Health Benefits & Side Effects of Red Clover Tea

Health Benefits & Side Effects of Red Clover Tea

Benefits Of Red Clover Tea

Drinking red clover tea is highly recommended for people who are suffering from hormonal fluctuation, cold, cough, congestion, weak immunity, osteoporosis, anxiety, stress, depression, anemia, eczema, psoriasis, painful menstruation, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms and high toxicity, as well as people at high risk of breast and prostate cancer.


Cancer
A number of studies have linked the antioxidants and isoflavones found in red clover tea to anti-cancer and anti-mutagenic effects, specifically in the prevention of prostate cancer. However, given that isoflavones resemble estrogen in their effects, these same compounds can make certain cancers worse, or increase risk of developing them including breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This dual effect of these potent chemicals means that this tea should be consumed with caution, and only after speaking with a doctor.

Menopause and Menstruation
Menopause can be a very stressful time in a woman’s life, as the body changes too much in such a short period of time, and can suffer from hot flashes, headaches, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia and even heart palpitations. Many studies have shown that the isoflavones found in red clover tea can mitigate many of these symptoms and ease the transition. By mimicking the effect of estrogen in the body, these chemicals can also ease the pain of certain menstrual symptoms such as cramps and heavy bleeding.

Skin
The anti-inflammatory property of this tea, in addition to its range of minerals and immune-boosting nutrients can help eliminate conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other irritated areas of your skin, while also stimulating the growth of new cells.

Bone Density
One of the biggest risks as people age is the loss of bone mineral density, particularly when women go through menopause. The estrogen-like effects of the active compounds in red clover tea help to strengthen bones, while the rich blend of minerals in the tea protects against osteoporosis.

Heart Health
Research has shown that red clover tea actively lowers the level of LDL cholesterol in the body, which can often lead to atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes, in addition to cardiovascular disease. This tea also helps reduce strain on the heart thanks to its blood-thinning properties, making blood clots far less likely.

Immune System
This tea has a notable amount of vitamin C, which can stimulate the immune system and act as an antioxidant, seeking out free radicals and preventing oxidative stress in tissues and organ systems. This ascorbic acid is also integral to the production of collagen and helps to speed healing and regrowth throughout the body.

Detoxify the Body
Red clover tea has mild diuretic properties, meaning that it stimulates urination, which helps to rid the body of excess fats, salts, toxins and water, relieving the strain and workload in the liver and kidneys.

Circulation
The blood-thinning properties of this tea make it excellent for circulation, while the calcium content helps to improve iron uptake during digestion. Both of these factors mean more oxygenated blood will reach the body’s extremities, skin and organ systems, meaning better function, faster repair and quicker regrowth of healthy new cells.

Side Effects Of Red Clover Tea

Red clover tea can have a number of side effects, the most serious of which are due to the high concentration of isoflavones in the tea. These estrogen-like compounds can provide many different benefits, but also increase the risk of certain chronic diseases. Other considerations for pregnant women and those taking various medications should also be noted.


Hormone-Dependent Disease 

 The estrogen-like effects of the isoflavones found in red clover can exacerbate conditions like breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. This can also be dangerous for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Before adding a powerful herbal remedy like this to your daily or weekly regimen, speak to your doctor or an oncologist.

Surgery 

Red clover tea is able to slow or prevent blood clotting, which is dangerous if you are undergoing surgery, or have a history of bleeding disorders. Also, if you are already taking anti-coagulant medications like warfarin, this additional blood-thinning effect can be dangerous if you are injured in some way, and can often lead to easy bruising.

Pregnancy 

Using this tea is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to the phytoestrogenic compounds and the effect it can have on uterine contractions and hormonal levels. Young children should also not be given this tea as a natural remedy.

Birth Control 

Some interactions have been reported by those women who take oral contraceptives, so if you are on birth control, speak to your doctor before making red clover tea a part of your natural health strategy.