Dried Herb & Tea

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

B Limited clinical evidence

Red clover isoflavones have been tried for menopausal hot flashes with inconsistent results. Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancer, pregnancy or blood thinners.

Heart & CirculationWomen’s Health
Red Clover
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
ChildrenUnknown
Drug interactionsInteraction reported
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At a glance

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a pink-purple meadow plant containing estrogen-like isoflavones. Studies on menopausal hot flashes gave inconsistent results, and data on bone and cholesterol are limited. People with hormone-sensitive cancer and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it.

Parts used: flower heads
Key constituents: Isoflavones (biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, daidzein), Coumarins, Flavonoids

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.

What is it used for?

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Studies on menopausal hot flashes have had inconsistent results; in some trials isoflavone extract reduced symptoms versus placebo, while systematic reviews report mixed findings. Some studies had a high risk of bias. Data on bone density are few and inconsistent. [1][2]

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    A meta-analysis of studies with a standardised red clover extract suggests a possible drop in total cholesterol in peri- and postmenopausal women; the studies varied widely and more research is needed. [1][2]

How is it used?

Food

Studies used standardised isoflavone extracts, which were used for up to 2 years with apparent safety. There is no verified dose for tea.

[1]

Safety & interactions

  • People with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, uterine or ovarian cancer should not use it; its estrogen-like effect may worsen the condition.
  • It may be unsafe in pregnancy or breastfeeding; do not use it.
  • It may increase bleeding risk; a subdural haemorrhage was reported in a woman using it long term. Do not use it if you take blood thinners or are having surgery.
  • Safety of long-term use is unknown.
  • Men with prostate disease should ask their doctor before use.
[1][2]

Drug interactions

Drug interactions
Medicine / substanceEffectSeverity
Warfarin and other blood thinners, antiplatelet drugsMay increase bleeding risk; lab data suggest stronger drug effects. Do not combine, or ask your doctor. [2]Moderate
MethotrexateToxicity with severe vomiting and stomach pain was reported in a patient receiving high-dose methotrexate injections. [2]Moderate
Drugs broken down by CYP450Inhibited many liver enzymes (CYP1A2, 2C9, 3A4 and others) in lab studies; relevance in humans is unclear. [2]Minor

Side effects

  • Generally well tolerated in clinical trials
  • Brain haemorrhage in case reports
  • Severe vomiting with methotrexate

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Does red clover help with menopause?

Hot flash studies have had inconsistent results; some trials found fewer symptoms while reviews report mixed findings. The effect is not proven.

Does red clover act like estrogen?

It contains isoflavones that are structurally similar to estrogen. For this reason, people with hormone-sensitive cancer are advised not to use it.

Does red clover thin the blood?

It may increase bleeding risk; brain haemorrhage has been seen in case reports. Do not use it if you take blood thinners.

Can I use red clover while pregnant?

No. Red clover supplements may be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does red clover prevent osteoporosis?

There are few studies on bone density, with inconsistent results. The evidence is not enough to recommend it for this.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. Red Clover: Usefulness and SafetyNIH NCCIH · 2025 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
  2. Red CloverMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2022 · Reference bookSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/red-clover/

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