Lucerne

A genus of 50-60 species of annuals, perennials, and small shrubs, widely distributed in Europe, Mediterranean regions, Ethiopia, S Africa, and Asia. The cultivated Medicago sativa is thought to have originated in C Asia. From there it was introduced to China 2000 years ago, to Greece in the 5th century BCE, and into N Africa and Spain during the spread of the Ottoman Empire in the 8th century, where it became known by its Arabic name, alfalfa. Medicago sativa is of major importance as a fodder crop. It is a long-lived, deep-rooted plant that can be cut up to five times each season for hay or silage, transforming the agricultural potential of areas with poor pasture. Excellent honey is obtained from alfalfa fields. Less tolerant of competition than clovers (Trifolium species, See, clover), M. sativa is usually grown on its own. It is rich in nutrients, including protein, minerals (notably calcium), pro-vitamin A, and vitamins of the B group, C, D, E, and K. While beneficial in moderation, consumption of alfalfa is known to trigger attacks in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It also contains porphyrins, which adversely effect liver function and other substances that, in excess, cause cellular damage.

Used since the sixth century by the Chinese as a treatment for kidney stones and edema, alfalfa, called the "father of all foods" by the Arabs, is a source of several important nutrients including beta-carotene, calcium, chlorophyll, magnesium, and potassium. In folk medicine, alfalfa was often used to treat arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and hay fever and to improve the appetite and overall well-being.

Slender, bushy perennial with trifoliate, blue-green leaves, to 3cm (1½in) long. Pale mauve to purple pea flowers are produced in long-stalked racemes in summer and early autumn, followed by coiled or sickle-shaped pods containing shiny seeds. Crops often include the yellow-flowered subsp. falcata and hybrids between them.

Alfalfa is a perennial herbs that grows to a height of three feet (ninety centimeters). It has three-lobed leaves, blue violet or yellow flowers, and spiraling seed pods. It is cultivated in many regions of the world. It is not picky as to soil, but it does prefer full sun and regular watering. The aerial (aboveground) parts of the plant are used in herbal medicine.
Alfalfa originated in the Middle East. By the sixteenth century, it had been planted in England, and it arrived in 1736 in the thirteen colonies that later formed the United States. English and American herbalists used alfalfa in the same way they used the related plant, clover—to treat stomach upset.
The Arabs called alfalfa the "father of all foods". The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as in other nutrients, such as carotene. Alfalfa leaf tablets are rich in protein and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Alfalfa extract is a good source of chlorophyll and carotene. The leaves contain eight essential amino acids.


Common Name:
Lucerne
Other Names:
Alfalfa, Buffalo Herb, Purple Medic
Botanical Name:
Medicago Sativa
Genus:
Medicago
Family:
Papilionaceae
Native Locations:
Europe and W Asia
Cultivation:
Light, well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun.
Propagation:
By seed sown in situ in spring or autumn.
Harvest:
Plants are cut before flowering and dried for infusions. Young leaves are used fresh. Seeds are germinated for 3-6 days for eating raw.
Height:
30-80cm (12-32in)
Width:
80cm (32in)
Hardiness:
Z4-8
Parts Used:
Whole plant, flower, leaves, seeds.
Properties:
A sweet, astringent, cooling herb that cleanses toxins from the tissues, controls bleeding, stimulates appetite, lowers cholesterol levels, and is diuretic. It acts mainly on the circulatory and urinary systems, and influences hormones.
Phytochemical and Nutrient Content:
Phytochemicals: Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Beta-sitosterol, Chlorophyll, Coumarin, Cryptoxanthin, Daidzen, Fumaric Acid, Genistein, Limonene, Lutein, Saponin, Stigmasterol, Zeaxanthin
Nutrients: Calcium, Copper, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, D, E, and K
Vitamin Content:
Vitamin A, Thiamin
Actions and Uses:
Alkalizes and detoxifies the body. Acts as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. Lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar and hormones, and promotes pituitary gland function. Good for anemia, arthritis, ulcers, bleeding-related disorders, and disorders of the bones and joints, digestive system, and skin.
Evidence of Benefit:
 Alfalfa is an immune-system stimulant that promotes normal blood clotting. It also aids in the assimilation of proteing, fats, and carbohydrates, and is an excellent blood purifier. Alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body. It is a good choice as a mineral supplement. It has helped many arthritis sufferers and has been found to aid in the healing of a variety of illnesses, including intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, asthma, high blood pressure, eczema, anemia, constipation, body and breath odor, infections, burns, athlete's foot, and cancer. Alfalfa also acts as a diuretic and helps with urinary tract and bowel problems.
Benefits of alfalfa for specific health conditions include the following:
  • Atherosclerosis: Scientific studies with animals have found that alfalfa leaf extracts lower cholesterol levels and help shrink atherosclerotic plaques. Alfalfa's effects on atheroslerosis is probably due to its effect on the activity of immune cells known as macrophages. Macrophages are drawn to sites of wear and tear in artery linings, where they form a platform on which cholesterol can collect. Alfalfa regulates macrophages in such a way that they are less likely to "lodge" in the linings of arteries and accumulate cholesterol. Alfalfa also slows the progress of atherosclerosis by keeping cholesterol from entering the body from food. The alfalfa saponins, which are soaplike compounds, form an insoluble foam with cholesterol inside the intestine. The resulting foam cannot be absorbed through the walls of the intestine and is excreted in the stool.
  • Cancer: Alfalfa has important uses in counteracting the effects of cancer chemotherapy. White blood cells, including granulocytes, leukocytes, and T cells, are the body's first line of defense against infection. Alfalfa extracts may increase the production of these white cells by as much as 60 percent. Studies in animals have found that alfalfa completely reverses immune depression caused by treatment with the cancer chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar). Although alfalfa suppresses the action of macrophages (see above), it does not inhibit the activity of any of the immune cells the body needs during the first stages of infection.
  • Diabetes: The condition of people with diabetes who fail to respond to insulin greatly improves when they take alfalfa plus manganese.
  • Endometriosis: Doctors often prescribe synthetic estrogen, usually in the form of birth control pills, for the treatment of endometriosis. Naturopaths have favored herbs and foods with phytoestrogens, natural plant hormones that are related to estrogen but are less potent than the body's own estrogens. Alfalfa sprouts contain phytoestrogens that also block the body's estrogen receptor sites, thereby reducing the effect of a woman's own hormones.
  • Menopause-Related Problems: Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms are rare among women who consume a lot of legumes, such as black beans, mung beans, and soybeans, which have mild estrogenic activity. Alfalfa has demonstrable estrogenic activity, too. In addition to acting like estrogen in women whose own sex hormone production has declined, phytoestrogens also appear to reduce the risk of estrogen-linked cancers such as breast cancer. Laboratory experiments show that phytoestrogens are effective in preventing tumors of the breast tissue.
  • Nosebleed: Alfalfa contains vitamin K, which helps blood clot normally. The level of vitamin K in alfalfa is not so high as to interfere with normal circulation.
  • Osteoporosis: Clinical studies in Japan have found that vitamin K, found in alfalfa and in green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, can partially prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. The vitamin interacts with vitamin D to increase the formation of new bone. The combination is not sufficient, however, to completely compensate for osteoporosis caused by estrogen-depleting medications.
  • Ulcers: Herbalists have long used alfalfa to treat ulcers, with good results. The bioflavonoids found in alfalfa build capillary strength and reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, while alfalfa's vitamin A helps to maintain the stomach's health. The herb's enzymes aid in food assimilation.
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    Consideration for Use:
    Alfalfa is not recommended as a primary treatment for any condition. Instead it should be taken in capsules or eaten as fresh raw sprouts that have been rinsed thoroughly to remove mold. Alfalfa seeds should never be eaten unless sprouted because they contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine.
    Alfalfa is especially useful for replacing vitamin K that is depleted during treatment with a wide variety of drugs. Vitamin K deficiency is common among people being treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox), cefaclor (Ceclor), gentamicin (Garamycin), streptomycin, and tetracycline as well as many others. It also may occur during treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) and colestipol (Colestid), andy steriod drug taken internally, or the drugs ethotoin (Peganone), mephenytoin (Mesantoin), and phenytoin (Dilantin), which are used to treat seizure disorders. It is important to take alfalfa products certified as grown organically, since the plant concentrates cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc when it is grown in contaminated soils.
    Not everyone can benefit from alfalfa. Alfalfa should be avoided by pregnant women and by people with hay fever or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In addition, the immune-stimulant effects of alfalfa may be harmful for those with autoimmune disorders. In fact, persons with clinically inactive lupus can activate the disease by taking large doses of alfalfa tablets. Alfalfa (and alfalfa sprouts) also should be avoided by people taking prescription warfarin (Coumadin) or other anticoagulants, since alfalfa counteracts these medications.
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for debility in convalescense or anemia, hemorrhage, menopausal complaints, premenstrual tension, fibroids, and other conditions indicating hormonal imbalance. Contraindicated in auto-immune diseases. Excess may cause photosensitization, and breakdown of red blood cells.
    To treat malfunctioning thyroid glad, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels.
    Typical Dosage:
    A typical dose of alfalfa is approximately 15mL-20mL liquid extract per day.
    Possible Side Effects:
    Alfalfa's side effects include photosensitivity and lowered levels of potassium in the blood. The seeds of the alfalfa plant contain a toxic amino-acid and should not be eaten.
    Drug Interactions:
    Taking alfalfa with these drugs may either reduce or enhance their anticoagulant effects
    Antithrombine III, (Thrombate III)
    Argatroban, (Argatroban)
    Bivalirudin, (Angiomax)
    Dalteparin, (Fragmin)
    Danaparoid, (Orgaran)
    Enoxaparin, (Lovenox)
    Fondaparinux, (Arixtra)
    Heparin, (Hepalean, Hep-Lock)
    Lepirudin, (Refludan)
    Tinzaparin, (Innohep)
    Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven)
    Taking alfalfa with these drugs may interfere with the effects of the drug
    Cyproterone and Ethinyl Estradiol, (Diane-35)
    Estradiol, (Climara, Estrace)
    Estradiol and Medroxyprogesterone, (Lunelle)
    Estradiol and Norethindrone, (Activella, CombiPatch)
    Estradiol and Testoterone, (Climacteron)
    Estrogens (Conjugated A/Synthetic), (Cenestin)
    Estrogens (Conjugated/Equine), (Congest, Premarin)
    Estrogens (Conjugated/Equine) and Medroxyprogesterone, (Premphase, Prempro)
    Estrogens (Esterified), (Estratab, Menest)
    Estrogens (Esterified) and Methyltestosterone, (Estrates, Estratest H.S.)
    Estropipate, (Ogen, Ortho-Est)
    Ethinyl Estradiol, (Estinyl)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel, (Cyclessa, Ortho-Cept)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Drospirenone, (Yasmin)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethynodiol Diacetate, (Demulen, Zovia)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Etonogestrel, (NuvaRing)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel, (Alesse, Triphasil)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Norelgestromin, (Evra, Ortho Evra)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone, (Brevicon, Ortho-Novum)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate, (Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen)
    Ethinyl Estradiol and Noregestril, (Cryselle, Ovral)
    Levonorgestrel, (Mirena, Plan B)
    Medroxyprogesterone, (Depo-Provera, Provera)
    Mestranol and Norethindrone, (Necon 1/50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)
    Norgestrel, (Ovrette)
    Polyestradiol, (Polyestradiol)
    Taking alfalfa with these drugs may reduce the drug's immunosuppressive effect:
    Azathioprine, (Imuran)
    Cyclosporine, (Neoral, Sandimmune)
    Dexamethasone, (Decadron, Dexasone)
    Methylprednisolone, (Depo-Medrol, Medrol)
    Prednisone, (Apo-Prednisone, Deltasone)
    Lab Test Alterations:
    May decrease serum cholesterol levels, particularly in those with type II hyperlipoproteinemia.
    Disease Effects:
    • May reduce blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.
    • This herb may have estrogen-like effects and should not be used by women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions.
    • Latent systemic lupus erythematosus may be reactivated by eating alfalfa seeds
    Supplement Interactions:
    Increased risk of clotting in people using anticoagulants due to vitamin K content. The saponins in alfalfa may interfere with the absorption or activity of vitamin E.
    Culinary Uses:
    Leaves are eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds are sprouted for use in salads, giving a sweet pea-like flavor.
    Economic Uses:
    Leaves are a source of chlorphyll, carotene, and vitamin K, used in food supplements.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 272-273
    The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 by Barry Fox,PhD pp.30-32
    Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Copyright©2002 Phyllis A. Balch. pp.15-16
    Prescription for Nutritional Healing Fourth Edition by Phyllis A Balch, CNC Copyright©2006 Phyllis A. Balch. pg 100