- Jayne Tamburello
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

I. Botanical Nomenclature:
Name: Medicago sativa
Family: Fabaceae
Common name: alfalfa
II. Definition of drug: leaf (not sprout)
IV. Taste/Odor/Energetics: neutral
V. Summary of physiological actions:
Gentle alterative; rich in vitamin K (so potential co with cumadin); vitamin K helps with clotting
Some cholesterol elimination although need a high quantity (5-10 grams TID)
as a digestive tonifying agent that strengthens and invigorates and appetite stimulant
in the treatment of dyspepsia and/or indigestion or upset stomach and for the relief of pain from arthritis
to promote the appetite and weight gain
VI. Key constituents: enzymes, phytoestrogens, flavonoids, saponins
VII. Pharmacology:
Some hypoglycemic benefit (so good for blood lipids)
IX. Specific indications:
nourishes the liver and the blood
helps tone the digestive "qi' and promotes absorption of food
promotes detoxification of kidneys
helps to relive depression and reduce pain
XI. Preparation and Dosage:
dried herb: 5 g to 10 g, 3 times per day
fluid extract: 5 g to 10 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day (1:1, 25% ethanol)
XII. Safety:
potentially estrogenic; can bring on a period if taken in concentrated form