Medicago sativa Alfalfa (Leguminosae)

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Medicago sativa
Alfalfa
(1 Page of 5)

The Medicago sativa plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean. More or less naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alfalfa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Medicago sativa
Common Name:  Alfalfa
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant contains saponin-like substances[222]. Eating large quantities of the leaves may cause the breakdown of red blood cells[222]. However, although they are potentially harmful, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will normally remove most of them from the food. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. Alfalfa sprouts (and especially the seeds) contain canavanine. Recent reports suggest that ingestion of this substance can cause the recurrence of systemic lupus erythematosus (an ulcerous disease of the skin) in patients where the disease had become dormant[222].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Waste ground, avoiding acid soils[17].

Medicinal Information: Alfalfa leaves, either fresh or dried, have traditionally been used as a nutritive tonic to stimulate the appetite and promote weight gain[222]. The plant has an oestrogenic action and could prove useful in treating problems related to menstruation and the menopause[254]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant, however. It should not be prescribed to people with auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The plant is antiscorbutic, aperient, diuretic, ecbolic, haemostatic, nutritive, stimulant and tonic[55, 165, 218]. The expressed juice is emetic and is also anodyne in the treatment of gravel[218]. The plant is taken internally for debility in convalescence or anaemia, haemorrhage, menopausal complaints, premenstrual tension, fibroids etc[238]. A poultice of the heated leaves has been applied to the ear in the treatment of earache[257]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried[238]. The leaves are rich in vitamin K which is used medicinally to encourage the clotting of blood[213]. This is valuable in the treatment of jaundice[213]. The plant is grown commercially as a source of chlorophyll and carotene, both of which have proven health benefits[222]. The leaves also contain the anti-oxidant tricin[222]. The root is febrifuge and is also prescribed in cases of highly coloured urine[218]. Extracts of the plant are antibacterial[218].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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