8 Surprising benefits of Red clover for fertility

The benefits of Red clover for fertility extend to its isoflavones content which are plant compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen, help balance hormones, and promote regular ovulation.

Trifolium pratense (Red clover) tea is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to support women’s health and to treat female infertility, and there is growing scientific evidence to support its effectiveness

According to a review of 128 studies, herbal extracts from plants such as Cinnamon, fennel, Black cumin seed, Licorice, Chinese tea, Ashwagandha, Verbenaceae Chamomile, Pomegranate, Date palm, Red clover were found effective in treating female infertility disorders [1], including:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Premature ovarian failure (POF)
• Endometriosis
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Hypothalamic dysfunction

As expected these plants have isoflavones and flavonoids two important compounds with a variety of therapeutic properties.

According to research, flavonoids and isoflavones can lower blood sugar, boost lipid profile by reducing triglycerides and LDL, and increase HDL, which are vital for healthy reproductive cycles [2].

Red clover tea fertility benefits

Red clover tea is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to support women’s health. Extract from red clover can also be used to regulate the female endocrine system, improve symptoms of menopause, and protect against cancer, oxidation, and depression.

Regulates female endocrine system

Red clover contains isoflavones, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors and exert estrogen-like effects, or they can block the effects of estrogen, depending on the tissue. This can help regulate hormone levels and balance the endocrine system [3, 4, 5].

May improve symptoms of menopause

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that occurs when her ovaries stop producing estrogen. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Isoflavones in red clover can help to relieve these symptoms by binding to estrogen receptors and exerting estrogen-like effects [6].

A study on 60 postmenopausal women above 40yrs who took red clover isoflavone supplement 80 mg/day for 90 days, showed a significant decrease in menopausal symptoms and a positive effect on their triglyceride levels [7].

Also, in one animal study, red clover extract has been shown to improve hair loss and skin characteristics in postmenopausal women. It has also been shown to reduce bone loss in ovariectomized rats [8].

It’s important to note the effectiveness of taking red clover extract for menopausal symptoms may be dose-dependent. For instance, a dose of 40 mg/kg per day of red clover over a year did not record a significant improvement in menopausal symptoms and sexual desire in 120 women [9].

However, another study noted that a higher dose of 80 mg/kg red clover extract for over twelve months has their hormonal levels and endometrial thickness improved, and hot flushes reduced by 44% in 30 postmenopausal women [10].

Protect against inflammation

Antioxidants and other compounds including Isoflavones found in red clover have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of studies. For example, these compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation [11], and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

One animal study shows red clover extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds which can increase antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the body to fight inflammation markers and cancerous tumors [12].

Another supporting study established a link between the anti-inflammatory potential of red clover and its anthocyanin content, suggesting that red clover extract could be a potential agent to lower inflammation and combat oxidative stress [13].

Protect against oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a condition in which there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, while antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals.

According to the In Vivo and In Vitro study red clover extract is rich in phenolic and flavonoid content, and intake of its tea can boost the antioxidant activity of the body to free radicals [14].

Isoflavones and other polyphenolic compounds in red clover can boost our body’s antioxidant activities, which means they can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals [15, 16].

Red clover may help combat depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances. Isoflavones in red clover may help to combat depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood.

It also contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which are similar to the hormone estrogen. Phytoestrogens have been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms.

A supporting study on 190 postmenopausal women who took 28.6 mg of red clover extract per day also experienced significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved hair loss and skin characteristics in these women compared when compared to the placebo group [17].

May help balance hormones

Hot flashes can occur when there is a decrease in estrogen levels which is also a sign of an unbalanced hormone. You may ask if red clover helps balance hormones. Yes, red clover can help to balance hormones in women of all ages. Red clover extract has been shown effective in alleviating hot flashes and depression in menopausal women [18].

According to another supporting study [19], Isoflavones in red clover can bind to estrogen receptors and exert estrogen-like effects, or they can block the effects of estrogen, depending on the tissue [3]. This can help to regulate hormone levels and balance the endocrine system.

May Improve Cervical mucus quality

Isoflavones in red clover can increase the production of cervical mucus and make it more watery and elastic. This can help to create a more favorable environment for sperm to swim and reach the egg.

A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition found that intake of red clover plant extract may increase mucus secretion by increasing blood flow to the uterine [1].

Boost uterine function

Intake of red ove extract may boost uterine function by improving circulatory function which is excellent for both your ovaries and uterus, as both need adequate blood flow for function.

A related study published in the journal Reproductive Biology found that red clover extract increased blood flow to the uterus in rats.

Red clover is rich in phosphorus, magnesium, Chromium, potassium, calcium, and Iron which contributes to creating a healthy environment for reproduction [20].

Also, Isoflavones in red clover are responsible for increasing the flow of blood to the uterus and improving uterine contractions. This can help to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and support a healthy pregnancy.

Fertility-boosting nutrients in red clover

Red clover is a good source of several important fertility nutrients, including:

• Folic acid: Folic acid is essential for the proper development of the fetal neural tube.
• Iron: Iron is important for red blood cell production and oxygen transport to the uterus and ovaries.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage.
• Calcium: Calcium is important for bone health and muscle function.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is important for muscle relaxation and nerve function.

Red clover impact on menstruation and ovulation

Red clover may help to regulate menstruation and promote regular ovulation due to the isoflavones in red clover, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.

How do you use red clover for fertility

To use red clover for fertility, you can drink red clover tea or take red clover supplements.

• Red clover tea: To make red clover tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried red clover flowers in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can drink red clover tea 2-3 times per day.
• Red clover supplements: Red clover supplements are available in capsule and powder form. The recommended dosage of red clover supplements varies depending on the product, so it is important to follow the directions on the label.

Does red clover help you ovulate?

Yes, red clover may help you ovulate by balancing hormones and improving the quality and quantity of cervical mucus.

What does red clover do for the uterus?

Red clover may help to improve uterine function and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It is thought to do this by increasing blood flow to the uterus and improving the sensitivity of the endometrium to progesterone.

When to drink red clover tea for fertility

Red clover tea can be drunk at any time of day, but it is often recommended to drink it in the morning and afternoon. This is because red clover can help to increase energy levels and improve mood, which can be beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

Red clover for fertility after 40

Red clover can be a helpful herb for women who are trying to conceive after 40. This is because red clover contains isoflavones, which are plant compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen. Estrogen levels can decline with age, and this can make it more difficult to conceive. Red clover may help to improve fertility by increasing estrogen levels and balancing hormones.

Red clover tea side effects

Red clover tea is generally safe for most people to drink. However, it can cause some side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash

If you experience any of these side effects, stop drinking red clover tea and talk to your doctor.

Can red clover cause miscarriage?

There is no evidence that red clover can cause miscarriage. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking red several especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Red clover tea during pregnancy

Red clover tea is not recommended during pregnancy. This is because red clover contains isoflavones, which can mimic the effects of estrogen. Estrogen levels can be high during pregnancy, and drinking red clover tea could increase estrogen levels even further. This could potentially lead to complications during pregnancy.

Red clover and red raspberry tea for fertility

Red clover and red raspberry leaf tea are often used together to improve fertility. Red clover is thought to help regulate hormones and improve ovulation, while red raspberry leaf is thought to help tone the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

If you are considering drinking red clover and red raspberry leaf tea for fertility, it is important to talk to your doctor first.

Conclusion

Red clover tea can be a helpful herb for women who are trying to conceive. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking red clover tea, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.