Alfalfa in Traditional Herbal Medicine

Alfalfa: An Herbal Profile

Originally native to a large area covering most of Europe and Asia, alfalfa is now cultivated around the world, mainly as a food crop for animals. But this member of the pea family also enjoys a long history as a food source for humans, too.

Known botanically as Medicago sativa, alfalfa's common name is a Spanish adulteration of the Arabic name, al-fac-facah. Though alfalfa is grown mainly as animal food, it is also prized in natural medicine for its rich vitamin content. Alfalfa is a good source of vitamins A, C, D, E, K and many of the B vitamins. Additionally, alfalfa is a rich source of protein and minerals.

In the various healing disciplines, all parts of the plant are used, including the stems, leaves, seeds and seeds. And, of course, the fresh sprouts are also used, though they're usually eaten raw.

Alfalfa in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, alfalfa is considered a mild tonic good for purifying the blood. Alfalfa is considered to have alterative, diuretic, antipyretic and hemostatic actions.

Alfalfa is also considered a rich source of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. It is often used to treat nutritional deficiencies.

In Ayurveda, alfalfa is usually prepared as an infusion and is considered especially good for Pitta constitutions. Alfalfa is often combined with dandelion, nettles and horsetail.

Alfalfa in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese herbology, alfalfa's roots are the part of the plant most often mentioned. Alfalfa roots (and the diuretic action they possess) are considered a remedy for heat--especially damp heat--and are prescribed for conditions like kidney stones and jaundice. Like their Ayurvedic counterparts, Chinese herbalists recognize alfalfa's nutritional potential and recommend alfalfa for conditions like night blindness.

Alfalfa in Traditional European Herbalism

Extensive cultivation of alfalfa didn't reach Europe until around the 1600s and because of this late introduction into an already full catalog of herbal medicines, alfalfa never really enjoyed widespread use as an healing herb. When it was used, alfalfa, or lucerne, as it was known in English-speaking areas of Europe was believed to stimulate the appetite and promote weight gain. Like healers in other cultures, traditional European herbalists also used alfalfa for its diuretic properties.

Alfalfa in Native American Healing

Alfalfa came to the New World via Europe and was brought here by settlers. But alfalfa didn't see significant planting until around 1850. Consequently, alfalfa was virtually unknown as an healing plant by Native Americans. There is some evidence that the Cherokee people may have relied on alfalfa as a nutritional supplement but alfalfa probably never saw broad use in Native American medicine.

Alfalfa in Modern Herbalism

Today, alfalfa is treated with both respect and caution in modern herbalism. Modern herbalists know that alfalfa, especially its sprouts, are rich in many important nutrients. But they also know that consumption of large amounts of alfalfa seeds and sprouts is linked to very serious medical conditions like pancytopenia and systemic lupus erythematosus.

In modern herbalism, alfalfa is recommended for conditions like anemia, to stimulate weight gain and to increase appetite. Alfalfa is also sometimes used to stimulate production of breast milk and as a remedy for premenstrual problems. Additionally, alfalfa is growing in popularity as a natural cholesterol and blood sugar control.

References:

Foster, S., Johnson, R. (2006). Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine.

Frawley, D., Lad, V. (1986). The Yoga of Herbs.

Lu, H. (1986). Chinese Natural Cures.

Grieve, M. (1931). A Modern Herbal.

Garrett, J., Garrett, M. (1996). Medicine of the Cherokee.

Alcocer-Varela, J., Inglesias, A., Llorente, L., Alarcon-Segovia, D. (1985). Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa.