Alfalfa Health Benefits
Updated Oct. 25th, 2023 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Health Benefits of Alfalfa
- Alfalfa Supplement Varieties
- Cautions, Side Effects & Contraindications
Alfalfa is a root that can grow over 100 feet into the earth. Its deep roots allow it to concentrate many different types of vitamins and minerals from the soil. It is used medicinally for its health benefits as general tonic due to its reputation as a balanced source of vitamins and minerals.
Health Benefits of Alfalfa
It has been shown to help arthritis pain and have a positive effect on cholesterol by decreasing cholesterol and inhibiting intestinal resorption to reduce atherosclerotic build-up in arteries. Alfalfa contains a significant amount of vitamin K and other chemicals that thin the blood. The isoflavones in alfalfa are similar to those that are found in soy and red clover. These substances have proven useful in the treatment of menopause and menstrual discomforts. The chlorophyll, green pigment, in alfalfa offers health benefits that aid the healing of intestinal ulcers, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, burns and infections. Chlorophyll induces detoxification of the body and decreases halitosis and body odour.
Alfalfa Supplement Varieties
Alfalfa can be used as raw sprouts, seeds, dried herb or liquid extract. The raw herb can be found as a powder or compressed into tablets. Fresh alfalfa should be well washed and checked for molds before being consumed. The liquid extract contains a significant amount of chlorophyll.
Cautions, Side Effects & Contraindications
While alfalfa offers plenty of health benefits, the use of alfalfa is contraindicated for those with lupus. There are possible interactions between alfalfa and blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Alfalfa tea has been historically used as a nutritious tonic in pregnancy but one should exercise caution because of the hormonal properties of alfalfa.
En lisant l’article je ne pensait pas que l’alfafa était bonne pour les hémorroïdes.
……
Reading the article I didn't think alfafa was good for hemorrhoids.
Hello Maryse,
Thanks for sharing, we're glad our article was able to teach you something new! Hope you enjoy more of our articles & recipes.
Stay well!
This is an excellent product to relieve arthritis pain. Must better than pharmaceutical products.
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for sharing your experience with alfalfa! We're glad to hear this has worked well for your health concerns. Indeed alfalfa has been known to support healthy cholesterol levels and symptoms of arthritis-like you mentioned. If you're interested in learning more about supplements that support arthritis, check out our health concern articles:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/rheumatoid-arthritis/
Have a healthy day!
I’ve used this to treat arthritis It works wonderful to aid the pin of arthritis.
Hello, Sharon
That’s great to hear, thank you for sharing how alfalfa has helped support your health. Curcumin also has joint health benefits: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/research/curcumin-and-joints/
Stay healthy
It is so interesting to read about how Alfalfa can be used for arthritis pains and how those in the comments here have also advocated for how the use of Alfalfa has helped them with their arthritis pain as well. In the article, it says that Alfalfa can be taken as a supplement in liquid form as well. I wonder if making it into a balm would also help and then you can use it to put over the area that is in need of some relief.
Hello O,
Absolutely! It's fascinating to learn about the potential benefits of Alfalfa for arthritis pain. Making it into a balm sounds like a great idea! Applying it directly to the affected area could potentially provide targeted relief. It's always worth trying different methods to find what works best for you. If you do decide to make an Alfalfa balm, make sure to research proper preparation techniques and consult with a healthcare professional if needed. Wishing you all the best in finding relief for your arthritis pain and check out our articles on health concerns here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/