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General Information
Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
Common Name: Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic
Plant Family: Papilionacae (a member of the pea family)
History:
- The first recorded mention of Alfalfa is in a book by the Emperor of China written in 2939 BC
- It was imported into Greece from the East, after Darius discovered discovered it in Medea (from where it gets its botanical name Medicago).
- The Arabs gave Alfalfa its name which means ‘father of all foods’ and fed it to their horses to make them run faster.
FolkLore:
In folk lore Alfalfa was used:
- ashes burnt and scattered around a property to protect it
- used in Wicca rites to protect the home from poverty and hunger
Plant Constituents of Alfalfa
Contains:
- calcium
- carotene
- chlorophyll
- choline
- coumarin derivatives
- eight essential amino acids
- flavones
- iron
- isoflavones (estrogen-like effects)
- lime
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- protein (high protein content)
- potassium
- saponins (2–3%)
- silicon
- sodiums
- sterols
- vitamins A, D, B1, B6, E, K, U
- zinc
and the essential enzymes:
- amylase (acts on starch)
- coagulase (coagulates milk and clots blood)
- emulsin (acts on sugar)
- invertase (changes cane sugar to dextrose
- lipase (splits fat)
- pectinase (forms vegetable jelly from pectin)
- peroxidase (has an oxidizing effect on the blood)
- protease (digests proteins)
Action: Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Promotes pituitary gland function and contains an anti-fungus agent.
- anti-anemic [agent to relieve anemia]
- appetizer [an agent that excites the appetite]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine]
- galactagogue [an agent to increase mammary gland function]
- laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels]
- nutrient [gives nourishment]
- tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
Usage of Alfalfa
Medicinal Part used: Whole herb and leaf
Alfalfa has been used extensively over the years in India, and has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to:
- relieve fluid retention and swelling
- treat kidney stones
Alfalfa is commonly used for:
Blood Conditions
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- recuperation of narcotic and alcohol addiction
Cardiovascular Conditions
- heart disease
- prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques
- stroke
Female Conditions
- late or irregular menstruation
- menopausal symptoms
- stimulates lactation (milk supply) in nursing mothers
Fungal Conditions
- anti-fungal
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- appetite stimulant for loss of appetite
- bowel problems
- digestive disorders
- dyspepsia
- peptic ulcers
- poor assimilation of nutrients
- poor digestion
- regulates the bowels
- relieves gastric ulcers
- stomach upset
Genitourinary Conditions
- eliminates retained water
- fluid retention and swelling
- kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders
- kidney cleanser
- kidney stones
- relieves urinary problems
- urinary tract infections
Glandular Conditions
- nourishes pituitary gland
- promotes pituitary gland function
Immune System Conditions
- hay fever
Inflammatory Conditions
- arthritis
Liver Conditions
- blocks absorption of cholesterol
- detoxifies the the liver
- jaundice
Male Conditions
- prostrate disorders
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma
Other Conditions
- alkalizes and detoxifies the body
- cancer (binds carcinogens in the colon to help speed up their elimination from the body)
- debility
- diabetes
- overall tonic for general health
- fatigue
- stimulates the growth of supportive connective tissue
- weight gain
Other Uses:
- sprouts used in salad
Precautions
Caution:
Alfalfa should not be eaten by pregnant or nursing women or young children due to:
- its ability to bring on menstruation (periods)
- the estrogenic effects of some of Alfalfa’s components
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Alfalfa without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
- Warfarin (Coumadin) (the high vitamin K content in Alfalfa could make the drug less effective)
