Red clover is a common meadow plant and its flowers are used to produce extracts that can be taken as tablets, capsules and in liquid form. Dried red clover can also be brewed into a tea-like drink.

Red clover contains substances called isoflavonoids which are very similar to the female hormone oestrogen. For this reason it has been claimed that taking red clover can reduce unpleasant menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes. There is limited evidence that this might be the case for some women. But as the active ingredients of the plant extracts are oestrogen-like, it has the same potential risks as oestrogen in women who have had breast cancer. Women with breast cancer should use it with caution and only after discussion with their doctor.

Red clover also contains chemicals called coumarins, which have the effect of thinning the blood. This means that anyone taking anticoagulant tablets for other medical conditions or anyone who has problems with abnormal bleeding, should not take red clover.

Red clover preparations are widely available 'over the counter'.