Alfalfa is a superlative restorative tonic. You can use the whole flowering plant for digestive weakness, for chronic inflammations, and to rebuild vitality. It is an excellent addition to any tonic year round as it contains a broad spectrum of nutrients, including considerable quantities of protein, trace minerals, dietary fibers and vitamins A, B’s, C, D, E and K. It is also high in chlorophyll, which serves as an antioxidant in the bloodstream. The various saponin constituents of alfalfa are know to help with the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, and may act to stimulate the body’s natural production of growth hormones - yet another reason for its popularity as a livestock feed.

Alfalfa can be cultivated any where, and is extremely easy to grow. However, if allowed to spread, it quickly will become competitive with everything else in the garden. If you plant alfalfa and then have second thoughts about it, remove it before it goes to seed. Once it does, it’s yours for life! Alfalfa is a perennial that first blooms in early summer, and continues to bloom in successive harvests throughout the growing season as the climate permits. Alfalfa is a sprawling member of the pea family, with small, tightly arranged blue or sometimes pink or white flowers; small, prickly, seed-bearing pods; and clover like leaves. The parts used are the leaves, stems, and unopened flowers. Preparations used are capsules, liquid extract, or dried bulk herb sprinkled onto food.

Contraindications: Although alfalfa side effects are rare, some horses may get colic due to consumption of too much alfalfa. Alfalfa contains high quantities of Vitamin K, which has been linked to Heinz-body anemia in dogs, cats, and other herbivores who injest large quantities. The seeds of alfalfa have been found to contain a toxic amino acid, L-canavanine, which has caused blood disorders in humans and in animals. Alfalfa can trigger allergic responses in animals who are especially sensitive to pollens.