Evidence supporting the use of: Red clover
For the body system: Vagina

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

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

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has been used traditionally to support women’s health, particularly during menopause, due to its content of phytoestrogens—plant compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body. Traditional herbal medicine systems, especially in Europe and North America, have employed red clover for alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, which are associated with changes in estrogen levels. The rationale for its use in supporting the vaginal system stems from its believed estrogenic effects, which could theoretically help maintain vaginal tissue integrity and moisture.

However, scientific validation for red clover’s effectiveness in directly supporting vaginal health is limited. Most clinical studies have focused on its potential to reduce menopausal vasomotor symptoms, with mixed results. Some small studies suggest that red clover extracts might modestly improve symptoms such as hot flashes, but evidence specifically targeting vaginal atrophy, lubrication, or other aspects of vaginal health is sparse and inconclusive. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that more robust, high-quality studies are needed to clarify efficacy.

Overall, the use of red clover for supporting the vaginal body system is rooted in tradition, with only weak or indirect scientific evidence. It remains popular in some alternative and complementary medicine circles, but mainstream medical organizations do not endorse its use for vaginal health due to insufficient empirical support.

More about red clover
More about Vagina