What Are The Benefits Of Alfalfa Tincture?

When you consider alfalfa, you may think it is simply a forage plant for animals like cows and horses. You may not realize that alfalfa is a nutrient-rich plant that can offer humans some potential health benefits. Recent studies suggest that Alfalfa may lower cholesterol, fight cancer and support women's health. You should consult your primary care physician before taking alfalfa in any form.

Alfalfa

The use of alfalfa sprouts as a salad topping or addition to a sandwich is one of the more popular ways people use the alfalfa plant. The leaves and seeds are the more potent parts of the alfalfa plant, yet not as commonly consumed as the sprouts. You can also eat alfalfa grass, which contains all of the known vitamins and minerals as well as digestive enzymes and chlorophyll, states Dr. Gillian McKeith, in her book, "You Are What You Eat." She adds that alfalfa grass has more vitamin C than citrus fruits and a very high level of calcium.

Tincture

There are many different brands of alfalfa tinctures available with varying amounts of alfalfa parts used to create the mixture. Common ingredients can include the plant's seeds, leaves and flowers. The potential health benefits of a tincture will depend upon the ingredients of your chosen brand. According to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs," alfalfa seeds can be toxic and eating too many may cause you to develop a serious blood disorder or experience lupus-like symptoms.

Cholesterol

Ingesting the seeds and leaves of the alfalfa plant may help you to lower high cholesterol levels. According to one study conducted, 15 individuals experienced a reduction in their high cholesterol levels after taking 1.5 oz. of alfalfa seeds three times per day for eight weeks, as cited by Castleman. You should not take alfalfa seeds without consulting your primary care physician.

Cancer

A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute demonstrates a potential for alfalfa to reduce your risk of colon cancer. As cited by Castleman, alfalfa may bind with harmful carcinogens existing in your colon, allowing your system to eliminate these dangerous compounds from your body. According to the National Cancer Institute website, alfalfa sprouts may prevent the incidence of skin cancer and are described as a "nutritionally-derived chemopreventive agent."

Women's Health

There are two chemicals present in alfalfa seeds that, when ingested, can promote menstruation, according to Castleman. These chemicals are stacyhdrine and homostachydrine. Castleman warns that these chemicals can also cause miscarriages so you should not eat alfalfa seeds when pregnant. According to the University of Michigan Health System website, alfalfa also contains isoflavones, a compound that has estrogen-like effects on animals, making it a possible treatment for the symptoms of menopause.