alfalfa

    Alfalfa is a forage legume. Also known as lucerne in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Sometimes called purple medic or Chilian clover.

• botanical information
• nutritional information
• Chinese herbology
• magick correspondences and uses
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Medicago sativa

    Common name: alfalfa

nutritional information:

The parts of the alfalfa plant that are used are its leaves. In the Middle East, alfalfa is known as the “father of all herbs.” Alfalfa is one of the most nutritious plants on earth and its leaves are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamins A, B-12, C, D, E and K. Alfalfa has also been found to contain all eight essential amino acids. It even contains fluoride which can help prevent tooth decay. Alfalfa is one of the highest fibrous herbs in existence and we are unable to digest its raw leaves. For centuries, Native Americans ground its seeds to be used as flour or boiled its leaves and ate them like greens. —courtesy of Austin Nutritional research

Chinese herbalism:

    Chinese gender: Alfalfa sprouts are yin (cool)

    Planting: Alfalfa will completely take over any garden it is planted in. If you decide to plant alfalfa, plant it in a separate location and be very vigilant to remove any alfalfa (including the complete roots) that starts growing in your regular garden.

    Chinese gender: yin (cool)

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Medicinal tea: Leaves are prepared in a tea by infusion. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional.

cautions and contraindications:

    Cautions and contraindications: Alfalfa is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Too much fresh alfalfa may lead to colic in horses. Too much alfalfa may cause Heinz-body anemia in dogs, cats, and herbivores. The seeds of alfalfa contain the toxic amino acid L-canavanine, which may cause blood disorders in humans and aminals. Only use alfalfa in prebloom stages of growth. Alfalfa may trigger allergic responses in humans and animals who are sensitive to pollens.

Some herbs may be poisonious under some conditions. Exercise appropriate care.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: alfalfa sprouts and herbs

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