Alfalfa is also known as Lucerne and is a member of the pea family. In the grocery store packages of alfalfa sprouts are sold and are a popular salad ingredient and thought to be very nutritious. For medicinal purposes, it is the leaves of the alfalfa plant that are used. Alfalfa can be taken in a variety of forms. We can buy alfalfa in bulk, as packages of alfalfa sprouts, as tablets, and even alfalfa in liquid form.
1) Alfalfa is used to treat high cholesterol.
2) Indians in North America were known to use alfalfa in the treatment of jaundice and to promote blood clotting.
3) Alfalfa seeds are used to treat insect bites and boils.
4) In recent years, alfalfa has been examined as a treatment for problems associated with menopause.
5) Tonics can be made from alfalfa to treat indigestion and loss of appetite.
6) Alfalfa is a valuable asset in the treatment of anemia.
7) The leaves of the alfalfa plant contain saponin. In animal studies saponin from the alfalfa plant has been shown to prevent the formation of plaque and block cholesterol from being absorbed by the body.
8) People suffering from lupus should avoid alfalfa because excessive amounts of it are suspected to worsen the symptoms of that disease.
9) The alfalfa leaf contains coumarin, which promotes blood clotting.
10) Because alfalfa may interfere with the absorption of tetracyclines, individuals taking these are advised to avoid alfalfa within two hours of taking them.
Alfalfa is generally quite safe, though a small percentage of people are allergic to alfalfa. In addition to the advice normally given that those with lupus avoid alfalfa, it is also suspected that alfalfa may interact with quinidine, which is used as an antiarrhythmic.
Alfalfa is not an herb that the body must have on a daily basis. Because it can be helpful in so many conditions that cause discomfort, however, and rarely causes any harm, it is widely used with confidence. Amounts of alfalfa used vary in amount and frequency of application, and depending on the form of alfalfa used. If one thinks he or she would benefit from alfalfa, the best approach is to consult a health professional to ascertain the proper amount, form, and frequency of alfalfa.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
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