Therapeutic Uses
- Heart Disease & Stroke – Alfalfa leaves and seed have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels raise the risk for heart attack and stroke. Alfalfa sprouts produce a similar, but less pronounced, effect.
- Cancer – Studies suggest that alfalfa helps neutralize cancer causing substances in the intestine. The herb binds carcinogens in the colon and helps speed their elimination.
- Women’s Health Concerns – Alfalfa seeds contain two chemicals, stachydrine and homostachydrine, that promote menstruation.
- Bad Breath – Alfalfa is a source of chlorophyll, the active ingredient in most commercial breath fresheners.
Medicinal Uses: *Asthma *Atherosclerosis *Bladder * Cancer *Diabetes *Endometriosis *Fungal Infections *High Cholesterol *Increase Urine Flow *Kidney Conditions *Menopause-Related Problems *Nosebleed *Osteoarthritis *Osteoporosis *Prostate *Rheumatoid Arthritis *Thrombocytopenic Purpura *Ulcers *Upset Stomach
Alfalfa Leaf Side Effects: Alfalfa might cause some people’s skin to become extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside. Alfalfa might cause the immune system to become more active, increasing the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. Alfalfa might lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take alfalfa, monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Alfalfa might have the same effects as the female hormone estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use alfalfa. Not for use in pregnancy. Alfalfa should be avoided by people with gout and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Alfalfa Leaf Drug Interactions: Alfalfa reduces the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs. Patients who have had an organ transplant should avoid alfalfa supplements if taking antirejection drugs such a cyclosporine. Alfalfa reduces the effectiveness of prednisone. Alfalfa also should be avoided by people taking prescription warfarin (Coumadin) or other anticoagulants.
