ALFALFA
Latin / Botanical
Name: Medicago sativa
Alfalfa is a
plant commonly cultivated by farmers around the world for use as an animal
feedstock. Known by its Latin name, Medicago sativa, Alfalfa is also a popular
herb belonging to the 'legume family', closely related to beans and peas. Called
the "great healer" by legions of natural herbalists, the health benefits
attributed to Alfalfa are broad, with attributes ranging from the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis to the ability to cure stomach disorders; from stimulating
the appetite to being an effective curative for diabetes. Alfalfa is also known
by the names Lucerne, Purple Medic, Buffalo Grass, and Chilean Clover. The name
Alfalfa is derived from the arabic al-fac-facah and means 'father of all foods'.
The genus name, Medicago, refers to Medea in North Africa from where this plant
is thought to have originated. The species name, sativa, means 'with a long
history of cultivation'. Alfalfa was an important crop to the Arabs who fed it
to their racehorses.
The primary properties of Alfalfa are considered to be anti-inflammatory,
diuretic, galactagogue, nutritive, stomach tonic, phytoestrogenic, and tonic.
The parts of the plant typically used are flowers, leaves, and sprouts. Primary
known active constituents include chlorophyll, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folic acid,
calcium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, fluorine, electrolytes,
isoflavones, coumrains, betaine, alkaloids (stachydrine), phytoestrogens, and
antioxidant (tricin).
Alfalfa is promoted as a detoxifier, able to cleanse the liver and bloodstream.
Claims link Alfalfa with enhanced pituitary functions, as well as treating high
fevers, inflamed prostate, and alleviating allergic reactions related to plants
and grasses. While there are few, if any, valid scientific studies supporting
these claims, Alfalfa is generally recognized as a healthy and nutritious source
of chlorophyll, beta carotene, calcium, and the vitamins D, E and K. Alfalfa
leaves and sprouts are consumed around the world, and Alfalfa tea is widely
touted as a health tonic. Alfalfa in tablet & capsule forms are readily
available at most health food stores.
Pertaining to the claims for Alfalfa's curative powers, researchers have found
that the Alfalfa Root, a part of the plant not generally used, contains saponins,
a family of chemicals that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels in
monkeys. To date, this research has not been repeated with human subjects. Other
studies have found that alfalfa can inhibit the growth of some viruses. This
ability seems to be associated with a non-protein amino acid called L-canaverine,
which is found in Alfalfa leaves and roots.
Where Alfalfa grows wild, it is an indicator of rich soil. It is often planted
by farmers and turned under to fix nitrogen and enrich the soil. When cows
consume it, it increases their milk production. Alfalfa is an excellent
nutritive food for people convalescing. It is also a commercial source of
chlorophyll.
Past topical uses of this herb include its use as a bath herb, facial steam, and
hair rinse. Also, Alfalfa has been used as a poultice on wounds. The root of the
plant can be peeled, dried and frayed (by hitting with a hammer) to be used as a
toothbrush.
For culinary applications, the young leaves & flowers may be eaten as a salad or
pot herb. After the seeds sprout, they are eaten as a salad vegetable.
Generally recognized as a safe, though somewhat undocumented as a health
supplement, researchers have raised some specific health concerns relating to
the excessive consumption of Alfalfa or Alfalfa containing products. Studies
have noted a link between consumption of high doses of Alfalfa with the onset,
or aggravation of, existing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease
affecting connective tissues. The likely culprit is the previously mentioned
amino acid L-canavanine. Since one may be predisposed to Lupus and not be aware
of it, it would be prudent to limit one's intake of Alfalfa products. Those
diagnosed with Lupus should avoid alfalfa products entirely.