Red Clover {Trifolium pratense}
Red Clover balances Pitta and Kapha
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances all Pitta (Bhrajaka) and Kapha (Shleshaka) and increases Vata slightly
- Taste –Bitter, sweet
- Energetics – Cooling
- Main Action: Expectorant and antitussive, spasmolytic, esterogenic
- Other Uses: Antiseptic, blood purifier, antiasthma atic, and increases wound healing, and cancer inhibiting
Modern Research
Red clover and its components have been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, chemoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects, as well as its beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors and protective effects on dopaminergic neurons . There is also a good deal of research on red clover as a source of isoflavones such as genistein, biochanin A, formononetin, and glycetin which are known to have estrogenic effects and could be useful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.