Alfalfa
Other Names: Feuille de Luzerna, Lucerne, Medicago, Medicago sativa, Purple Medick
Should I take it?
A native of southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, alfalfa is now grown throughout the world--primarily as a food crop for animals. In addition, alfalfa has been used as human food and herbal medicine for at least 1500 years. Alfalfa seeds are easy to sprout (allow to begin growing) by keeping them in a dark place and moistening them with cool water several times a day. In only a few days, the slightly sweet, very crunchy sprouts are ready to eat raw or add to cooked dishes. Alfalfa leaves and stems also may be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Although ingesting alfalfa seeds or sprouts may be associated with a small decrease in blood cell production, the leaves, sprouts, and stems provide a good source of protein as well as vitamins and minerals.
Alfalfa grows as a perennial that is usually less than 3 feet tall. A member of the pea family of plants, each alfalfa plant has several upright stems that bear clover-like leaves and reddish or purple flowers. The leaves and stems are the parts of alfalfa that are used for medicine. Cut before the plant blooms, these "aerial" (above ground) parts usually are dried for medical use as capsules, extracts, tablets, and teas. The ancient Greeks used alfalfa to treat a variety of diseases including bladder and kidney conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine still uses alfalfa to treat kidney stones.
Dosage and Administration
To lower cholesterol in adults, a typical dose of alfalfa is 40 mg of alfalfa seed or 5,000 mg to 10,000 mg (5 grams to 10 grams) of dried alfalfa leaves and stems three times a day. Dried alfalfa may be taken as capsules, tablets, or tea made from soaking dried alfalfa in boiling water for 10 minutes to 15 minutes, then straining solid particles out of the tea before drinking it.
Doses for other potential uses vary greatly. Individuals who choose to take alfalfa should follow the directions on the package that is purchased.
Summary
The best researched use of alfalfa in modern herbal medicine is for helping to control cholesterol. It may also have some usefulness in treating diabetes and improving immune system function. It may have mild diuretic and slightly estrogenic effects, but more studies are needed before these and other potential uses can be recommended.
Risks
Alfalfa may activate or re-activate SLE. Alfalfa sprouts may contain bacteria that could cause nausea and stomach upset. The seeds of alfalfa may cause miscarriage by promoting uterine muscle contraction.
Side Effects
Consuming large amounts of alfalfa seeds has been associated with pancytopenia--a condition in which the production of red blood cells and white blood cells decreases. Individuals taking alfalfa may be more prone to sunburn and alfalfa may cause allergic symptoms, especially in individuals who are sensitive to members of the pea family of plants.
Interactions
Alfalfa may interfere with diabetes medications, estrogen, water pills, and immune-suppressing drugs. The effects of drugs or herbal products that affect the blood's ability to clot may be changed by taking alfalfa.
Last Revised July 19, 2007
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Should I take it? 
