When Saint Patrick was Christianising Ireland in the 5th Century, the Shamrock was used by him to illustrate the Holy Trinity doctrine to the population. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and the four-leaf clover has been used as its symbol since the 18th Century.
Clover is an abundant plant and growing all over the world. If you have ever gone looking for a four-leaf clover you will know that it is supposed to be the ‘lucky plant’, however, you may not know about the medicinal and health benefits derived from this plant or that it is also used as a medicinal herb.
Clover is a common ground covering plant and it is considered poisonous to humans if taken in large quantities. However, in small quantities, the plant is edible and is potentially beneficial for your health.
The Health Benefits of Clover
Scientists are only just beginning to research the common uses of clover. In the past, it has been used to treat everything from asthma to stomach cramps. Many claims have not been backed up by scientific study and data, however, some claims have been extensively studied, including:
- Improvements in bone health
Isoflavones are a compound found in clover that has been proven to improve bone mineral density. Osteoporosis usually occurs in later life and is a thinning of bones. Menopause is a factor that can cause osteoporosis in women and increasing uptake of Isoflavones has been proven to help.
- Reducing the Risks of Prostate Cancer
Studies into Red Clover have shown the plant lowers the odds of contracting prostate cancer in men so it may be a good idea to start to add the plant into your diet. However, studies have also found that it can negatively interact with certain medicines used to treat cancer so always seek medical advice.
- Better Blood Flow
Some research has suggested that it can improve blood circulation specifically during menopause and the herb can have positive effects, however further research is required.
Nutritional Information and Advice
At present, there is no standardised service size for clover and the Food and Drug Administration classifies it with animal feeds and medicines without providing much more information on red clover.
The National Institute of Health supports research into its composition, specific nutritional data is currently not available.
The Potential risks of Clover
Studies have not clearly shown it to be effective in many health conditions and clover is not MHRA approved. Always seek medical advice and be careful to avoid it if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Disclaimer: This blog does not provide medical advice, it is intended for informational purposes only gained from various authors and sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. PCL are not in anyway responsible for readers using products containing clover and cannot be held liable.