Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is spreading like wild fire through fertility communities everywhere! So what has given this plant such popularity recently? This is the question I ask myself. As an herbalist, Red Clover has always been a favorite plant of mine, and I know other herbalists will agree. Traditionally, it is one of the best anti-cancer herbs. It is also a nourishing blood-purifying herb. Because it is so high in nutrition, it is often used in herbal infusions during pregnancy preparation, pregnancy, and lactation when directed by a natural physician or herbalist.
Fertility Benefits of Using Whole Plant Red Clover
Red Clover is a nourishing food herb. It is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is one of the best blood-purifying herbs. This blood-purifying action is wonderful for pregnancy preparation, aiding in detoxification of environmental pollutants prior to conception. This function also may be helpful for women with cyclic acne. The action of Red Clover is one of the best known for acne and other skin conditions.
Red clover aids in improved circulatory function; this is very important for all functions of the body, but it is important to have good circulation to the genitals for reproductive function. Red Clover has been shown to increase cervical mucus, aiding vaginal dryness.
Red Clover is high in both calcium and magnesium. These are essential to proper bone formation as well as smooth muscle function. Both calcium and magnesium consumed regularly in foods like Red Clover help to reduce menstrual cramps.
Red Clover has been used for hundreds of years to improve liver function, which is essential to hormonal balance. This plant also aids in digestion and is known to help increase appetite. For women suffering from poor digestive issues, or those with poor appetite, this herb may help. This may be extremely beneficial for women who are trying to gain weight to increase fertility. This herb is also supportive of kidney function.
According to Susun Weed [one of the most well-known Western herbalists] Red Clover is one of the best pregnancy preparation tonics. She has used Red Clover for years to treat infertility in women with blocked fallopian tubes (helps to soften scar tissue), irregular menstruation, and unexplained infertility. She uses a preparation of 1 ounce in weight of dried Red Clover blossoms placed in a quart mason jar. She then covers the blossoms with boiling water, caps tightly and lets the liquid steep for at least 4 hours. 4 hours later, strain and drink 1-3 cups a day! Because Red Clover is a nourishing herb, it can take many months of use to be effective. It is a daily tonic. Red Clover is best used for 3-6 months in preparation for pregnancy.
It is my experience as an herbalist using Red Clover that are the richest and most real for me. I have used Red Clover as a nourishing herb for years, with no negative side effects. I have used it for pregnancy preparation, through the last trimester of pregnancy, and during breastfeeding both of my children. I never used concentrated amounts long term. I always use this herb as I would a nourishing food. Red Clover blends well in an infusion with other nourishing herbs like nettles and red raspberry leaf. Because it is detoxifying for the liver and kidneys, I have used it in the childbearing years, and after, to aid my body in recovery postpartum. It is extremely hard on the liver, heart and kidneys to develop another human life inside of the female body. Using Red Clover infusion from time-to-time aids the body in proper function of the liver, heart, and kidneys which is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Nourishing these organs prior to conception is best.
Red Clover Herbal Recipes
Red Clover Nourishing Fertility Tonic
3 parts dried Red Clover Blossoms and leaves
1 dried part Red Raspberry Leaf
1/2 part dried Peppermint
Place herbs in a quart mason jar. Fill mason jar, cover herbs with boiling water. Cap tightly. Steep for 4 hours. Strain and refrigerate. Drink 1-3 cups daily in preparation for pregnancy.
Red Clover, Lavender, Lemon Relaxing Sun Infusion
3 parts dried Red Clover Blossoms and leaves
1/2 part dried Lavender flowers
Fresh Lemon Slices
Place all ingredients in a quart mason jar. Fill with warm filtered water. Cap tightly. Set in the sun for 3-4 hours. Strain and chill. Add a touch of agave for taste. This is a great infusion if you are feeling stress or anxiety, or just want to chill out after a long day!!! Best enjoyed outdoors watching a sunset!!!
Red Clover Controversy: The Isolation of Isoflavones from Red Clover
I think we owe Red Clover’s new-found popularity to science. When scientists want to see if an herb has an effect on part of the body, they usually use concentrated isolates of the plant. This is not how an herbalist would use the plant. Herbalists typically use a whole part of a plant. Herbalists are not scientists, nor have the tools to isolate chemical compound from a plant. Herbs have more benefits than one isolated chemical compound. These multiple benefits work together for whole body benefits.
All of the scientific research findings and conclusions can make for some confusing tests and explanations. For example, there was a study performed by the Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology at the University of Göttingen in Germany and the Department of Immunology at the Medical University of Gdansk in Poland on an isolate of Red Clover (Formononetin equol). This isolate is an isoflavone. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens in plants. The isoflavones in plants may mimic human estrogens.
The study used rats that had their ovaries removed. Using the isolated isoflavone Formononetin from Red Clover, the study showed after 3 months of feeding the rats both a high-dose and low-dose chow containing isoflavone, that the high dose chow fed rat’s uterine weight, cell proliferation, and thickness increased. The rats fed low doses of isoflavone containing chow did not show any effects on the uterus. The use of the equol isoflavone was compared against two doses of estradiol-3 benzoate (E2B). The conclusion of the study is that women should not use uncontrolled and unlimited doses of Red Clover.
Because of studies like this one, doctors are advising women with a history of uterine hyperplasia, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, or other estrogen-sensitive conditions to avoid Red Clover.
Making Sense of the Scientific Research
To me this test shows a lack of understanding of how Red Clover as a whole plant works in the body. Isolating a chemical compound from a plant in some cases has benefits, and may be necessary, but in the case with Red Clover, this plant is far more beneficial as a whole herb infusion, rather than in an isolate-based cream or pill. Isolating isoflavones and giving a rat a high dose of this isolate showed an increase in thickness, and weight of the uterus in rats that no longer were producing natural fertility hormones, because their ovaries were removed. The purpose was to determine if the Red Clover isolate is safe for menopausal women or for those who have a risk of uterine cancers. It is unfortunate that Red Clover has over time gotten a bad reputation as an herb that may fuel estrogen-sensitive fertility issues including uterine cancer growth in some women. In reality, Red Clover is the best-known anti-cancer herb in Western Herbalism. Nourishing food herbs like Red Clover have been used for thousands of years with no indication the plant contributed to estrogen dominant conditions or estrogen-sensitive cancers.
It is important that we be clear on the research. There is no contraindication to using Red Clover in its whole plant form as an infusion (tea), tincture (liquid extract), or capsule as daily nourishment and as a tonic. Yes, there may be some concerns when used in high doses over time, but herbalists would not use this plant this way. We cannot base our fears that Red Clover will increase our estrogen levels because of testing using isolated isoflavone from Red Clover. Phytoestrogens are in many plant foods we eat. There is no real evidence that phytoestrogens in Red Clover increase estrogens in human body, except when the isoflavones are isolated, and concentrated into a supplement.
- Rachoń, D., Vortherms, T., Seidlová-Wuttke, D., Menche, A., & Wuttke, W. (2007). Uterotropic effects of dietary equol administration in ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats. Climacteric, 10(5), 416-426. doi:10.1080/13697130701624757 Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13697130701624757
- Weed, S. (n.d.). Phytoestrogens — Friends or Foes? Retrieved from: http://menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-phytoestrogens.htm
- Weed, S. S. (1986). Wise woman herbal for the childbearing year. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree.
- Hudson, T. (2008). Womens encyclopedia of natural medicine: alternative therapies and integrative medicine for total health and wellness. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Lust, J. B. (1974). The herb book. Toronto: Bantam.
- Romm, A. J. (2010). Botanical medicine for women’s health. St. Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000’s of women on their journey to Motherhood.
Hello,
I had been seed cycling for about 3 months when i introdced a healthy menstrual cycle tea (containing raspberry,licorice,netttle,dandelion) and a red clover tea daily. After two weeks of the teas, i developed pain in my breasts, similar to having mastitis. I stopped everything and in about a week the pain subsided. Do you think the red clover or other herbs could have caused an imbalance with my hormones (too much estrogen) causing the pain?
Dear Jessie,
It likely was a shift in hormones that cause this to occur. It seems the Red Clover may have been the catalyst as seed cycling along wasn’t causing the same issue.
Hi guys for dry oz’s we could still use tablespoons
8 tablespoons of leaves equals 1/2 cup that is 4 ounces so what i don’t get is what is our unit of measure? 1 cup = 8 oz so either ? thanks!! it sounds refreshing I must def need to make this tea infusion
Dear April,
The amount of 1 “part” depends on how much of the loose tea blend you want to make. The parts will be smaller if just make a cup at a time, versus making enough for a month’s worth of tea. “Parts” can be whatever amount you want them to be. If one part is a cup for example, then…
3 parts = 3 cups
1 part = 1 cup
1/2 part = 1/2 cup.
If wanting to make a smaller amount, if 1 part were 1 Tbsp, then…
3 parts = 3 Tbsp
1 part = 1 Tbsp
1/2 part = 1 and 1/2 (1.5) tsp.
Here too is a video sharing how to measure parts of herbal tea recipes…
I’m wondering if red clover has an effect on implantation. Thank you.
Dear Janice,
Red Clover is a nourishing food herbs with many preconception benefits that will only hopefully make implantation more successful.
Can red clover affect Ovulation and make the cycle longer? This month I have noticed my temperature has stayed low and it doesn’t look like I have ovulated, even though my opk’s have looked positive.
Also I was wondering what is the best dose of Red Clover to take, for helping with getting pregnant? I take one tablet each night, as don’t want to take too many.
Thanks in advance
Dear Chelle,
Red Clover, the whole herb, taken in supplement form isn’t known from my experience to cause cycle shifts or delay ovulation unless perhaps you were malnourished or underweight prior to using it. If you were, theoretically as the body begins to try to find balance the cycle may shift some. Did you ovulate monthly prior to starting Red Clover? Are you taking anything else or have you recently begun more of a natural fertility program?
We love Red Clover in tea or an herbal infusion. It is best to follow the suggested use of the manufacturer of the supplement you purchased or take a look at what they have to say for general suggested use.
I have a question if u take red clover for a long time can it cause not to be able to concive and stay pregnant
Dear Lavendar,
I have not heard of long-term Red Clover use deterring conception or harming pregnancy, but there is also such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you have been taking Red Clover for a long time and are finding natural conception to be a challenge, perhaps it’s time to cut back, stop, or seek the one on one support of a fertility herbalist through a personalized consultation.
Hello,
of 1 ounce in weight of dried Red Clover blossoms placed in a quart mason jar.
I was wondering 1 oz dried clover equals to 1 cup?
Thank you
Hello again E.T.!
You will need to weigh the herb. There are very inexpensive scales for sale in most big box store kitchen departments.
Dear Elizabeth,
I was wondering what would be the difference between drinking Red Clover only or Red Clover Nourishing Fertility Tonic? As at the beginning of your article you mention only Red Clover tea.
3 parts dried Red Clover Blossoms and leaves
1 dried part Red Raspberry Leaf
1/2 part dried Peppermint
Also what would be a difference if you steep longer than 4 hours to make it stronger, effect would be better?
Thank you
Dear E.T.,
The difference would be the added benefit of the Red Raspberry leaf… learn more in our guide Fertility Herbal Tonic: Red Raspberry Leaf to learn if you might benefit from this herb. It’s amazing really!
While sometimes steeping longer can mean stronger effects, stronger tea, it can also make for a more bitter/earthier infusion, which for some isn’t tasty. It truly is best to steep for as long as instructed.
Enjoy!
Hi, I have PCOS (not insulin resistant though) and I am currently seeing an acupuncturist. She has me on a few different herbs, but I was drinking daily red clover infusions. I was consuming the entire quart a day. I just ended a 68 day cycle, and stopped the infusions around the middle of April because I was afraid they were causing me not to start. I had some spotting around cd 46. I have read it regulates cycles. 68 days is very out of the norm for me, even though I have PCOS. Usually 45 days is my longest. Would it be safe to start drinking these again? I enjoyed them very much and it greatly increased my EWCM, which was very good for me.
Dear Erica,
Do be sure to let your Acupuncturist know what happened this cycle. It’s important for her to know what’s working and evaluate if something is not. She can also suggest if consuming them again is a good idea, or perhaps the blend needs to be reformulated for you.
How long have you been drinking the Red Clover infusion? Some women do experience a shift in their cycle when they first begin using herbs and herbal combination products including teas that have the potential to impact hormone balance. The length of the menstrual cycle may shorten or lengthen temporarily before it finally stabilizes. Commonly this is known as the body balancing itself out and is completely normal.
Hello,
I have post pill amenorrhea. It has been 62 days since I stopped birthcontrol and no period yet… my naturopath’s friend told me to infuse 1 tablespoon each of red clover, nettle and raspberry leaf in 1L. But she didn’t mention to let it sit for 4 hours. Would it remove all the properties?
I am also drinking a smoothie filled with maca powder,bee pollen, acai powder and royal jelly.
Is there anything else you would recommend to bring back my periods?
Thank you,
Dear Carole,
I’m not exactly sure of what you’re asking. Steeping this long, 3-4 hours, makes the tea stronger. In general though, Nettle and Red Raspberry Leaf should be steeped for at least 15-30 minutes before consuming.
Dear Elizabeth,
I have been breastfeeding my son for two years and I would like to continue. My vagina unfortunately is really dry (inside and outside) and also I have got some haemorrhoid after pregnancy as well. Could you please tell me which mixture of herbs I can drink to help my problems while still breastfeeding? Best wishes, Ania
Dear Ania,
Be sure to stay hydrated and eating plenty of quality fats in your daily diet. These fats could be from cold-water fish like Alaskan salmon or halibut, nuts and seeds, avocado, cod liver oil or coconut oil. Be sure also to exercise, try to move, each day. Poor circulation to the reproductive organs and a sedentary lifestyle can be causes of low to no cervical mucus. A Red Clover infusion may be alright to consider. Consider also learning about the herb Shatavari (click that link to be led to more information).
I hope this is helpful information!
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your help. I guess it doesn’t matter if I drink a tea or take a capsule?
Best wishes,
Ania
You are welcome Ania!
What form you choose is really up to you. 😉
Thank you again 🙂
I had a leep procedure done in 2014 and have been trying to conceive as of 01/2016. I have never had an issue in the past and know that my cervix isn’t fully complete. I’ve recently begin drinking Red Clover tea that I purchased from Strout. May you please advise me if there is anything I should take with it beside a multi-vitamin?
Dear Shalana,
It would help to know more about you. Are you having a regular, monthly menstrual cycle and ovulating each cycle? Do you see cervical mucus and changes in CM throughout the cycle? Do you or your partner have any known fertility health issues? What about your diet and lifestyle, are they healthy? Have you learned the LEEP procedure damaged your cervix?
If you would to reply in private, please reach out to me here…
Hi! I know this is a long shot, but I am really curious. I had my tubes cauterized 3 years ago at the age of 24 (worst mistake of my life). I am now with a wonderful man and I want nothing more than to give him his first child. Would this red clover tea aid in possible natural reversal or tubal healing? Im hoping for a miracle as I dont want to have to go down the reversal surgery road or try invitro unless those are my only options of course..
Hi Amanda!
While Red Clover offers many fertility benefits, it alone will not be the miracle. I’m sorry to have to be that frank! Reversal of tubal cauterization is something that needs to be performed medically after which a natural fertility program can be very useful for maintaining normal fallopian tube function. I understand not wanting to have the surgery, but at least discuss with your doctor your options and talk through what the procedure entails so that you are well informed as you keep moving forward.
when should red clover be picked in Manitoba
Dear Pud,
Red Clover is best harvested in the dryer Fall months of the year if it has not been wet. Here in the upper Midwest where I live, harvest is suggested in August/September (although they obviously must be in bloom, so the month may vary). Blossoms/flowers should not appear to have mold on them. To dry them, place them on a screen in a cool, dark, dry place and turn frequently or use a dehydrator.
Excellent! Thanks so much for clarifying.
Hi, What is meant in these recipes by ‘parts’? A ‘quart’ is a standard measurement, so I know how much water to use, but ‘part’ is not. Please help!
Dear Cate,
“Parts” can be whatever amount you want them to be. If one part is a cup for example, then…
3 parts = 3 cups
1 part = 1 cup
1/2 part = 1/2 cup.
If wanting to make a smaller amount, if 1 part were 1 Tbsp, then…
3 parts = 3 Tbsp
1 part = 1 Tbsp
1/2 part = 1 and 1/2 (1.5) tsp.
I hope this is helpful!
Thanks for your reply. What I was looking for was a suggestion of how much of each herb to use if I am using one quart of water as my base – would you suggest 3 cups of red clover/1 cup of red raspberry leaf/1/2 cup of peppermint when using one quart of water? I want to make sure I getting the water to ingredient ratio correct so that I can achieve the optimum benefit. Thanks!
Hello again Cate!
I see! Thank you for clarifying. No matter how many parts you use to make your tea, you would use 1 teaspoon of herbs per cup of water. So, for 1 quart of tea, you would use 4 teaspoons of tea herbs.
Pour the freshly boiled water over the herbs in a jar, cover and steep 15-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy! Any remaining can be refrigerated for up 24-48 hours.
Enjoy!
I have also heard testimonies of women taking red clover to help with their fibroids. I have a very large one (the size of a grapefruit) that complicated my last pregnancy. I want to improve my over all uterine health (and hopefully prepare to have another baby in the near future) and I want to know if red clover is safe to take while breastfeeding?
Dear Marcie,
Red Clover is known to one herb that can be used sparingly while breastfeeding. Consider learning more here in our guide Is it Safe to Breastfeed and Take Herbs for Fertility?.
Just found out I have fibroids, will red clover help in reducing them?
Thanks!
Dear Kay,
The whole Red Clover as an infusion provides a wide array of benefits, a program from women needing to naturally support a healthy uterine environment may need to include more. Consider learning about remedies we find best for uterine fibroids and the 3 Things Women with Uterine Fibroids Should Be Doing Daily.
I hope this is helpful!
Hello,
I drank a tea that included red clover, red raspberry leaf, nettles and peppermint and after a month or two of taking it I noticed my breasts started getting swollen and painful for 2-3 weeks out of the month (instead of just a week before my period starts which is normal for me). After having this happen for several months in a row I stopped drinking the tea and the soreness went away. I was wondering if this could have been caused by the red clover (ie too much estrogen)?
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for sharing your experience! To be honest, there is just no way for me to really know or not. It could be, or not. I do think that discontinuing the suspect is the best way to find out if it is the culprit. If you like the tea, you could just omit the red clover.
Hi! I am peri-menopausal and trying to conceive. I’m taking red clover tincture 30 drops in the morning. Am I taking the right dosage and can I also take it as a herbal infusion as well throughout the day. Thanks for a great web site it is helping me immensely.
Dear Lisa,
Red Clover is fine to take in tincture form and as a tea. General and traditional suggested use if 1.5 to 3mL of Red Clover liquid extract (tincture) or 4 grams in the form of an infusion (tea) up to three times a day.
We also have a guide to Achieving Pregnancy During Perimenopause that may offer helpful tips.
All my best!
My friend advised I use Red Clover as I have recently had a full hysterectomy, however, I had cancer of the lining of the womb and have read somewhere that this can feed cancers so am not sure if I should take this or not, I am not having any cancer treatments as the womb was removed and hopefully the cancer! Please advise!
Dear Lynda,
I am sorry for what you have been through and do hope the cancer was removed. I am sure your care team is monitoring this closely.
It may help to reread the section in this very article titled Making Sense of the Scientific Research. Our senior herbalist clarifies what many other sites are sharing about Red Clover which has given this beautiful, profuse plant a bad “wrap” as a medicinal herb. When used as a nutritive tonic, there are no known contraindications. This being said, if you have concerns, it may be most helpful to reach out to an herbalist or naturopathic doctor to guide you.
Take care and here to great health!
I just wanted to say, to anyone reading about red clover that I tried to get pregnant for a year and a half, then I took the capsules and in 3 months got pregnant. I believe red clover helped. I had no side effects or problems during or after.
Dear Louise,
Thank you for sharing your personal experience with Red Clover. Congratulations!
I had read about red raspberry leaf and red clover previously concerning my unexplained infertility. Then I stopped using it because on one of the boxes of tea, it says “Not intended for use during pregnancy”. The ingredients are only red clover flowers. After reading this, I guess I will start again and ignore it! I did wonder, before I was making sun tea with one tea bag of each…is that over doing it? Should I only drink one or the other? Have been TTC for 17 months, and really starting to get down about it. I really don’t want to use fertility chemicals any longer. I can already see how it is affecting me negatively!
Dear Betsy,
We know and understand Red Raspberry leaf and Red Clover to be nutrient-rich tonic herbs supportive of fertility health. They can both be used in preparation for pregnancy and when trying to conceive.
When pregnancy is confirmed while using using Red Raspberry Leaf, it is best stopped in the first trimester and then can be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. It is best to stop using Red Clover when pregnancy is confirmed until the last trimester of pregnancy – both while under the supervised care of your healthcare provider, or midwife.
Making a sun tea with both herbs is fine. I am not certain how long you steep the herbs when making sun tea, but know that to make a tea into an herbal infusion, which is known to be more medicinal, the herbs are best steeped in water for 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy!
Hello! I just started drinking red clover blossom infusions and I have a couple of concerns. The first being that studies show that this herb causes infertility among sheep, which leads me to the second concern that if my hormones are already balanced taking this herb could mess them up. Or if I am estrogen dominant would it? I don’t know what my hormone levels are, I am just 38 and I have been ttc for over 1 year.
Dear Tia,
Red Clover is know as a nourishing food herb high is vitamins and minerals. It has been historically and in modern-day herbalism to help improve liver function, which is essential to hormonal balance (more below). It is not know to have a direct impact on hormone balance. It does not contain hormones itself.
While Red Clover contains phytoestrogens, in order to promote healthy estrogen balance within our bodies, we have to consider how herbal phytoestrogens protect us from harmful xenoestrogens (toxins), which come from human-made chemicals (herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers to name a few) and are found in conventional foods, personal and body care products, paper products… a great many of the things many use in their daily lives. Xenoestrogens may cause estrogen dominance. Because of this we must consider liver-supporting herbs for natural detoxification.
I have not read the studies you refer to, but know that these sheep were more than likely eating excessive amounts of Red Clover, way more than one would use in therapeutically today and way more than is used in an herbal infusion.
I hope this is helpful!
Hello I was wanting to know if it also works for woman that have had their tubes tied? I haven’t have mine burned, but I have had them cut in half. My husband and I are wanting another child, but we don’t have the money to go to a doctor to make this happen. Thank you for your time!
Dear Sacara,
While Red Clover may be supportive of fertility health in the ways mentioned in this article, it will not repair your damaged fallopian tubes making them able to function properly (to allow an egg to travel to be fertilized). Repair of the fallopian tubes can only be done surgically. Consider learning more about What You Need to Know About Tubal Ligation Removal.
Best wishes as you decide the best plan of action for your needs!
Is the Red Clover also safe for men due to the estrogen? My husband and I are trying to conceive. I was thinking of mixing tea or some drink out of Red Clover and Maca. Would this be a good combination for myself and my husband as well.
Dear April,
Red Clover is most associated with female fertility and is not necessarily our go-to for male fertility support. This being said men can use Red Clover. Red Clover contains a number of vitamin and minerals, gently supports detoxification of the liver and kidneys which is essential for hormonal balance, and may even relax the nervous system and increase circulation which is beneficial to the reproductive system.
Consider learning about Fertility Smoothies for both you and your husband. These are a wonderful way to boost nutrient levels in preparation for pregnancy.
A fantastic article, but has now lead me t o want to know how many cups of Red Clove tea can you drink per day to stay in the safe zone. I really can’t drink anything else now since using this herb, as nothing gives me the same satisfaction. Is it safe to drink as often as required?
Thank you
Hello Hazel!
One to three cups of Red Clover Tea can be consumed as a daily tonic. Red Clover is best used for 3-6 months in preparation for pregnancy.
Thank you so much for this wonderful article. I have endometriosis, but have been drinking an infusion of red clover and red raspberry leaves daily while trying to conceive. I just came across something that discussed the estrogenic properties of red clover, and in a panic almost poured my infusion down the drain. This really brought red clover’s use into perspective for me, and clarified that the research done on the properties of the plant doesn’t always speak for the plant as a whole. I will continue drinking my infusion and feeling good about it. THANK YOU!
Glad you liked the article Erin and that it put you at ease! Cheers!
Update 2014 – We are back! We have been away for a while and we sure have missed all of your wonderful questions and thoughts on our articles. I apologize for not being able to reply to all past comments. Moving forward, one of our staff herbalists will be here to respond to comments! We look forward to connecting with our readers once again!
Hallo,
I have a few questions. Me and my fiance is getting married next year.
I already have 2 children but we want 2 more after we’ve married. My youngest is 8 years old and when I gave birth to her I was sterilized.
Will I be able to conceive another baby?
Will red clover help “ready” my body for another two babies?
I have the mirena in for extra protection.
Can I drink red clover and have the mirena in?
The two won’t clash?
Thank you
Hey there
I am sure you have been asked this already but what times of the menstrual cycle should you take Red Clover? Is it good all throughout the cycle? I think i read something that Red Clover has blood thinning effects and so should not be taken during your period. Is this so?
I had a complete hysterectomy in 2010 and was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer from the pathology results at the time. My treatments were successful and my CT scans show no signs of disease. My doctor never tested for estrogen driven disease and would not give me hormones to reduce hot flashes because of that. Am I safe to take Red Clover? I have a history of blood clots and am currently on Coumadin to treat the latest blood clot. I would love to take it to help prevent further blood clots and to help with cleansing.
Thanks!
Nastasia,
I just bought red clover at a Dischem today in Joburg, if you are still looking for some. They have a natural herbs section which was quite large.
I recently got married to the man of my dreams. He has no kids & treats my two as if they were his. Before I met him I got my tubes tied. I really want to carry his child. Do u think red clover would help me? And is there anything else i could try.
Where can I find Red Clover in South Africa?
Hi nastasia,
I have no idea, please talk to your local herbalist or pharmacy, they may be able to help you.
Dalene
Hello Dalene,
I’ve been diagnosed with uterine cancer, how much much red clover can I safely take a day in tea form? I was told that red clover would be good as a blood cleanser in relation to my uterine cancer.
Hi Debra Esterline,
Please talk with a naturopathic doctor about consuming red clover and how it may effect your uterine cancer. Your doctor may not want you to take red clover because of it association with increasing estrogen in the body. If your cancer is not estrogen sensitive it may be okay to consume red clover under the supervised care of your doctor and a natural health care practitioner.
May you go on to have a full recovery and live in health always!
Dalene
I have been drinking red clover by the cup a few times a day and i love it, I would like to know the recipe in cups of the herb to make a liters worth, i don’t have a scale,thanks naomi easton.
Hi naomi,
I personally buy the herbs in bulk and really never measure in cups.
Here is an example of how much to purchase and mix all together in a big glass storage jar or plastic bag that has a good seal. Once you have mixed all the herbs together you don’t have to measure each one out each time. Place a small handful of the mixture, about a half a cup to each liter of water. A liter and a quart are almost the same 1 liter= 1.05 quarts
When you purchase the herbs they are usually sold by weight, so that should work out well.
Red Clover Nourishing Fertility Tonic
3 parts dried Red Clover Blossoms and leaves (purchase 3 ounces)
1 dried part Red Raspberry Leaf (purchase 1 ounce)
1/2 part dried Peppermint (purchase a half ounce)
Hi Dalene:
I recently ordered a supplement called “Fibroidclear” and red clover is in it. Are you familiar with Fibroidclear and/or do you have any recommendations for shrinking fibroids?
Hi Zoe,
I am not familiar with Fibroidclear. If you would like to learn about the remedies we find are best for uterine fibroids please go to the following two links to learn more….
Uterine Fibroids
Systemic Enzyme Therapy
When dealing with estrogen dominant conditions, such as uterine fibroids it can be confusing as to what you should and shouldn’t consume. You can learn more about this here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/herbs-and-supplements-with-estrogen-action-qa.html
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Can red clover be taken during the second half of the cycle, after ovulation?
Hi Tara,
When used as a nourishing tonic, yes. If you find out you are pregnant and you have been using Red Clover, you will want to stop using it until the last trimester of pregnancy, while under the supervised care of your doctor or midwife.
All the best,
Dalene
hi dalene… thanks for writing great article..
currently i’am taking vitex, dong quai (capsule form) and RRL tea every day can i add red clover blossom to my regimen/
thanks
Hi Tina,
It is up to you to decide what is best for your body. Red Clover is a nourishing herb when used as an infusion, it has been shown safe to combine with the herbs you are already taking for fertility.
All the best,
Dalene
Thank you for this info Dalene. I had been staying away from Red Clover because of the conflicting information I’d read. This article certainly clears that up for me.
Hi guys! Please help. I’ve been trying to conceive for 5 years now. Can I mix Red Clover with Nettle Leaf and drink it?
Greetings Baby!
Red Clover and Nettle Leaf can be combined in an herbal infusion and consumed yes.
Consider taking some time to share your story with our fertility herbalist through a Fertility Consultation for one on one personalized guidance. Through a Fertility Consultation, you will submit your comprehensive intake form, including fertility history, your 3 detailed questions and overall goal for your fertility and within 5 business days one of our Master Herbalists will review, layout and explain each step of your consultation. There may be other areas of your lifestyle to focus on and other herbs, nutritional supplements and natural therapies to be consider for your specific fertility health needs and working will Fertility Herbalist will help you know this.
Take care!