Red clover (trifolium pratense) is a wild, perennial herb commonly grown in meadows throughout Europe and Asia, and North America. It is a phytoestrogen (mimics and supplements the body's own estrogen hormones) and a powerful antioxidant containing four primary isoflavones (plant based chemicals that produce estrogen like effects in and on the body) present in soybeans - daidzein, biochanin-A, formonetin, and genistein. It is said to reduce symptoms of menopause, have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties capable of reducing inflammation and softening the skin, increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin, heal infections and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, and improve blood circulation to nourish the skin.
Tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, is present in red clover offering great antioxidant properties. Red Clover, a source of vegetable/herbal estrogen, is often used for menopausal women who are experiencing hormonal imbalances that greatly contribute to adversely altering the skin and hastening the aging process, i.e., wrinkles, dryness, age spots, lack of elasticity, hair loss. It is also a source of many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C.
Warning - the estrogen phytochemicals found in red clover are generally unsuitable for women diagnosed with breast cancer as well as those who are pregnant or breast feeding.
