This homemade Red Clover medicinal vinegar is a powerful natural remedy that eases the most common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It also reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Menopause
Whether you or someone from your family is going through this life stage, you certainly know that it is not always easy. Even though menopause is a natural process and not an illness, its symptoms are often overwhelming.
Menopause is a hormonal shift that gradually stops the cycle and concludes women’s fertility. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and no longer produce hormones – estrogen and progesterone. These are responsible for menstruation and ovulation.
Some women might not suffer any menopausal symptoms. For others menopausal transition can bring the following common symptoms:
- irregular period
- mood swings
- hot flashes and night sweats
- insomnia
- loss of libido
- vaginal dryness
These common symptoms are very often accompanied by psychological fluctuations such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability or depression.
Last but not least, it is necessary to mention physical changes such as increased abdominal fat and weight gain. For some also dry skin and thin hair, breasts losing volume or changes in the ovaries and uterus. Some menopausal women are also at higher risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Known as the herb solving “woman problems” red clover is a powerful herb full of nutrition that grows abundantly.
It contains isoflavones – substances that have similar effects to estrogen. Therefore it is able to reduce symptoms related to estrogen loss such as hot flashes, sweating, nausea, irritation and even symptoms experienced when women ovulate. Moreover, isoflavonoids also reduce the risk of developing postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems.
In this study, researchers suggest that red clover reduces levels of triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Therefore having a positive health effect on plasma lipid concentrations, bone mass density, and cognitive abilities.
There is also mounting clinical evidence to support the positive effect of Red Clover on skin. It has been reported that isoflavones clinically improve skin elasticity, thickness, and hydration and reduces shrinks. Also improving other menopause symptoms such as loss of libido, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue.
These findings suggest using Red clover in preventing and reducing symptoms of osteoporosis. The research revealed that isoflavones extracted from red clover significantly increased bone mineral content and the mechanical strength of the tibia, femoral weight, and femoral density.
Medicinal vinegar
To obtain the medicinal benefits of red clover on the menopause symptoms we used apple cider vinegar (ACV) extraction.
Medicinal vinegars (Vinegar Extracts) have been around since ancient times. They are an easy and affordable way to preserve and dispense herbs. By infusing red clover blossoms in apple cider vinegar for 4-6 weeks, you get a highly concentrated version of minerals.
Apple cider vinegar
Made from fermented apples, apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acids, minerals, and live cultures. It promotes health and well-being and its benefits include among others weight loss and improving heart health. ACD is also very beneficial for skin and hair. It contains acids that lower the pH levels of your hair to bring back their shine and health.
Another very efficient way to extract medicinal properties from herbs is making tinctures with 40% alcohol. Tinctures are stronger with a longer shelf life (up to 5 years). Since we are planning to use this medicinal vinegar internally on a daily basis and we prefer to extract in ACV rather than in alcohol. Medicinal vinegars tend to last up to 2 years.
Fresh or dry herbs?
Before we start with this recipe you will have to decide whether you prefer to use fresh or dry herbs. Vinegar made with dried herbs tends to last longer and is in a higher concentration than the one from fresh herbs. the fresh herbs will lose their juices in the extract and saturate the apple cider vinegar.
What is the ratio?
Depending on whether you use fresh or dry herbs, you will accordingly adjust the ratio. If you use fresh herbs use a 1:2 ratio (for example 50 ml of fresh blossoms and 100ml of ACV) for dry herbs 1:5 (20 ml of dry herbs and 100 ml of ACV)
What is the dosage?
The acetic acid in Apple cider vinegar is pretty strong (did you know that it can disintegrate an eggshell)? For that reason, ACV should not stay long in contact with teeth. It’s not good for them. After drinking a spoonful of red clover medicinal vinegar drink a glass of water or add the recommended teaspoon into a glass of water and drink it together. 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day is the recommended dosage. Be aware that when used daily, red clover might take up to three months/12 weeks to show full results.
Other herbs suitable for menopause (contain estrogen)
- Passiflora, known also as the passion flowers or passion vines
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
- Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
- Red raspberry leaf
- Oat straw (Avena sativa)
Other uses of Red Clover Medicinal vinegar
can be used topically as well as internally
Topical use
- hair rinse – apple cider vinegar helps remove dead skin cells and can be used as dandruff. ACV is also effective in the treatment of hair loss as well as thin hair. You can use this medicinal vinegar either for scalp treatment or for simple hair rinsing as it creates shiny hair while sealing the hair cuticles. For rinse mix 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water. Similarly can be used this natural hair wash with violets to moisturize your hair.
- antioxidant toner – with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties ACV can be beneficial to detox and brighten your skin as well as clear acne and blemishes. Since this red clover medicinal vinegar is highly concentrated I suggest to mix it with cold boiled water. Mix 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water to make it gentle on your skin. Another natural toner that optimizes your pH and is prepared from apple cider vinegar and aloe vera.
Internal use
- This medicinal vinegar can also be used in the kitchen and added to salad dressing or marinate meat or fish
- if you prefer to use it in its sweet form, make an oxymel – add raw honey to the ratio of 1/3 of raw honey and 2/3 of medicinal vinegar and use as medicinal syrup or add to sparkling water or cocktails
Red clover is also well extracted in hot water and red clover herbal infusion can be an alternative. In case you don’t want to go through the process of making your own medicinal vinegar.
Contraindications of Red Clover Vinegar
Red Clover vinegar is not suitable for patients with hormone diseases such as breast, uterine, ovarian cancer or endometriosis. Red clover has similar effects to estrogen and could complicate these conditions and interfere with treatment.
Patients taking hormonal contraceptives should not use clover, as this may reduce the effect of contraception.
Do not administer with hormone replacement therapy in menopause.
Red Clover Vinegar - Natural Remedy for menopause
This homemade Red Clover medicinal vinegar is a powerful natural remedy that eases the most common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It also reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Tools
Instructions
- fill a small jar about half full of red clover blossoms (if you use fresh ones). See above for dried blossoms proportions. You can gently mash fresh blossoms for a more thorough extraction.
- Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar
- Cover opening with parchment and secure with rubber band. If you use metal lid, place wax paper between the jar and metal lid as vinegar will eat away at the metal. Or use plastic or cork top.
- Label and date your jar.
- Store your jar in a cool, dark place and let extract for four-six weeks.
- Shake the jar every few days to assist in the extraction.
- When the allotted time is up, strain your vinegar through a strainer.
- Push down on the material to release as much of the vinegar as possible.
- Pour the finished product into small bottles, label and date.
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Let me give it a try and I will be able to let you know of the results possible. I think it is going to be a great natural remedy for menopause relief!
I had no idea red clover was good for menopause! We use it all the time in things, now I have something else to use it for!
Is there anything red clover can’t do for women’s health?! It’s such an amazing little powerhouse of a plant! Plus, it makes a great cover crop to feed the soil! I love growing it in my garden but I have only dried it for tea. I will have to try out the vinegar too!
Love how easy this is. And filled with so much healthiness. I have to make those.
Can i use the red clover vinegar if i had breast cancer and have done the 5 years. I had to take Letrozole tablets for 5 years. I am 67 and have been getting horrible hot flushes for many years.
I am sorry to hear that but Red Clover vinegar is not suitable for patients with hormone diseases such as breast, uterine, ovarian cancer or endometriosis. Red clover has similar effects to estrogen and could complicate these conditions and interfere with treatment
What a superstar red clover is! I knew it was awesome, but not this awesome! Thank you 🙂