Scientific name: Medicago sativa
Alfalfa Medicinal Properties
The alfalfa plant has been historically used to feed humans and animals alike because of its plentiful nutrient content, but modern scientific research has uncovered alfalfa medicinal properties.
The following are the most studied and well-known alfalfa health benefits:
- Relieving PMS and menopausal symptoms. Alfalfa promotes estrogen production, which can contribute to restore hormonal balance during menopause, as well as reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- Balancing cholesterol levels. Alfalfa properties include the ability of lowering cholesterol absorption, thus helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, alfalfa has been shown to improve the break down process of lipids in the organism, contributing to weight management, and it also has proven useful in the treatment of fungal infections.
Alfalfa Side Effects
Alfalfa is safe for ingestion, but it should not be taken for a long terms in supplement form, since it has been shown to cause similar reactions to those experienced with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The onset of SLE has been linked to those taking alfalfa tablets regularly.
Alfalfa Cautions
- Alfalfa can cause inflammatory reactions when large amounts of seeds or sprouts are consumed. As a result, people suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis should avoid alfalfa.
- Those diabetics taking medication must be aware that alfalfa can lower blood sugar; therefore, its consumption should be carefully monitored.
- The blood clotting action of alfalfa may negatively interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, decreasing their effectiveness.
- Due to its estrogenic activity, pregnant women and breast cancer patients should avoid alfalfa altogether.
- Alfalfa can also increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
It is recommended to seek medical advice before start taking alfalfa to treat any health condition.
Alfalfa Nutrition
Alfalfa sprouts are a great source of vitamin K (phylloquinone), which promotes coagulation, as well as preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures by improving bones mineral density.
Additionally, alfalfa sprouts provide good amounts of important nutrients, mainly vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which plays a key role in immunity and also aids iron absorption; vitamin B9 (folate), crucial for fetal development; manganese, which helps with carbohydrate metabolism and calcium absorption; magnesium, important for energy production; phosphorus, necessary for bones and teeth formation; and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which helps prevents age related diseases and supports the formation of new red blood cells.
Alfalfa sprouts also carry small amounts of other nutrients, such as vitamin A (as beta-carotene) zinc, vitamin B1 (thiamin), and iron.
The dried leaf or powder can be used in teas, made into capsules or herbal tablets, or infused as an herbal tincture.
« Back to Glossary Index