Alfalfa
DEFINITION
Alfalfa is a herb with the botanical name of Medicago sativa.
Alfalfa has several other names including Lucerne, Medicage and
Purple Medick.
Alfalfa has several other names including Lucerne, Medicage and
Purple Medick.
DESCRIPTION
Alfalfa grows naturally in the Mediterranean region and is
cultivated widely and reaches up to 50cm in height. It has a light
taste and little odour. The flowers are blue-violet in colour and
bloom from July to September
cultivated widely and reaches up to 50cm in height. It has a light
taste and little odour. The flowers are blue-violet in colour and
bloom from July to September
All of the plant is used and contains acids, alkaloids, amino
acids, saponins and other constituents such as carbohydrate.
acids, saponins and other constituents such as carbohydrate.
It is possible to grow your own sprouts at home.
INTERACTIONS
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking. Alfalfa should be
avoided by people taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin
because Alfalfa may enhance the drug’s action in the body.
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking. Alfalfa should be
avoided by people taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin
because Alfalfa may enhance the drug’s action in the body.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
Alfalfa is suggested to increase the general health and help
the natural body defence mechanism. The herb contains vitamin K,
which reduces the clotting time of blood. Chlorophyll is also
present in Alfalfa. Alfalfa may be of benefit in women with heavy
periods.
the natural body defence mechanism. The herb contains vitamin K,
which reduces the clotting time of blood. Chlorophyll is also
present in Alfalfa. Alfalfa may be of benefit in women with heavy
periods.
High levels of cholesterol may be lowered by taking this herb.
Alfalfa is used by the body for digestion of food and weight
control. It also is thought to lessen tiredness and acidity.
Alfalfa is used by the body for digestion of food and weight
control. It also is thought to lessen tiredness and acidity.
NOTES
- A substance in Alfalfa supplements (L-canavanine) may aggravate
the symptoms of lupus erythematosus, so it is advisable that people
with this disease avoid these supplements. - Alfalfa seeds should not be ingested during pregnancy and
lactation.
