If you suffer from frequent abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea and constipation, you might have irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, a digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. Alfalfa, a nutritious plant that once served as a main food source of the Native American diet, is easy to digest and is probably safe for most people when taken in dried leaf form. There is little evidence, however, that alfalfa is beneficial or detrimental to bowel function. See your doctor if you have recurring irritable bowel symptoms, and ask your doctor if alfalfa is safe for you.
Alfalfa
Medicago sagitiva is the botanical name for alfalfa, a perennial plant in the legume family. Native to the Mediterranean, alfalfa is now cultivated widely around the world as a nutritious feed for livestock. The alfalfa plant -- including the leaves, the seeds and the sprouted seeds -- contains many nutrients, such as vitamins A, D and E, protein, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
Potential Benefits
Alfalfa may be beneficial for reducing high cholesterol levels, according to MedlinePlus, a division of the National Institutes of Health. The plant is also used in the treatment of diabetes, asthma, kidney, bladder and prostrate conditions, although clinical research confirming its benefits is lacking. MedlinePlus lists the treatment of an upset stomach among the uses for alfalfa, but does not list it as a treatment for irritable bowels.
Method of Use for Alfalfa Leaves
The "Gale Encyclopedia" suggests using dried alfalfa leaves to prepare an herbal tea by steeping 1 oz. of the herb for 20 minutes in 1 pint of just-boiled water. As a general adult dosage, strain and drink up to two cups per day. Dried alfalfa leaves are also available in capsule and tablet form. There is no specific dosage available for children or for treating irritable bowel symptoms.
Method of Use for Alfalfa Sprouts
Found in salad bars and your grocer's produce department, alfalfa sprouts provide a tasty and nutritious alternative to alfalfa tea. There is no indication that the sprouts trigger irritable bowel symptoms or reduce them. Purchase fresh, crisp sprouts and rinse them thoroughly before eating. Store sprouts in the refrigerator.
Despite their high nutrient content, FoodSafety.gov, an online division of the Food and Drug Administration, reports that eating raw alfalfa sprouts increases the risk of contracting a food-borne illness, due to potential bacterial contamination. The site advises pregnant women, children, people with weakened immune systems and the elderly not to eat raw or lightly cooked alfalfa sprouts.
Drawbacks
Alfalfa leaves are "possibly safe for most adults," reports MedlinePlus, but alfalfa seeds may trigger side effects that resemble lupus or other autoimmune system disorders, especially when taken long-term. Consuming alfalfa may increase the skin's sensitivity to sun exposure.
Do not take alfalfa therapeutically if you're pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancer.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms; July 2011
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- MedlinePlus: Alfalfa
- FoodSafety.gov; Are Alfalfa Sprouts Safe to Eat?; Dr. Michelle Annette Smith; June 2010
