Alfalfa Review & Information: What Benefits Does Alfalfa Offer?

Alfalfa is a perennial herb known to the ancient Arabs as the "father of all foods." The plant is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E and K as well as calcium, potassium and magnesium. While alfalfa is native to the Middle East, herbalists in England and America have been cultivating it for medicinal use since the early part of the sixteenth century. In fact, alfalfa is a popular herb throughout the world, known for its ability to stimulate the immune system and facilitate blood clotting.

Alfalfa is also an alkalizing plant. As such, it is a good antidote to a diet with an overly acidic pH. Acidic diets, which are quite common in the modern era of fast food and processed foods, are thought to contribute to the development of a number of diseases and chronic health problems.

Alfalfa can help to detoxify the body and may also help to heal a number of conditions including ulcers, gastritis, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, eczema, anemia, infections and burns.

The plant contains substances known as bioflavonoids that help to strengthen capillaries and reduce inflammation. Studies with animals have shown that alfalfa may also help to reduce levels of bad cholesterol, making it useful for people with atherosclerosis.

Further, alfalfa has properties that can help counteract the effects of immune system depression that is common during cancer chemotherapy. The herb does this by helping to increase the production of white blood cells.

The amazing alfalfa plant also contains phytoestrogens, which can be used instead of synthetic hormones by women who prefer a natural treatment for conditions like endometriosis and menopausal symptoms. The vitamin K in alfalfa may also help to prevent bone loss.
In addition to using it as part of a regimen to treat the conditions mentioned above, many people use alfalfa to replace the vitamin K lost during prolonged use of a number of medications including some antibiotics, cholesterol lowering medications and anti-seizure drugs. You can eat raw alfalfa sprouts or take the herb as a supplement in tablet, capsule or liquid form.

Alfalfa leaves can also be steeped to make tea. If you eat raw sprouts, be sure to rinse them carefully to remove any mold that may be present.

Are There Any Alfalfa Side Effects? Who Should Not Use Alfalfa?

Though there is no specific established therapeutic dose for alfalfa, tablets and capsules are usually sold in 500 mg or 1000 mg doses with a recommended intake of 1 or 2 tablets or capsules per day. In liquid form, a common amount is 1-2 ml three times per day. While alfalfa has amazing benefits for many people, there are some who should not use it.

Pregnant women and women who have a history of premenstrual syndrome should avoid alfalfa, for example. In addition, people with hay fever may suffer adverse effects from alfalfa, and those with autoimmune disorders, particularly lupus, should avoid taking it. Further, people who take blood thinners such as Coumadin should not use alfalfa, since the vitamin K that in the herb will counteract the effects of these medications.

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