Potential Red Clover Side Effects, Adverse Reactions And Contraindications

Here, you will learn about some possible red clover side effects, adverse reactions and contraindications.

Red clover is a wild flowering plant belonging to the legume family. It has traditionally been used medicinally to treat a number of health conditions. Historically, some of these have included cancer, respiratory problems and skin inflammations such as psoriasis.

The medicinal use in these conditions was down to its blood purifying and diuretic qualities. It is helpful in getting rid of excess fluid and it also works as an expectorant. Red clover has been found to improve circulation and cleanse the liver.

Much of the beneficial qualities of red clover are due to the presence of isoflavones, which are plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects in the body. These have been found helpful in treating menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes. Isoflavones have also been proved to help with cardiovascular health and osteoporosis.

However, there are side effects of taking estrogen, and this means there could also be negative red clover side effects. Other potential adverse reactions and contraindications should also be noted.

Allergy

If you are allergic to plants belonging to the legume family, such as beans and peas, you might also be allergic to red clover. This might mean that you experience side effects like rash or itching. If more severe symptoms appear, contact your health care provider.

Infertility

According to Natural Therapy Pages, there have been animal studies showing lowered sperm count as a red clover side effect, but there is no human studies to conclude this. It might be advisable to not use it for prolonged periods if infertility is causing you concern. For short-term use, there is no evidence to suggest infertility.

Contraindications with other estrogen medications

Some of the biggest red clover side effects are regarding the isoflavones found in the plant and their contraindications to some hormonal conditions or in use together with other hormonal medications. It may increase the level of estrogen in the body and thus use together with hormonal therapy, birth control pills, or other estrogen products is not advisable.

Blood thinning qualities

Red clover may have blood thinning properties and thus should not be used together with other supplements or medications with the same effect. This also means that if you use herbs and supplements such as ginkgo, ginger, garlic, and vitamin E in large quantities, you should refrain from using red clover. If you use them together, you might have increased risk of bleeding. It might also increase the risk of clotting during surgery and thus you should avoid use near a surgery. Discuss with your health professional if you have any concerns.

Cancer

The isoflavones of red clover might also cause the side effect of increasing the risk and speed of some estrogen-affected cancers. This is because red clover has been suggested to accelerate the spread of breast and uterine cancer cells. Thus, it is advised that patients with hormonally influenced cancers or uterine fibroids be cautious about using red clover.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is believed that there are no negative red clover side effects if this herb is consumed for culinary purposes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is not advised to consume red clover for medicinal purposes during pregnancy or during breastfeeding. This is because the isoflavones might influence hormonal balance and there is not enough yet known how this might affect the child or the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to WebMD, it is also generally better to avoid using it externally during this time.