Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Eastern Mediterranean. Traditionally, its leaves, seeds, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Alfalfa
Scientific Name	Medicago sativa
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Medicago
Species	sativa
Native Range	Middle East, Southwest Asia, Eastern Mediterranean
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Seeds, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
Common Name: Alfalfa
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Medic, Yellow Medick, Medicago
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Medicago

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 40 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glabrous and lighter green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, exhibiting stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are actinomorphic, with five white petals arranged in a raceme, featuring a distinctive yellow keel and a central violet stigma.
Stems: Climbing stems with opposite branching, pubescent surface, and nodes bearing stipitate stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a warming diuretic, in urinary system discussions.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.
Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a calming carminative, for digestive process support.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.