Alfalfa

Scientific Name

Medicago sativa

Family

Fabaceae/leguminosae

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Background

Also known as grand trèfle, medicago, purple medick, & sanfoin.

Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant that has clusters of small purple flowers and fruits spiraled that contains several seeds. Alfalfa is native to warmer temperate climates such as south-central asia, originating in ancient iran.

Parts Used

Leaves and seeds

Organs & Systems Affected

Endocrine

Immune

Flower Essence

Recommended for those that feel as if they or unsatisfied and feel unworthy.

Mechanism of Action

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunologic, hypoglycemic, antihypercholesterolemic, diuretic, and antifungal

Nature

Sweet, bitter, and earthy; cooling

Plant Constituents

Vitamins a, c, e, and k, minerals, and trace elements, coumestrol, saponins, flavonoids, manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and iron, medicagenic acid, hederagenin glycosides, and soyasapogenols

Traditional Uses

Orally, alfalfa is used for kidney, bladder, and prostate dys-function, menopausal symptoms, asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood sugar, high blood cholesterol, indigestion, and thrombocytopenic purpura.

Safety

Precaution & Adverse Reactions

Dermatitis, flatulence and bulkier feces have been reported. Few links have been made to use of alfalfa in large amount and lupus like syndrome or exacerbation.

Interactions

Oral contraceptives, anticoagulants (warfarin), photosensitizing drugs, immunosuppressants, estrogens and antidiabetics.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Possibly unsafe when using during pregnancy due to estrogenic activity .

Dosing

• Herbal infusion: 2 or 3 teaspoons per cup. Steep 10 minutes covered.

• Tincture: 5-10 ml 3 times per day or as tolerated.

• Condition specific: Hyperlipidemia: 40g of prepared seeds three times a day with meal

Our Favorite Pairings

Raspberry leaf, yellow dock, dandelion, nettle , lemon balm, hawthorn

Disclaimer

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded throughout history. With the information provided on this website, we wish to begin the journey to educate the community based on research, african holistic health, and herbal science. This information, in no shape or form, is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or make claims against products or companies. This information provided on this site is to make public information and information acquired from research studies easily available to you. Rooted vigor, llc is giving you the opportunity to draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions from the information provided. The information on this website may or may not have been evaluated by the fda. Seek advice from a medical practitioner as necessary.

References

Pursell, jj. The herbal apothecary: 100 medicinal herbs and how to use them. Timber press. Kindle edition.

Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/alfalfa

Https://selfhealdistributing.com/product/alfalfa-flower-essence-prairie-deva/

Https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.ezproxy.fau.edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?Productid=19#mechanismofaction