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Alfalfa
Updated: Jun 9
Alfalfa means - father of all foods. This is very fitting since it has the largest array of vitamins and minerals which feed every body system and in turn brings
balance to the body. This is one herb that cannot be given a list of what it does (although I have tried to do that here) because it does so many things. I find myself putting this into many blends as I feel directed by the spirit, even though it may not "fit" into a certain category. So keep that in mind when learning about and using this "King of Herbs".
Medicago sativa
Family: Leguminosae (pea family) includes beans and peas
Subfamily: Trifolieae (clover family)
Parts used: leaves and flowers, sprouts can be eaten for nutrition value
What's in a Name
Alfalfa Medicago sativa
Medicago - Greek root means alfalfa
Sativa - named by Carl Linnaeus, meaning "that which is sown", recognizing alfalfa as a cultivated plant.
Origin from Iranian root "aspasti" means horse fodder or animal feed for the common use of this plant as animal feed.
Alfalfa in Arabic means "father", referencing it as "Father of all Food" and King of Herbs.
Common Names:
Lucern
Buffalo herb
Chilean clover
History
Native region: Middle East
First cultivated about 2000 B.C. in ancient Armenia.
Introduced to Greece about 490 B.C., then spread into the rest of Europe and Northern Asia.
The Chinese saw how much cattle loved the plant, so they started preparing the leaves as a vegetable and it began showing up in herbals.
India’s Ayurvedic physicians used the plant.
Spanish explorers brought it to the New World and gold prospectors carried it from South America to California.
Europeans brought it to the east coast of America in 1736.
After the Civil War it was no longer used as a healing herb up until it’s revival in the 1970’s.
Alterative
Antipyretic
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Astringent
Bitter
Diuretic
Estrogenic Activity
Nutritive
Pectoral
Refrigerant
Tonic
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Neutral to cooling
Bitter/sweet
Digestive
Urinary
Cardiovascular
Structural (bone)
Constituents/Nutrients
All the minerals are balanced in alfalfa's whole plant form which promotes absorption of all vitamins and minerals.
Alkaloids
Amino acids - supplies all essential amino acids the body does not supply
Betaine
Chlorophyllin - highest chlorophyll content of any plant
Coumarin
Flavonoids
Fluoride
Phytoestrogens
Trace minerals
Variety of vitamins and minerals: calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, silica, sodium, protein, beta carotene, folate, zinc, vitamins A, B, C, E, K
Uses
Alfalfa aids many health concerns due to the rich supply of vitamins and minerals that go throughout the body filling in gaps and supporting different systems to bring balance. Chronic and mystery conditions can be helped due to this very action. Alfalfa works best when used in addition to a whole foods diet. It is a perfect base for herbal formulas.
Build, regenerate and balance all body systems for overall strength and vitality
Inflammatory conditions of all kinds: joint, prostate, injuries, pain, gout, etc.
Blood cleansing, building, and detoxing
Can reduces blood cholesterol levels, promote normal blood clotting and reduction of plaque deposits on artery walls which can help with heart issues
Helpful in controlling high blood sugar
Aids in assimilation of nutrients, fats, and protein, helping with chronic conditions and anemia
Digestive issues such as gastritis, constipation, appetite stimulant, bowel issues, etc.
Ulcers and hemorrhoids
Liver cleansing: helps with disorders and to strengthen and aid the liver
Aids in water retention conditions due to diuretic properties
Detoxifies kidneys, aids in cystitis and inflamed bladder conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema, acne and rashes due to cleansing action
Promotes pituitary gland function
Allergies
Body and breath odor due to its cleansing properties
Bleeding gums
Infections
Burns, cuts, bruises, and prevention of scar tissue from forming
Athlete's foot and other fungal infections
Tonic for wasting conditions
Stimulates white blood cell production, strengthening the immune system
Binds carcinogens in the colon and helps speed their elimination which may help prevent and fight cancer
Alkalizes and detoxifies the body
Women's health: phytoestrogens help balance hormones which can help with menstrual and menopause related issues, bone density and increase mother's milk supply while nursing
Teeth health, can help with prevention of tooth decay, rebuild decayed teeth, natural source of fluoride
Tea (best form of use)
Extract: tincture, vinegar, glycerite
Juiced or blended with water and other greens for a green drink
Food: add leaves to salads, broth, soups, and other culinary creations
Powder: capsules, sprinkles
Bath, compress (relieve soreness, reduce edema)
You can easily grow alfalfa in your herbal garden...and chances are it could very well be growing in your yard already. This is a perennial herb that will come back year after year.
You can purchase organic sprouting seeds and use them to sow in your garden in the fall. Just toss a small handful around and come spring when it pops up, thin to about 18" apart.
Although an original cultivated plant for cow and horse feed, the seeds have spread to fall on waysides, walking trails, fields, etc.
Harvest once it starts blooming by cutting down to 3 inches, then dry. Or you can gather fresh as you want it and include in salads or other culinary creations.
Gather and dry for future use.
Cautions
Do not take if the following apply:
Pregnancy and hormone conditions (due to estrogen properties, though some herbalists recommend it for the nutrient content - discuss with your healthcare provider)
Taking coagulant drugs (due to blood clotting action)
Auto-immune disorders (due to immune stimulant action)
Heart disorders or medications, talk with your doctor
Symbolism
Due to its ability to thrive in conditions that would make other plants wilt:
Endurance
Resilience
Adaptability
Prosperity - because it's a staple in both the pantry and the field, and it keeps on giving
Folklore
Was thought to bring good fortune as it is a high-quality plant that keeps animals and people fed in times of want.
Poetry/Literature
Alfalfa Coming
Rain last night has left the field
Bare as though a goblin kept it;
Inch by inch the fellow kneeled
And picked it clean; and his wife swept it.
Tomorrow morning when I pass
A million particles will shine,
As if the sky had been of glass
And had fallen, shattered fine.
But on the third day will appear,
Green between me and the sun,
Behind each cloud a mouse’s ear—
I shall go softly, lest they run
Mark Van Doren (1894-1972)
Alfalfa Identification & Images
Botany in a Day, p. 84
Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs by Mark Pedersen, p. 35 (detailed nutrient and constituent profile)
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 102
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Balch, p 15 (details ailments and cautions)
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy, p.41 (includes Ayurvedic medicine notes)
The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman, p.81
The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, p.102
A Handbook of Native American Herbs, p. 2
The How to Herb Book by Velma Keith and Monteen Gordon, p. 5 (long list of ailments it can be used for)
The Ultimate Healing System by Donald Lepore, p. 141 (detailed list of nutrient content)
Mountain States Medicinal Plants by Briana Wiles, p. 42
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A. Duke, p. 27
Herbs to the Rescue
