Red Clover
RED CLOVER: A POTENT REMEDY GROWING UNDER YOUR FEET
by Sue Visser. Endorsed by Dr Henk Zeelenberg. ( Expanded research text)
Please note: This information is not intended as medical advice. Consult your doctor if you are adjusting your medications. Any herb or remedy is taken at your own risk, so be sure it is safe for you. You are responsible for your own health and safety.
What is Red Clover and where does it come from?
Red Clover belongs to a family of leguminous three leaf clovers that grow on just about any field, sidewalk or lawn in South Africa and many other countries. The red and white clovers have distinctive pom-pom shaped heads of flowers and a V-shaped white stripe on the leaves.They contain a special combination of phytochemicals that are very useful to us medicinally: a form of natural vitamin E or tocopherol and four isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, formonetin and biochanin
What are the general uses of Red Clover?
As a medicinal plant, Red Clover is known to more than 33 cultures. Red Clover is alleged to have sedative, depurative (purifying) , alterative and detergent properties. In other words, a drug that restores our health, relaxes us and eliminates impurities. Traditionally Herbalists and Homeopaths use it as: a remedy for spasmodic and bronchial coughs, for alleviation of cysts and ulcers and for bad cases of acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Tea made from the flower tops is a well-known tonic for those who suffer from debilitating diseases. It is a blood strengthening as well as a purifying herb. It also helps to prevent blood from clotting, eases stubborn cases of asthma and hay fever, allergies and persistent colds. Red clover has been used successfully to treat some types of cancer. It also exerts anti viral, anti fungal and bactericidal properties, including some strains of bacteria responsible for diseases like TB. Recent studies in places like Australia are indicating Red Clover as a key remedy in treating menopausal disorders: especially hot flushes, osteoporosis and all symptoms of estrogen dominance like bloating, weight gain and hormonally induced cancers. All this, growing under our feet- and we pull them out as weeds!
Red Clover as a safe, natural cure for cancer? Tell us more:
Recent discoveries relating to adverse symptoms of the menopause indicate the need for more isoflavones: substances that exert a modifying effect on estrogen receptors, known as: selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMS.
In cases of breast, uterine or prostate cancer that are aggravated by anabolic steroids, eg: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, one needs to block the regenerative effects of these hormones on cell receptors. Especially if cell mutation has given rise to tumerous growths. Estrogen blocking drugs like Tamoxifen are used for this purpose. The natural alternative? Isoflavones: natural substances with a weak estrogenic effect. Red Clover contains four isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, formonetin and biochanin as opposed to the two found in soya, namely genistein and daidzein.
Are there other foods that contain these four isoflavones?
Yes, lentils also contain all four of these isoflavones as a complete anti-cancer food. Chick peas are rich in formonetin and biochanin, so when eaten with soya, you add the genistein and daidzein isoflavones. It is important for cancer patients to eat these foods. At least 50g of soya has to be eaten daily to be as effective as Tamoxifen (Dr Marilyn Glenville: Natural Alternatives to HRT)
Are there adverse or dangerous side effects associated with Red Clover?
According to extensive trials done overseas on red clover tablets, the good news is: no. No weight gain, cancer risk, blood clotting, breakthrough bleeding, endometrial thickening or changes in FSH levels. ( NOVOGEN trials. Contact: W Buys 082 4502062 ) Even traditionally, it has been known to safely recommend drinking up to four cups of red clover tea continuously for two weeks at a time. There are no contra indications like heart problems, cancer, etc.
Apart from the SERMS effect, what are the other advantages are there for menopausal ladies?
Reduction of hot flushes and night sweats in women, reversal of bone resorption (bone density improved – over 4% a year), the alleviation of symptoms of estrogen dominance like: cancer threats, weight gain, bloating, sore, swollen breasts, headaches, blood clotting and menstrual discomfort. Some ladies get relief from a hot flush within 20 minutes of taking a Red Clover tincture. Even “incurable” cases that have persisted for over six years.
How do I take red clover?
If you can find the plant growing and identify it, pick the leaves and chew one or two stems daily. It looks like a three- leaf clover, with a white v marking on each oval, slightly pointed leaf. These leaf edges are serrated. The round pom-pom flower heads are composed of tiny sweet pea like flowers in either pink or white. The plant is non-toxic and the best results are from chewing it well, a few times a day. this is the best way of ingesting all the active enzymes and phytochemicals directly into your bloodstream. Some people buy the dried herb from health shops and make a pleasant, fragrant tea from the flowers and leaves.
Tinctures can be obtained from dried leaves soaked in vodka and you can take a few drops at a time.( The isoflavones are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and alleviate a hot flush within minutes for some lucky ladies.) Novogen tablets, made from Red Clover are available from your pharmacy and they can be prescribed by your doctor. Taking tablets is expensive and it takes time for all the benefits to show, but the daily dose of 40mg – 120mg per day is accurate and the results are reliable. More rapid results can be obtained by slowly chewing the tablet ( they taste awful! ) Remember that hot flushes are also due to low blood sugar, adrenal stress or are side effects of the body trying to fight off an infection.
How can Red Clover help men with prostate cancer?
Men with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) can benefit from Red Clover supplements. The Red Clover prevents further tumour growth. Be careful with sex tonics or stress boosters containing herbs that have an anabolic or testosterone- like effect if you are worried about prostate problems. If you have difficulty in urinating or you burn or tend to dribble: consult your doctor first, just to make sure. A clinical examination of the prostrate will determine the extent of enlargement, infection or any suspicious symptoms. If this is the cause of a decline in your libido, forget about hormones and save yourself the anguish of prostrate cancer.
Too many people have contracted this disease from taking sex tonics. Red Clover is a natural remedy to halt and prevent the progress of a prostrate tumour: especially when combined with Saw Palmetto, a herb that has a well-known shrinking effect on this tissue. Olive leaf supplements will increase the circulation of blood to enhance the libido both safely and naturally. It is best to consult a nutritional expert with regards to diets, vitamins and minerals and especially zinc supplements.