Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, and is part of the bean family. It contains many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.

In traditional medicine Red Clover has long been considered a cleansing herb, and science bears this out: Red Clover contains the trace mineral molybdenum, an essential nutrient that is crucial to the production of four enzymes that help to safely process waste material in the body:

• Sulfite oxidase: Prevents the dangerous buildup of sulfites in the body by converting sulfite to sulfate.
• Aldehyde oxidase: Breaks down aldehydes, which can be toxic to the body.
• Xanthine oxidase: Converts xanthine to uric acid, which in turn helps to break down nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, when they’re no longer needed.
• Mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC): Thought to remove harmful byproducts of metabolism.

Because molybdenum produces the above enzymes which then lower the body’s toxic load, Red Clover may help to reduce acne breakouts and other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Red Clover also has antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory properties which can help with the healing of wounds, burns and insect bites. Plus, the isoflavonoids in Red Clover have been found to offer protection from UV rays. Isoflavonoids are a specific group of natural plant chemicals found in legumes and beans that are considered to be antioxidants.

In addition, clinical evidence has shown that isoflavonoids may help slow down signs of skin ageing. This is because they act as phytoestrogens, which are similar in structure to the female hormone, estrogen, which declines with menopause. 

Replacing estrogen with these plant-based phytoestrogens has a positive impact on skin health because they may help the increase collagen production, improving the skin thickness, and hydration. This is another yet way that Red Clover may help to nourish and assist the appearance of your skin.

You can find Red Clover in Qt's Encorē for her.