Botanical Name: Medicago sativa

Common Name: Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic

Plant Family: Papilionacae (a member of the pea family)

Origin: Alfalfa is widely grown throughout the world. It is a perennial plant native to Central and Western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean region but was originally found in Medea, Spain, Italy and France.

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.

Plant Constituents

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)

Dosage:

Recommended dosage is as follows:

• Tablets and capsules of whole alfalfa or alfalfa extracts should be taken as directed
• Alfalfa for tea - 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes
• 30-60mL/week 1:2 fluid extract

Usage

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

Folk Lore:

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

Alfalfa is commonly used for:

Blood Conditions

• anemia (with Nettles and Oatstraw)
• blood thinner
• boils
• helps the blood clot

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

Externally the seeds can be made into a poultice for:

• boils
• insect bites

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]

Precautions

Caution:

Alfalfa in its various forms may present some health risks. Powdered Alfalfa herb, Alfalfa sprouts, and Alfalfa seeds all contain L-cavanine, a substance that may cause:

• abnormal blood cell counts
• spleen enlargement
• recurrence of lupus in patients with controlled disease

Heating Alfalfa may correct this problem.

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)