover extracts were used in clinical studies lasting up to two years and appeared to be well tolerated. There are still a few important cautions from MSK and NCCIH:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid red clover supplements.
- Hormone-sensitive cancers: MSK says people with these cancers should avoid red clover because of its estrogenic activity.
- Blood thinners: red clover may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
- Other medications: lab studies suggest red clover can affect liver enzymes that process many drugs, and MSK describes a case of toxicity in a person taking high-dose methotrexate.
- Long-term use: its safety over long periods is not known.
NCCIH also reminds readers that dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale. Talk with your healthcare provider before using red clover, especially if you take any medication.
Where is red clover found today?
You will find red clover in teas, capsules and liquid extracts. Red clover blossom is one of four herbs in Lymphoria Lymphatic Drainage Drops, together with cleavers, stillingia and prickly ash. The blend follows traditional herbal pairings and is not intended to treat any condition. See our ingredients page for the full formula, or read about the system these herbs are traditionally associated with in what is the lymphatic system.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called red clover if the flowers are pink?
NC State Extension notes that the name can be confusing, since the flowers are pink to purplish pink. The name has simply stuck.
Does red clover act like estrogen?
Red clover contains isoflavones, which NCCIH describes as structurally similar to estrogen. MSK says it has estrogenic activity, which is why people with hormone-sensitive cancers are advised to avoid it.
Can I take red clover while pregnant?
NCCIH says red clover supplements may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and MSK advises avoiding it during that time.
Is red clover proven to help the lymphatic system?
No. Its use in lymphatic and skin blends comes from traditional herbalism. Clinical research has focused mainly on menopause, cholesterol and bone health.