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Red Clover: A Natural DiureticHerbal Remedy Helps with Weight Loss, High Blood Pressure
Red clover has been used for centuries as a diuretic to lose weight, reduce swelling and inflammation, and ease joint pain.
If you are trying to reduce high blood pressure, lose weight, prevent stroke, or eliminate water retention and the bloating and discomfort associated with menstruation and premenstrual syndrome, red clover may be your answer. Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is a hardy perennial that is found throughout Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, as well as Australia and North America, where it is the state flower of Vermont. The plant bears purple-pink fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring, and it is the flowers that are used for healing. Benefits of Red CloverThis traditional herbal remedy stimulates the production of urine and helps remove water and waste materials from the kidneys and bladder. This increased flow of urine helps with weight loss, contributes to lowering elevated blood pressure, and relieves the swelling, inflammation and pain associated with mastitis (inflammation of the breasts), premenstrual syndrome, and menstruation. The augmented elimination of urine also flushes out accumulated uric acid, which can help relieve painful symptoms of arthritis and gout. The diuretic actions of red clover can also help relieve urinary tract infection and irritation. Red clover is also known as an anticancer remedy, although there is little clinical evidence of this property. At least one study, however, has found that red clover contains biochanin A, which inhibits the activation of cancer in cell cultures. Red clover is also one of the ingredients of the Hoxsey formula, a controversial remedy used at alternative cancer clinics in Mexico. Taking Red CloverThe recommended daily dose for adults is usually 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowering herb infused in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes, 1 cup taken three times daily. You can also use standardized powdered clover extract (standardized to isoflavone content) at 40 to 160 mg daily in capsules; 60 to 100 drops of tincture (1:5; 30% alcohol) three times daily; or 1 mL of the fluid extract (1:1) three times daily. Both the tincture and the fluid extract may be added to hot water to make a tea. Because red clover has phytoestrogenic properties (estrogen-like abilities), it is not recommended in children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although there is no clear evidence that red clover is not safe for women who have current or a history of breast cancer, these women should avoid using it as well because of the phytoestrogenic traits. Red clover contains an abundance of nutrients, some of which include beta-sitosterol, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, and vitamins B3, C, and E. Red clover is a safe, natural diuretic that provides many health benefits, especially for women. Talk to your doctor before you start taking red clover supplements.
The copyright of the article Red Clover: A Natural Diuretic in Herbal Properties/Benefits is owned by Deborah Mitchell. Permission to republish Red Clover: A Natural Diuretic in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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