Red clover has a long history as a cancer treatment. During the mid-1900’s, it was part of a famous formula said to heal malignancies. This multi-herb recipe was made available by a man named Harry Hoxsey.

Possessing herbal knowledge, passed down by his great grandfather, he began giving this formula to cancer patients. People came from all over to obtain what came to be known as Hoxsey herbs. Many were cured, according to their testimonies.

Eventually, Hoxsey opened clinics in 17 states. He was relentlessly persecuted. He refused bribes to sell his recipe. Eventually, he relocated to Mexico. He died in 1974, but the clinic he founded still operates in Tijuana.

Red Clover Tea Uses

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Folk healers from around the world have also used herbal red clover for centuries, to treat cancer, as well as a host of other diseases, such as arthritis, eczema and respiratory ailments. In traditional Chinese medicine, this plant is considered a tonic and blood purifier.

Because this plant also has likely anti-inflammatory compounds, I occasionally drink red clover tea. (I live with a potentially painful nerve disease. But I’m able to keep my symptoms under control with various natural remedies. I also like to rotate the herbs I take, so I periodically add red clover into the mix.)

Red Clover and Cancer Treatment

I do need to point out that I’m not claiming, in any way, that red clover tea is a miracle cure. I do not recommend it as a standalone treatment for cancer. I’m not implying it will cure anyone’s malignancy. All I’m doing is passing along already published information on this time-tested herbal remedy. I’ve taken it myself. I consider it just one of many remedies I have in my natural medicine cabinet, which I can use from time to time to maintain my health.

People with serious health conditions should work closely with a physician. People undergoing conventional cancer treatment may be told not to combine red clover with chemotherapy or radiation. Many mainstream oncologists tell their patients not to take herbal remedies. However, integrative oncologists typically use a wide range of treatments, including herbs.

Red Clover Tea and Cancer

Extensive studies on red clover and cancer are lacking. There is limited research on compounds known as isoflavones, extracted from the whole herb. These have been shown to kill cancer cells in the laboratory, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.

The practice of using isolates is not favored by herbalists, who believe the entire plant should be used. That’s because it’s believed that complex compounds work together in a certain synergy and balance.

It’s also important to point out that what takes place in a petri dish doesn’t necessarily translate into what will happen in the human body. It would require a clinical trial to see what happens when humans with cancer take red clover. I’m not aware of any such studies that have taken place. A Google search turned up no information on clinical trials.

So all we know for certain is that red clover has demonstrated anti-cancer activity on cancer cells outside the human body.

Red Clover For Breast Health

While the UMMC website pointed out that red clover may help prevent certain forms of cancer, it also noted that these flowers contains estrogen-like compounds, which may interfere with drugs like tamoxifen, used to treat certain types of breast cancer. The UMMC does not recommend red clover for cancer prevention, at least not until more research is done.

Naturopathic physicians such as Jerry Lee Hoover, ND, however, often recommend this herbal remedy. On his site, Cancer Natural Cure, Dr. Hoover writes, “There are many herbs for cancer, but the one I highly recommend is red clover….Red clover has been used in America for over 100 years to treat and prevent cancer.”

Where To Buy Red Clover Tea

Many other holistic healers consider it a good cancer-prevention remedy as well. So, looking at its long track record, when I drink red clover tea I assume it’s a very healthy beverage. I’ll let the scientists sort it out. (I just hope more attention is focused on the whole herb, instead of single components.)

Meanwhile I’m going to enjoy this drink, as it probably has a number of other beneficial compounds, in addition to the isoflavones.

What Is Red Clover Good For?

Red clover tea is especially good when sweetened with honey. As I mentioned before, it’s one of the herbal remedies I’ve used to manage my health problems. I view red clover as a natural inflammation fighter. Because of my chronic inflammation, I like to try different remedies to reduce it. Inflammation causes pain. Pain is what I’m trying to manage.

Anyway, Alvita is the brand of red clover tea I have in my house. This USDA-certified organic tea shown here is made from red clover flowers. Although this weed grows throughout the United States, I don’t recommend harvesting it yourself, unless you’re sure it’s the right species. That’s because of a highly poisonous lookalike called crown vetch.

This tea is sold through Vitacost, where I shop regularly for many of my healthy foods and dietary supplements. It has excellent prices and customer service. This company also offers regular discounts and coupon codes. I save so much money on my healthy items by shopping at Vitacost.

Red Clover Health Benefits

I need to stress that I’m not a doctor and I can’t give medical advice. In no way, shape or form am I suggestion that red clover on its own can cure anyone of cancer, and should be used as a stand-alone treatment.

Actually, in the United States, the only FDA-accepted treatments for cancer, in general, are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Oncologists cannot suggest herbal remedies, even if they have a long history of use. Otherwise, they risk losing their license.

Hoxsey dispensed red clover along with a combination of other herbs, such as burdock root, also known for containing potent anti-cancer compounds. Herbalists believe that consuming multiple herbs at once increases their effectiveness, as it creates a more powerful synergy.

Hoxsey Protocol With Red Clover

Hoxsey also gave strict dietary advice to the patients in his clinics, which were overseen by physicians. Pork, sugar, white flour and carbonated drinks were off the menu.

Red clover is only one component of Dr. Hoover’s extensive list of instructions for improving your health. He advocates an entire lifestyle overhaul, in addition to taking red clover.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies, unless under the direction of a health care professional.

I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice. I am not responsible for treatment decisions or outcome.

For Additional Reading

Herbal Medicinal Plants Their Uses

Aloe Vera Cancer Benefits

Essential Oils and Breast Cancer Prevention