Alfalfa Herbal Benefits

Adding the alfalfa herb, or Medicago sativa, to your diet can help treat high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis and other ailments, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Alfalfa contains natural steroids, called saponins, that appear to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. Taking alfalfa supplements can benefit your health in numerous ways. However, consult your doctor before taking this herb to treat any medical condition. Despite many perceived benefits, additional scientific research is needed to conclusively prove the effectiveness of this herb to treat any ailment.

Uses

According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the alfalfa herb is used to alleviate allergies and asthma, ease digestive disorders, relieve menstrual problems and boost the immune system. This herbal remedy might also benefit people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bleeding disorders, as well as kidney or bladder problems. Additionally, Medline Plus recommends taking 5 to 10 g of this herb three times a day to help reduce cholesterol levels. You can also steep and strain one to two dried alfalfa leaves in boiling water to make a tea. Alfalfa supplements are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, powders and seeds.

Components

Alfalfa leaf provides a rich source of B-vitamins as well as vitamins A, D and E, along with vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting. This beneficial herb also consists of important minerals, such as iron, niacin, biotin, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. Alfalfa contains antioxidant substances, including carotenoids, which might help fight cell-damaging and disease-causing free radicals in your body. Furthermore, estrogen-like plant chemicals in alfalfa, called isoflavonoids, might eventually be used to treat breast cancer, according to Cornell University. However, further scientific evidence is warranted to prove the effectiveness of alfalfa components in treating cancer and other diseases.

High Cholesterol

A study published in the May 1987 edition of the journal “Atherosclerosis” observed the effects of alfalfa seeds on lowering concentrations of unhealthy low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol in patients with a condition characterized by high levels of bad cholesterol. Fifteen patients with high levels of LDL cholesterol received 40 g of heat prepared alfalfa seeds three times daily for a duration of eight weeks. Researchers discovered that total cholesterol levels decreased 17 percent and levels of LDL cholesterol decreased by 18 percent. Researchers concluded that adding alfalfa seeds to the diet can stabilize levels of cholesterol in patients with type ll hyperlipoproteinemia. Although research appears promising, additional scientific studies are needed to conclusively prove the effectiveness of alfalfa seeds in treating patients with high cholesterol.

Diabetes

Research published in the August 1990 edition of the journal “Diabetologia” evaluated the effects of several plants, including dried alfalfa leaves, in regulating blood sugar in healthy mice and mice with induced diabetes. For 12 days, healthy mice obtained plants in their diets or as extractions in place of their drinking water and exhibited no changes in weight, blood sugar and insulin concentrations. After 12 days, researchers induced diabetes in the mice. Treatment with alfalfa reduced the high blood sugar levels, excessive thirst, weight loss and drop in insulin levels associated with the development of this disease. Findings suggest that some traditional plant treatments for diabetes, including alfalfa, can inhibit the development of induced diabetes in mice. However, insufficient scientific evidence exists to prove the effectiveness of alfalfa herb in the treatment of diabetes in humans.

Precautions

Although generally considered beneficial, alfalfa supplements may produce gastrointestinal symptoms and an increased sensitivity to the sun in some people. In addition, alfalfa might adversely affect pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as women suffering from estrogen-sensitive cancers. Alfalfa also may increase symptoms or cause relapses in people suffering from autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. Diabetics taking insulin should use caution when taking the alfalfa herb. Moreover, do not take alfalfa with medications used to prevent blood clotting or pregnancy. Add this herbal supplement to your diet only after consulting your doctor.