Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa, is a nutrient-rich flowering perennial in the pea family, cultivated globally. Its organic leaves are used to make teas, herbal vinegars, and are added to soups and stews. In American herbal traditions, alfalfa has been valued as a nutritive tonic, while in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has been used since around 200 CE to support digestion and stimulate appetite. In India, alfalfa seeds are applied topically as a cooling poultice.
Alfalfa features leguminous flowers ranging from purple to yellow, clover-like trifoliate leaves, and a deep taproot. Native to southwest Asia, including the Caucasus, Afghanistan, and Iran, it is now widely grown worldwide. Introduced to the United States by early colonists, alfalfa became a key crop during the California Gold Rush. It is a primary forage plant for livestock like dairy cows, chickens, and rabbits, and its nitrogen-fixing properties make it valuable for improving soil health in gardening and agriculture. The dried leaves are available as tea, tablets, or powder, while the seeds are sprouted for salads and sandwiches. In some regions of China and Russia, young alfalfa leaves are consumed as a vegetable, and the seeds are used to produce a yellow dye.
Precautions
No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
