Family: Leguminosae; other members include beans, peas
Genus and Species: Medicago sativa
Also known as: Chilean clover, buffalo grass, Lucerne (in Britain)
Parts used: Leaves
Genus and Species: Medicago sativa
Also known as: Chilean clover, buffalo grass, Lucerne (in Britain)
Parts used: Leaves
Farmers have long prized the alfalfa plant as animal forage, and in the last 20 years people who graze on salads have come to appreciate this herb’s sprouts as well. But it’s the alfalfa leaves that may contain its real healing power. They may help reduce cholesterol and help prevent heart disease and some strokes.
HEALING with ALFALFA
1. Heart Disease and Stroke. Animal studies show that alfalfa leaves help reduce blood cholesterol levels and plaque deposits on artery walls.
2. Cancer. One study shows that alfalfa helps neutralize carcinogens in the intestine. It also binds carcinogens in the colon and helps speed their elimination from the body.
Alfalfa seeds also contain two chemicals (stachydrine and homostachydrine) that promote menstruation and can cause miscarriage. Pregnant women should not eat alfalfa seeds.
Alfalfa seeds also contain two chemicals (stachydrine and homostachydrine) that promote menstruation and can cause miscarriage. Pregnant women should not eat alfalfa seeds.
3. 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.
4. Intriguing Possibility. In laboratory studies, alfalfa helps fight disease-causing fungi. It might one day be used to treat fungal infections.
5. Dead-End File. While contemporary herbalists generally endorse the age-old view that alfalfa treats ulcers, they may have to eat their own words. Scientific research has found no support for this traditional use of the herb.
Herbalists also recommend alfalfa for bowel problems and as a diuretic to treat fluid retention. Some supplement manufacturers promote alfalfa tables as a treatment for asthma and hay fever. But some studies shows that these claims have no merit, as it neither contains bronchodilators for treatment of asthma nor antihistamines, which may relieve hay fever.
Herbalists also recommend alfalfa for bowel problems and as a diuretic to treat fluid retention. Some supplement manufacturers promote alfalfa tables as a treatment for asthma and hay fever. But some studies shows that these claims have no merit, as it neither contains bronchodilators for treatment of asthma nor antihistamines, which may relieve hay fever.
SAFETY FACTOR
- No one should ever eat alfalfa seeds: they contain relatively high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine which may cause pancytopenia (impairment of the platelets, necessary for clotting and the WBC’s, which fight infection).
- Canavanine in alfalfa seeds has also been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- It also contains saponins, a chemical that may destroy RBC’s and cause anemia. Because of this, some herb critics warn against ingesting alfalfa (and the many other healing herbs that contain saponins) in any form.
- For healthy, non-pregnant, non-nursing people, alfalfa is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.
LEAF IT BE
Alfalfa leaf is on the FDA’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe.It should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your physician. If it causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used don’t improve significantly in two weeks.
Ref: The Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman. 1991
