Alfalfa plant: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What is alfalfa for?

The alfalfa plant is an herbal plant that has many health benefits. People use the leaves, shoots, and seeds for medicine. Alfalfa plants are used for conditions related to kidney, bladder and prostate conditions, as well as to improve urine circulation.

Alfalfa is also used for high cholesterol, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, stomach upset, and a bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenic purpura. People also use alfalfa as a source of vitamins A, C, E, and K4; and the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.

How does it work?

There isn't enough research on how this alfalfa supplement works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies showing that the alfalfa plant is beneficial for the following conditions:

• Alfalfa plants are often used for treatment for kidney, bladder, and prostate disorders. The leaves cause dieresis and are useful for this condition. The vitamins and minerals from the alfalfa plant are among the ingredients that help with reducing the symptoms of this disease
• Alfalfa plants are often used to reduce cholesterol. Saponins and alfalfa plant fiber bind to significant amounts of cholesterol in lab tests; saponin shoots affect to a lesser extent. Results from one small human study suggest that this herb can reduce cholesterol levels.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the usual dose for alfalfa for adults?

For high cholesterol, the dose of the alfalfa plant is usually used as 5-10 grams, or steeped in tea, three times a day.

The dosage of this herbal supplement can be different for each patient. The dosage used depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for the appropriate dosage.

In what forms is alfalfa available?

This herbal supplement can be available in several medicinal forms:

• capsule
• flour
• liquid extract (from the leaves)
• poultice (from seed)
• shoots
• tablet

Side effects

What are the side effects of the alfalfa plant?

Alfalfa can cause several side effects, namely:

• hypotension
• photosensitivity (sensitive to glare)
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - like syndrome (from budding)
• bleeding, blood dyscrasias

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Security

What should I know before taking alfalfa?

Don't use the alfalfa plant if you have an allergic reaction to it. People with SLE (lupus disease) should not use alfalfa seeds. If you have symptoms related to SLE while using alfalfa, stop using it immediately and tell your doctor.

You should be careful if you use anticoagulants, antidiabetic drugs, estrogen, birth control (hormonal), and other herbal medicines while using alfalfa.

The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than those of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is alfalfa?

Since alfalfa is a plant that acts as a uterine stimulant and a hormone, do not use this herbal remedy while pregnant unless under the instructions of an herbalist or doctor.

Interaction

What kinds of interactions might occur when I take alfalfa?

This herbal supplement can have an effect with the medication being used or your medical condition. Consult your herbalist or doctor before using it.

Alfalfa can increase pro-thrombin time and prolong bleeding when using it with anticoagulants.

Use alfalfa with caution when used in conjunction with anti-diabetic drugs (including insulin) because it can potentially be hypoglycemic.

Alfalfa can interfere with hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives. You should tell your doctor about any medications or herbal remedies that are being used and ask your doctor about their interactions before using alfalfa.

Alfalfa increases the risk of clots when used with nettle and parsley.

Alfalfa can affect cholesterol and blood sugar tests because it can reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.