
Alfalfa: Benefits Indications Dosage Safety
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Alfalfa benefits include lowering cholesterol, stimulate milk production, control blood sugar, relieve menopausal symptoms, benefit sperm quality, and much more. Alfalfa is super nutritive herb
Alfalfa – Medicago sativa L.
Constituents:
Eight digestive enzymes, Chlorophyl, Flavonoids, Saponins, Alkaloids, flavone Tricin, Organic acids, amino acids, coumarins;
Phytoestrogens:
Formonetin
Coumestrol
Genistein
Daidzin
Biochanin A
Vitamins:
A
B
D
E
K
P
Folic acid
Niacin
Minerals and trace minerals:
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Calcium
Potassium
Iron
Part used:
The Herb
Flavor/Temps:
somewhat Bitter, Salty, Neutral, Moist
Restoring, Nourishing, Dissolving, Thickening
Tropism:
Liver, Blood, Stomach, Fluids, Pancreas
Meridians:
Stomach, Spleen
Fluid body
Key actions of Alfalfa in western medicine:
- Antibacterial,
- Anodyne,
- Antiscorbutic,
- Aperient,
- Diuretic,
- Emetic,
- Febrifuge,
- Haemostatic,
- Hypoglycaemic,
- Nutritive
- Tonic
- Stimulant
Indications for use of Alfalfa in western medicine:
Metabolism disorders (incl. Hypoglycaemia, glycogen storage disorders, anemia)
Depression, unrest
Supportive for diabetes
Uraemia (chronic), rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, gout)
Underweight and debility from constitution, chronic diseases, pregnancy and malabsorption
Oestrogen accumulation (incl. PMS, uterine fibroids, some cancers, fibrocystic breast)
Atherosclerosis, Hyperlipidaemia
Pain in any condition
Scanty Breast Milk
Spontaneous bleeding, capillary fragility
Anaemia, nutritional deficiencies
Liver toxicosis (remedial and preventative, from microbial/heavy metal/metabolic/toxicosis)
Duodenal and Gastric Hypo/Hyperacidity
Oestrogen deficiency (incl. PMS, Menopause)
Key actions of Alfalfa in eastern medicine:
Tonifies Digestive Qi and Promotes absorption as well as weight gain; Regulates Gastric secretion.
Strengthen Blood Vessels.
Relieves Depression, Induces Rest and Reduces Pain
Nourish the Blood and Liver, relieves fatigue; Regulates Oestrogen and metabolism, as well promotes Lactation.
Promotes Urination and Detoxification, as well as resolve Toxicosis; Softens Deposits and Protects the Liver
Indications for use of Alfalfa in eastern medicine:
Metabolic Toxicosis (general fluids dyskrasia): fetid stool, intermittent joints or muscle pain, scanty urine, fatigue, irritability
Liver Yin deficiency: low resistance, stamina and weight loss, evening fatigue
Intestines (Spleen) and Stomach Qi Deficiency: appetite loss, loose stool, weakness, emaciation
Blood Defficiency: palpitations, shallow breathing, weakness, dizziness, white complexion
- Infusion,
- tincture,
- vinegar tincture,
- powder
Dosage, 3 times a day unless instructed otherwise by herbalist:
- Tincture 2-10 ml, 1:3, 25% ethanol
- Vinegar Tincture 2-10 ml, 1:3
- Decoction 2-10g
- Powder 2-10g
Note:
To use Alfalfa as a physical, nutrient tonic, doses could be necessary at the range of 5-10 g. Alfalfa is, is very light weight, that means you would need between 8-15 tsp of the dried cut herb! It would be infused for 5-10 minutes. On other hand concentrated tincture form, somewhere between 5-10 ml would be required per dose to give sufficient nutrients to replenish deficiency.
Note:
Alfalfa is excellent blood-building nutritive for first 2 weeks of postpartum.
Note:
Alfalfa is very safe nutritive herb for pregnancy and can be taken on daily base, It is also super valuable after 34 weeks to ensure adequate Vitamin K provision to the baby.
Note:
Medicago herb can and should be taken continuously for all deficiency conditions it treats.
When to take Medicago herb:
- For assisting digestion, by ensuring appropriate gastric secretion Alfalfa should be taken before eating.
- For Nutrient absorption, especially proteins and calcium, as well as helps colonic peristalsis should be taken after meal
- For other than digestive benefits listed above, Medicago should be taken between meals
Alfalfa Synergy examples:
combines exceptionally well with Nettles as a blood tonic
mix with Red Clover for a nutritive, cleansing medicine.
combine with Panax Ginseng and Withania root for people who are anaemic or depleted
Cautions:
Alfalfa is mild remedy with minimal chronic toxicity.
Theoretically, LARGE quantities of alfalfa might exacerbate autoimmune diseases by stimulating disease activity. People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to avoid alfalfa or use it with caution. In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa might have immunostimulant effects
It may be wise not to consume a great amount of Alfalfa while using the contraceptive pill as Alfalfa contains isoflavonoids with estrogenic effects and large doses of alfalfa may interfere with the pill.
Is a herb that may lower blood sugar levels if taken in sufficient doses, users of anti-diabetic medicine should carefully watch their levels, and need for medication, when using Alfalfa.
Contraindications:
None known, however Alfalfa should not be used alongside the anticoagulant drug Warfarin, as it contains high doses of Vitamin K.
Theoretically, large quantities of alfalfa might exacerbate autoimmune diseases by stimulating disease activity. People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to avoid alfalfa or use it with caution. In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa might have immunostimulant effects
Interactions with drugs:
Alfalfa should not be used alongside the anticoagulant drug Warfarin, as it contains high doses of Vitamin K.
Pharmacokinetics
Not known.
Side effects:
Orally alfalfa is well tolerated.
Orally: Abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and flatulence.
Basic Info:
Medicago sativa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Other names:
Yellow alfalfa
Spanish Clover
Lucerne
Purple medic
Lucerna siewna
Alfalfa History, Tradition, folklore and science:
Thomas Bartram writes:
Alfalfa is good to “promote strong bones and rebuild decayed teeth' and is 'a nutrient to increase weight and vitality”. He lists many conditions that he see Alfalfa having the potential to benefit, including backache, rheumatism, infections of the sinuses, ear nose and throat. He says “...it fattens thin people and builds a person up after a surgical operation. Rich in chlorophyll, it stimulates the growth of supportive connective tissue and is useful for collagen disease, arthritis etc. Frequent cups of tea have a diuretic effect relieving dropsy, kidney, bladder and prostate disorders”
Sharol Tilgner writes that:
“Alfalfa has been shown to stimulate lactation and increase the quantity of breast milk. It is used as a general tonic and in a variety of chronic degenerative diseases”
Dr Ben Bradley writes:
“I find in Alfalfa, after about seven years clinical test in my practice and on myself, a superlative restorative tonic, but it does not act as a stimulant, after the manner of alcohol, cocaine or other habit-forming drugs. It rejuvenates the whole system by increasing the strength, vigour, and vitality of the patient. In all cases, the ever-marked condition calling for the remedy is despondency, along with loss of flesh, whether the case is one of stomach trouble, such as indigestion, dyspepsia, general and nervous debility, anaemia, loss of appetite and poor assimilation, as shown by loss of flesh and constipation, with the always accompanying condition, depression. Alfalfa is especially useful with bottle-fed babies. It has done wonders in some cases accompanied by loss of flesh. It increases the flow of milk in nursing mothers, as well as the urine and the peristaltic action of the stomach and bowels, with a consequent increase of appetite and strength”
A. L. Blackwood, 1915: Observations with Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa)
~ Clinical Cases.
Mr. D., aged 41, a chief clerk in the general offices of one of our railroad companies, had complained for several months of losing flesh. His appetite was poor, and he did not relish his food. An abnormal thirst was present, with a loss of flesh, and polyuria (frequent urination). Five drops of the Alfalfa tincture were prescribed, four times a day. After two weeks, he sent a messenger for a second supply of the medicine, stating that it had greatly benefited him. He called at the end of two months, having gained ten pounds. The urination had normalised, the appetite was fine, and he considered himself in a excellent condition.
Mr. G., aged 29, complained of a loss of weight and appetite, with excessive thirst, polyuria and mental depression. This syndrome had been developing gradually for the past year. Physical examination showed a man of medium size, emaciated, heart's action weakened, blood pressure lowered, stomach slightly dilated, prostatic portions of the urethra hypersensitive. Five drops of the tincture before each meal and on retiring gradually relieved the condition so that in three months he considered himself well.
Dr. Ben Bradley, of Hamlet, Ohio, believes that Alfalfa is one of our prime remedies. He reports a case where a woman had given birth to seven children, all born apparently strong and well, but when they reached the age of eighteen, each wasted away and died. When the last, a girl, exhibited the symptoms of the same wasting disease from which the others had died, Dr. Bradley made a concentrated tincture of Alfalfa seeds, fully saturated, of which he gave her ten drops, four or five times a day. Under this treatment her weight increased from 99 to 133 pounds, and she recovered good health.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) describes Alfalfa as having a 'Nutrient' action and says, “it is a source of vitamins A, C, E & K and the minerals Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus & Iron” The BHP recommends combining Alfalfa with Slippery Elm and Irish Moss for “convalescent debility”. In other words, when a person is recovering from a severe illness and is still very weak and tired.
Science on Alfalfa:
An old case report documented hypoglycaemia in a diabetic man taking alfalfa. After being unresponsive to conventional hypoglycaemic agents, his blood glucose reached 648mg/100mL. Physicians allowed the patient to prepare an alfalfa extract he had used in the past. Two hours after the patient consumed the extract, he exhibited clinical signs of hypoglycaemia with a blood sugar of 68mg/100mL. The extract was consumed 12 additional times when the patient had blood glucose levels ranging between 190-580mg per 100mL, each time resulting in a reduction of blood glucose concentrations. The researchers at the time attributed this to the high levels of Manganese known to be present in Alfalfa. (Rubenstein AH, Levin NW, and Elliott GA. Manganese-induced hypoglycaemia. Lancet 1962;1348-1351)
A small, uncontrolled clinical study in patients with hypercholesterolemia shows that taking heat-prepared alfalfa seeds 40 grams three times daily for 8 weeks reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels when compared to baseline.
One study with Alfalfa showed that it helped to neutralise carcinogens (cancer forming compounds) in the body -- another published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that it binds carcinogens in the bowel and helps speed their elimination from the body (Smith-Barbaro, P., Hanson, D., and Reddy, B. S. Carcinogen binding to various types of dietary fiber. J Natl.Cancer Inst. 1981;67(2):495-497)
Animal studies have shown that it may potentially have the ability to reverse atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries (Malinow, M. R. Experimental models of atherosclerosis regression. Atherosclerosis 1983;48(2):105-118) and (Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., Naito, H. K., Lewis, L. A., and McNulty, W. P. Effect of alfalfa meal on shrinkage (regression) of atherosclerotic plaques during cholesterol feeding, Atherosclerosis 1978;30(1):27-43)
Alfalfa clearly possesses extremely high nutritional value and has been shown to be able to boost levels of both Vitamin D and Vitamin K. It is also very rich in chlorophyll and uncontrolled studies have shown that this compound can reduce bad breath.
Multiple animal studies have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering effects of alfalfa, without obvious effects on high-density lipoprotein e.g. (Malinow, M. R., Connor, W. E., McLaughlin, P., Stafford, C., Lin, D. S., Livingston, A. L., Kohler, G. O., and McNulty, W. P. Cholesterol and bile acid balance in Macaca fascicularis. Effects of alfalfa saponins. J Clin Invest 1981;67(1):156-162)) and (Cookson, F. B. and Fedoroff, S. Quantitative relationships between administered cholesterol and alfalfa required to prevent hypercholesterolaemia in rabbits. Br J Exp.Pathol. 1968;49(4):348-355) and (Yanaura, S. and Sakamoto, M. [Effect of alfalfa meal on experimental hyperlipidemia]. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1975;71(5):387-393)
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