Botanical Overview
Medicago sativa, commonly known as Alfalfa, is a perennial flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is widely cultivated worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal uses. The primary parts used medicinally are the leaves and seeds.
Energetics
Alfalfa is generally considered neutral in temperature with a moistening quality. Its tastes are primarily bitter and sweet. It is tonifying to the body, particularly nourishing qi, blood, and bodily fluids.
Primary Actions
- Nutritive
- Diuretic
- Hypocholesterolemic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hormonal modulator
Indications
Western
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Mild fluid retention
- Urinary tract discomfort
- Menopausal symptoms
- Nutritional deficiencies
Syndromes
- Hyperlipidemia
- Mild edema
- Menopausal hormonal imbalance
TCM
No well-documented traditional use or syndromes.
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional use or syndromes.
Unani
No well-documented traditional use or syndromes.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Alfalfa is rich in saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins (A, C, E, K), minerals (calcium, potassium, iron), chlorophyll, isoflavones, and phenolic acids. These constituents contribute to its nutritive, anti-inflammatory, and hormonal modulatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion (tea): 2-4 g of leaf, 1-3 times daily
- Powdered leaf: 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily
- Capsules or tablets standardized to saponins and flavonoids
Safety & Contraindications
Alfalfa is generally safe when used as a food or supplement. Caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers due to its phytoestrogen content. Photosensitivity reactions may occur in some. It is recommended to avoid excessive use during pregnancy and lactation because of limited safety data.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible information found regarding planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) Monograph, Plants For A Future
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Volume 2: Medicago sativa, World Health Organization, 1999
- HMPC Assessment Report on Medicago sativa L., herba, European Medicines Agency, 2016
- Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Kumar et al., PubMed, 2015