Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red Clover is a lymphatic-alterative, phytoestrogenic bridge herb. It works best when paired with plants that move lymph, support hormones, clear skin, or protect the liver and blood.

Red clover is a gentle blood tonic traditionally used to support circulation and overall vitality. It’s mineral-rich, subtly sweet, and a lovely option for anyone looking to nourish their body at a deeper level. It pairs beautifully in tea blends or herbal gift sets focused on renewal and nourishment.

Traditional Uses in Herbal Medicine

Primary Actions

• Mild expectorant

• Anti-tumour

• Alterative / Blood cleanser

• Diuretic

• Mild antispasmodic

• Dermatological agent

• Phytoestrogenic

• Cooling

• Anti-inflammatory

Traditional Herbal Uses

• Mono

• Hepatitis

• Adjunctive anti-cancer support (prostate, ovaries, breast)

• Lymphatic cleansing

• Spasms, coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis

• Menopause, hot flashes, vaginitis

• Chronic skin issues: acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, boils, sores

• Gout, osteoporosis

• Topical use: conjunctivitis, irritated throat, mouth ulcers

Key Herbal Constituents

• Isoflavones (phytoestrogens): Genistein, Daidzein, Biochanin A, Formononetin

• Coumarins: blood-moving, lymphatic

• Flavonoids: antioxidant

• Salicylates: anti-inflammatory

• Phenolic acids: detox support

• Tannins: mild astringency

• Minerals: calcium, magnesium, potassium

Synergistic Combinations & Formulary Notes

Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormone Balance

• Red Clover + Vitex (Chaste Tree) – estrogen–progesterone rhythm support, hot flashes, cycle irregularity, mood swings

• Red Clover + Oatstraw – mineral + phytoestrogen + nervous system restoration, anxiety with hot flashes, bone density support

• Red Clover + Motherwort – palpitations, emotional surges, night waking

Blood, Circulation & Cardiovascular Support

• Red Clover + Hawthorn – lipids, circulation, arterial tone, postmenopausal cardiovascular support

• Red Clover + Ginger – stagnation + cold circulation patterns

Skin, Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne

• Red Clover + Burdock – classic alterative + lymphatic skin pair, dry eczema, hormonal acne, chronic rashes

• Red Clover + Yellow Dock – skin + liver + iron metabolism, acne with constipation or anemia patterns

• Red Clover + Nettle – skin + blood + allergy modulation

Lymphatic Congestion & Detox

• Red Clover + Cleavers – deep lymph drainage, breast tenderness, cystic patterns, edema

• Red Clover + Calendula – lymph + immune + wound healing, post-infection congestion, sluggish immunity

Cancer Support & Alterative Protocols (Adjunctive Use)

• Red Clover + Turkey Tail / Reishi – immune modulation + lymphatic drainage

• Red Clover + Pau d’Arco – alterative + antifungal + immune activation (short-term use)

Respiratory & Post-Infectious Recovery

• Red Clover + Mullein – lymph + lungs, chronic cough, post-viral chest congestion

Formulation Role

Red Clover acts as:

• Gentle lymphatic cleanser

• Plant-based estrogen modulator

• Skin–blood–hormone connector

• Soft alterative for long-term use

Best in formulas that require:

• Slow, steady detox

• Hormonal smoothing (gentle)

• Chronic skin + autoimmune support

• Perimenopausal transition support

Energetic Summary

• Energetics: Cooling, moistening, lymph-moving, estrogen-modulating

• Best combined with:

  • Mineral builders: Oatstraw, Nettle

  • Liver + skin alteratives: Burdock, Yellow Dock

  • Lymph movers: Cleavers, Calendula

  • Heart–nervous allies: Hawthorn, Motherwort

Body Systems Supported:

• Lymphatic System

• Immune System

• Cardiovascular System

• Female Reproductive Health

• Respiratory System

• EENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat)

• Musculoskeletal System