Alfalfa: Benefits, Uses and Who It’s For

(Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a member of the pea family and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Alfalfa sprouts have become a popular food for use in salad dishes, due to their high nutritional content. Alfalfa herbal supplements primarily use the dried leaves of the plant. The heat-treated seeds of the plant have also been used.

Alfalfa has been used by traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians to treat disorders of the digestive tract. Alfalfa was also considered therapeutic for water retention and arthritis. It has a history of use as a tonic for indigestion, dyspepsia, anaemia, loss of appetite, and poor assimilation of nutrients.

What it does

Alfalfa is a nutritive herb containing Vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, K and protein. It also contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc yielding 10 times more minerals than the average grain. Alfalfa contains many other compounds including, cholorphyll, isoflavones, bioflavanoids, and 8 digestive enzymes. Its actions include anti-cholesterol, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-anaemic and anti-coagulant.

Potential Uses

Alfalfa medicago sativa benefits

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family. It is native to Central Asia and is cultivated worldwide as a forage crop and for its medicinal properties.

Alfalfa is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of protein and fiber. Alfalfa has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

• Reducing cholesterol levels
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving blood sugar control
• Boosting the immune system
• Relieving inflammation
• Promoting wound healing
• Improving digestion
• Reducing the risk of certain types of cancer

Uses of medicago sativa

Alfalfa is most commonly used as a forage crop for livestock. It is also used as a medicinal herb and as a food supplement.

Some of the medicinal uses of alfalfa include:

• Treating high cholesterol
• Treating high blood pressure
• Treating diabetes
• Boosting the immune system
• Reducing inflammation
• Promoting wound healing
• Relieving digestive problems
• Reducing the risk of certain types of cancer

Alfalfa medicago sativa extract is a natural ingredient that is used in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, cleansers, and masks. It is recommended for people of all skin types, but it is especially beneficial for people with dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.

Alfalfa extract is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help to nourish and protect the skin. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help to soothe irritated skin. Additionally, alfalfa extract is thought to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here are some of the benefits of using alfalfa extract in skincare:

• Moisturizes the skin: Alfalfa extract is a good source of humectants, which help to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This can help to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
• Soothes irritated skin: Alfalfa extract has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritated skin. This can be helpful for people with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Alfalfa extract contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Protects the skin from environmental damage: Alfalfa extract contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution.

Overall, alfalfa extract is a safe and effective ingredient for all skin types. It is especially beneficial for people with dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.

If you are considering using alfalfa extract in your skincare routine, it is important to choose a product that is formulated with a safe and effective concentration of the ingredient. It is also important to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using any new product to make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction.

How to Use Alfalfa at home: 3 recipies

Recipe 1: Alfalfa for Skincare — Alfalfa Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried alfalfa leaves or alfalfa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Grind the dried alfalfa leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
2. In a bowl, mix the alfalfa powder, honey, and yogurt until you have a smooth paste.
3. Apply the mask evenly to your clean face, avoiding the eyes and mouth area.
4. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.

Benefits: This mask may help cleanse and rejuvenate the skin due to the antioxidants and nutrients present in alfalfa.

Recipe 2: Alfalfa for Treating High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure — Alfalfa Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried alfalfa leaves or alfalfa seeds
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Place the dried alfalfa leaves or seeds in a cup.
2. Pour boiling water over them.
3. Cover the cup and let it steep for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain out the leaves or seeds.
5. Consume the infusion warm.

Frequency: Drink this infusion once daily. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Benefits: Alfalfa is known for its potential to lower cholesterol levels and help regulate blood pressure, thanks to its high content of phytosterols and fiber.

Recipe 3: Alfalfa for Osteoporosis — Alfalfa and Calcium-Rich Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 small banana
• 1/4 cup dried alfalfa leaves or alfalfa powder
• 1 cup almond milk (or any preferred milk)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine spinach, strawberries, banana, alfalfa leaves or powder, almond milk, chia seeds, and honey (if using).
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve.

Frequency: Enjoy this smoothie a few times a week as a part of a balanced diet.

Benefits: This calcium-rich smoothie is designed to support bone health. Alfalfa’s high calcium content, combined with other nutritious ingredients, can contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially for addressing specific health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or osteoporosis. Alfalfa supplements or preparations may interact with certain medications or conditions.

Where is alfalfa native to?

Alfalfa is native to Central Asia, but it is now cultivated worldwide. It is a popular forage crop in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Alfalfa is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of climates. It is best adapted to temperate climates with well-drained soil. Alfalfa is a deep-rooted plant, so it is drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with low rainfall.

Alfalfa is an important crop for both farmers and consumers. It is a nutritious forage crop for livestock and a valuable medicinal herb.

Other information

Alfalfa supplements are often taken for their nutrient content as a general tonic during convalescence or for loss of appetite.

Alfalfa can be used in tincture form for children 1 year and older. Use one drop per stone of weight.

Cautions

Generally there are no side effects or contra-indications to using alfalfa supplements.

The high Vitamin K content may interfere with and reduce the efficacy of warfarin or other blood thinning medication, so should be avoided if you take this medication.