Use for: Alfalfa is used as a diuretic for kidney and bladder conditions, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), diabetes and indigestion. It is also used for a source of vitamins A, C, E, K4 and some minerals of calcium potassium, phosphorus and iron.
Concerns: Alfalfa is mostly well tolerated in appropriate doses. Higher than recommended chronic use may have been associated with pancytopenia and drug-induced lupus effects. Due to estrogenic effect of Alfalfa, avoid using on pregnancy and lactation. Concomitant use with warfarin may decrease the effect of warfarin due to amount of K in Alfalfa. Alfalfa may show the additive lowering blood sugar levels on concomitant use with herbs such as devil’s claw, fenugreek, guargum, panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng. Consult with health care provider on concomitant use with anticoagulants or antidiabetic medications.