--- title: "Red Clover: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Red clover isoflavones have been tried for menopausal hot flashes with inconsistent results." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/red-clover/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/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 & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Unknown** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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 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 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 | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Warfarin and other blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs | May increase bleeding risk; lab data suggest stronger drug effects. Do not combine, or ask your doctor. [2] | Moderate | | Methotrexate | Toxicity with severe vomiting and stomach pain was reported in a patient receiving high-dose methotrexate injections. [2] | Moderate | | Drugs broken down by CYP450 | Inhibited 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 Safety](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-clover) NIH NCCIH · 2025 · Official agency information Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [Red Clover](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/red-clover) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2022 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/red-clover/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Chasteberry Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chasteberry-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Vitex agnus-castus Chasteberry dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); regular use for 3 months is recommended for effect. [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Maca](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/maca/) B Limited clinical evidence Lepidium meyenii Maca root powder has been tried for sexual desire and function in small studies; evidence is limited. Take care in pregnancy and hormone-sensitive cancers. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Moringa](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/moringa/) B Limited clinical evidence Moringa oleifera Moringa leaves provide nutrients, while clinical findings on milk production remain limited. Avoid medicinal supplements in pregnancy and check product quality. [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Saffron](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saffron/) B Limited clinical evidence Crocus sativus The world's most expensive spice. In meta-analyses, saffron supplements lowered self-reported depression scores; clinician ratings did not change. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Yarrow](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/yarrow/) B Limited clinical evidence Achillea millefolium Yarrow tea is traditionally used for loss of appetite, bloating and wind, mild period cramps and, on the skin, small superficial wounds. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Raspberry Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/raspberry-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Rubus idaeus L. Raspberry leaf has traditional uses for mild diarrhoea, mouth and throat irritation, and period cramps. Medicinal use during pregnancy is not recommended. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) +2 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-tea/) A Strong clinical evidence Camellia sinensis Its caffeine can increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Artichoke Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/artichoke-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus) Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.