Red clover has a long history of use as an alterative or blood and lymph cleanser. Red clover has traditionally been used as a dermatological agent for chronic skin diseases, especially eczema and psoriasis. Like cleavers, red clover has also been used to treat skin diseases typically associated with toxemia or septicemia such as some types of acne, furunculosis, urticaria (hives) and skin rashes. In addition, red clover has been recommended for connective tissue diseases, joint problems, and general detoxification efforts such as spring fasts. Red clover is also noted for its lymphatic, expectorant and mild antispasmodic properties. Red clover contains over 125 chemicals, including tannins that possess astringent properties, and numerous minerals (i.e. calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium). More recent research has discovered the presence of estrogenic isoflavones in red clover, which demonstrate significant competitive binding to estrogen receptors and thus, may help prevent breast cancer by reducing circulating levels of estrogen. As a point of interest, red clover is one of several herbs in the famous Harry Hoxsey cancer remedy. The Hoxsey formula, which has been used for decades with considerable success in the treatment of breast and other types of cancer, contains herbs with anticancer properties that help eliminate toxins and wastes. Red clover contains some coumarin and coumarin-like compounds that may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents and may increase risk of bleeding. Red clover is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women as the effects are unknown. Furthermore, red clover should not be used in patients with estrogen receptor-positive neoplasia (abnormal growth or tumor whether benign or malignant).4-8,10-16