Evidence supporting the use of: Red clover
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has a long-standing place in traditional Western herbal medicine, especially in the context of women's reproductive health. Historically, red clover was used as a "blood purifier" and for its supposed ability to stimulate menstrual flow in cases of scanty or suppressed menstruation. Traditional herbalists attributed these effects to its mild phytoestrogenic properties and its action as a gentle alterative and lymphatic. Red clover contains isoflavones, compounds with estrogen-like activity, which may, in theory, help regulate menstrual cycles, though this has been more studied in relation to menopausal symptoms than to scanty menstruation specifically.

While the traditional use is well-documented in 19th and early 20th century Western herbal texts, there is little robust scientific research directly supporting red clover’s efficacy for increasing menstrual flow or treating oligomenorrhea (scant menstruation). Most clinical trials have focused on its use for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, not for cycle regulation in premenopausal women. The evidence rating is therefore moderate for tradition, but low for modern clinical validation in this specific context. In summary, red clover’s use for scant menstruation is primarily justified by historical and traditional practice, not by strong contemporary scientific data.

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