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What is Alfalfa Alfalfa is a woody plant known to be rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals...(more) Alfalfa Herbal Preparation is prepared as tea, eaten with meat and other vegetables and also in capsule form...(more)

Alfalfa used in medicine. Used in to treat diabetes, kidney stones, bone strengthening, ashtma and others...(more)

Alfalfa use warning and side effects. Alfalfa is contains canavanine that may aggravate lupus, and cause the breakdown of red blood cells....(more)

 

Scientific Name: Medicago Sativa

Also knows as:
Alfalfa, Lucrene grass, Chilean clover, Buffalo grass.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a deep-rooted leguminous perennial plant in the pea family Fabaceae. Alfalfa is widely cultivated as a forage crop in US, Canada, Argentina, France, and Southwestern Asia.

Alfalfa plant is chiefly hay with woody and upright stems that is high in fiber. Alfalfa stems can grow from its crown up to 3 feet in height and shoots of stems grows rapidly. Alfalfa is grown as a crop because of its productivity. The crop can be harvested up to four times in one season. Alfalfa leaves are known to be rich in vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa leaves, which are alternate consist of three leaflets like those of a Red Clover. Occasional four or five leaves grows from the stems but not so common. The leaflets are rather narrow and sharply toothed in their upper part.

Alfalfa flowers are purple about as small as a bean in size occurring individually. Other variety would bloom flowers that are from white and light yellow.

Alfalfa is rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa contains vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Alfalfa also contains protein calcium, carotene, iron, potassium and zinc.

 

Alfalfa has a long history of medical usage. Folkloric health benefits include;

• General health tonic. Used for its high nutrients and vitamin content.
• Alfalfa for arthritis. Believed to strengthen bones and helps alleviate pain from arthritis.
• Dissolution of kidney stones.
• Treatment for Diabetes. Believed to help lower blood sugar levels.
• Lower cholesterol level,
• Treatment of whooping cough
• Treatment of auto-immune disorders.
• Treatment of fluid retention and swelling
• Liver, bowel and blood detoxification.
• Source of estrogen that supports female reproductive functions.
• Treatment of asthma
• Treatment and prevention of baldness.

Alfalfa are widely cultivated, Alfalfa leaves, flowers and seeds can be harvested from fields. Alfalfa leaves and flowers are also available in some health stores. Alfalfa is prepared as tea or eaten mixed with meat and other vegetables.

Alfalfa is also commercially prepared in capsules taken as supplements.

 

Alfalfa contains canavanine, an amino acid that is known to aggravate symptoms of lupus. Excess intake of Alfalfa can also cause breakdown of red blood cells which maybe serious.

Just like any herbal medicine, moderation in use is recommended. Alfalfa use in pregnancy is discouraged. There are no scientific studies that confirm its safe use during pregnancy

 

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