Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive are all symptoms of menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 50 million American women have reached this period of life, with most spending more than one-third of their lives in or beyond menopause. While practitioners of alternative medicine claim alfalfa can relieve menopausal symptoms, further scientific study is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. Visit your doctor annually and discuss any self-help treatments before use.
Menopause
Menopause is the medical term for the normal ending of menstruation and fertility. It's commonly used as a broader term for a process that can go on for years. During this process, your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. According to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, your last period usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 and menopause is considered complete when a year has passed without a menstrual period. Consult your doctor if you have bleeding six months or more after what appeared to be your last period.
Alfalfa Benefits
Alfalfa leaves contain high levels of minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, together with eight essential amino acids. Rich in vitamins A, D, E and K, ancient Arabs called the plant the "father of all foods." It's high in chlorophyll and other nutrients that help it to alkalize and detoxify your body, yielding benefits for anemia, ulcers and hemorrhaging. Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that along with black beans, mung beans and soy beans, alfalfa has estrogenic properties. According to Balch, alfalfa not only acts similarly to estrogen in women whose female hormone production has declined, but also provides phytoestrogens that reduce the risk of estrogen-linked cancers.
Usage
You can use alfalfa in three forms: bulk herb for tea, capsules and tablets. Capsules have the highest concentration of alfalfa. A hot or iced tea can be prepared with mint and honey to improve the taste. You can also purchase alfalfa in seed form to grow sprouts for salads.
Considerations
Alfalfa seeds contain high levels of canavanine, a toxic amino acid. Only consume fresh raw sprouts that have been washed to remove any mold. Pregnant women, women with premenstrual syndrome and people who suffer from hay fever should avoid alfalfa. Additionally, alfalfa's immune-stimulant effects may affect patients with autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, the herb counteracts anticoagulant drugs, so people on blood-thinning medications should avoid use of alfalfa.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: Menopause
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- California Pacific Medical Center: Alfalfa
- "Precription for Natural Cures"; Jame F. Balch, M.D., et al.; 2004
