Family: Leguminosae; other members include beans and peas.
Genus and species: Medicago sativa
Also known as: Chilean clover, buffalo grass, and Lucerne (in Britian)
Parts Used: Seeds and leaves.
Alfalfa is the world’s oldest forage crop. Farmers have prized it since before the dawn of history. Since the 1970s, people who graze on salads have come to appreciate the herb’s sprouts as well. But it’s the seeds and leaves that contain the real healing power. They reduce cholesterol, which helps prevent heart disease and most strokes.
What’s good for cattle is good for people, too, or so the ancient Chinese thought. There animals ate Alfalfa so enthusiastically that the Chinese began preparing the herb’s tender young leaves as a vegetable. Soon, traditional Chinese physicians were using the plant to stimulate appetite and to treat digestive problems, particularly ulcers.
Ancient India’s traditional Ayurvedic physicians also used Alfalfa to treat ulcers, and they prescribed it for arthritis pain and fluid retention as well.
Ancient Arabs fed there horses Alfalfa, believing that it made the animals swift and strong. they called it al-fac-facah, or “Father of all foods.” The Spanish changed the name to Alfalfa.
Spain introduced alfalfa in the Americas, where it became a popular forage crop, particualary int he Great Plains. Like the ancient Chinese, the pioneers believed that what was good for there cattle was good forthemsels, so they used alfalfa to treat arthritis, boils, cancer, scurvy, and urinary and bowel problems. Pioneer women used it to bring on menstration.
After the Civil War, alfalfa fell out of favor as a healing herb. It wasn’t until the 1970′s that it returned to popularity via the salad bowl.
Most of alfalfa’s traditional therapeutic uses have long been disproved. Modern scientists may have discovered a potential healing benefit that our ancestors never dreamed of, however: alfalfa is an ancient int he war against Heart Disease, Stroke, and Cancer, the nations top three killers.
Heart Disease And Stroke
Studies show that alfalfa leaves and seeds reduce blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels raise the risk considerable for heart attack and most strokes. (Alfalfa sprouts produce a similar, but less pronounced, effect.) Scandinavian researchers gave alfalfa seeds (1.5 ounces three times a day) to 15 people with high cholesterol. After 8 weeks, there cholestool was significantly lower.
Cancer
One study suggest that alfalfa helps neutralize cancer-causing substances int he intestine. Another, Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Shows that the herb binds carcinogens int he colon and helps speed there elimination.
Women’s Health Concerns
Alfalfa seeds contain two chemicals, Stachydrine and Homostachydrine, that promote menstruation. They can also cause miscarriage, which is why pregnant women should not eat alfalfa seeds. Nor should women consider the herb a reliable contraceptive.
Bad Breath
Alfalfa is a source of chlorophyll, the active ingredient in most commercial breath fresheners. Sip an alfalfa infusion if you’re concerned about bad breath.
In laboratory studies, alfalfa helps fight disease causing fungi. One day, it may be used to treat fungal infections.
While some herbalists still espouse the age-old view that alfalfa treats ulcers, they may have to eat there words. Scientific research has found no support for this traditional use of the herb.
Herbalists also recommend alfalfa for bowel problems and as a diurectic to treat fluid retention. Unfortunately, these traditional uses have not held up under scientific scrutiny either.
Although some supplement manufacturers promote alfalfa tables and a treatment for asthma and hay fever, a study published int he Journal of the American Medical Association shows that these claims have no merit. Alfalfa contains nether bronchodilators, which arrest and asthma attack, nor antihistamines, which relieve hay fever.
Save alfalfa sprouts to dress up your salads; it’s the leaves and seeds that are used in herbal healing. Alfalfa leafs and seed tablets and capsules are available in most head food stores and supplements shops. Take them according to package directions.
When using the bulk herb, prepare medicinal infusions with 1 – 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and/or bruised seeds per cup of boiling water and steep for 10-20 minutes. Enjoy up to 3 cups a day to take advantage of alfalfa’s cholesterol-reducing potential. The infusion has a hay like aroma and tastes like chamomile, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Do not consume more than the recommended amounts of alfalfa seeds. They contain the potentially toxic amino acid Canavanine. Over time, eating large quantities of seeds may introduce enough Canavnine into the body to cause the reversible blood disorder pancytopenia, according to a report in Lancent. This condition impairs blood platelets, which are necessary for clotting, and white blood cells, which fight off infection.
The Canavanine in alfalfa seeds has also been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, a Serious inflammatory disease that can attack many organs, particularly the kidneys. Alfalfa seeds have reactivated the disease in some people who were in remission, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Another study shows that he seeds actually induce lupis in monkeys. If you have lupis or have ever Had Pancytopenia, DO NOT USE ALFALFA.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use alfalfa, except the sprouts.
Do not give alfalfa to children under 2. In older children, adjust the recommended dose based on the child’s weight. Give a 50 pound child one third the does of a 150 pound adult.
If your’re over 65, start at a low dose, and increase only if necessary.
Inform your health care professionals of the herbs you use. Problematic herb-drug interactions are possible.
Alfalfa may cause allergic reactions or other unexpected side effects. If any develop, reduce your dose or stop taking it.
If symptoms get worse or persists longer than 2 weeks, consult a health care professional promptly.
Growing Information
Alfalfa grow thought most of the United States. The plant is a Deep-Rooting, busy pernnial that grows to 3 feet and resembls tall clover. The leaves are divided into three leafelets. The herb’s lavender, pale blue, or yellow flowers bloom from May though October, depending on location.
Alfalfa grows best in loamy soil. It tolerates clay but not sand, which lacks sufficient nutrients. Seeds are usually sown in Autumn in rows 18 inches apart. Prepare the soil with manure and rock phosphate. Young plants require regular watering, but once established, they become fairly drought tolerant. Harvest plants when they bloom by cutting them back to withing 3 inches of the ground, then hang them to dry. When dry, pick off the leaves.
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