Ayurvedic Herb

Alfalfa (has a safety note)

BotanicalMedicago sativaAlso calledLucerne, Buffalo herb, Alfalfa leaf

A soft, grassy green leaf brewed into a mild, nourishing tea, best known in Western herbal kitchens as a mineral-rich green.

* Safety note: Contains L-canavanine and plant estrogens, and is not for pregnancy or lupus; read the cautions. Read the cautions

Alfalfa, leaf

Alfalfa is one of the oldest cultivated forage plants in the world, and anyone who has smelled a freshly cut hay field knows its sweet, grassy scent. The dried leaf brews into a pale green tea that tastes mild and meadow-like, a little like a gentle green tea without the caffeine.

Alfalfa is not part of classical Ayurveda. Modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as bitter and cooling, a leaf that settles pitta and kapha and is best kept moderate for vata.

Ayurvedic Properties

Not described in classical Ayurveda; modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as bitter, astringent and cooling, settling pitta and kapha and drying for vata in excess (Frawley and Lad, The Yoga of Herbs).

RasaTastes
  • Bitter
  • Astringent
ViryaHeating or cooling
Cooling
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Pungent
AgniEffect on digestion
Neutral for agni

A mild, cooling leaf with little direct effect on digestive fire.

GunaQualities
  • Light
  • Dry
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: increases in excess
  • Pitta: decreases
  • Kapha: decreases
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Alfalfa's cool, light, drying nature suits warm pitta and heavy kapha. Vata types can enjoy it occasionally, ideally with a slice of ginger or a little honey, and avoid very strong brews.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support steady energy as a nourishing, mineral-rich green.
  • Traditionally used to support the body's natural fluid balance.
  • Traditionally used to support clear, comfortable skin as a cooling bitter.

How People Use It

  • TeaSteep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried alfalfa leaf in a cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and sip.
  • FoodA pinch of crumbled dried leaf can go into soups or herb blends. If you eat alfalfa sprouts, buy them fresh from a trusted source and keep them cold (see cautions).
Try This

Green Meadow Tea

A soft, grassy cup for a warm afternoon.

  • 1 teaspoon dried alfalfa leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried nettle leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried peppermint
  • 2 cups just-boiled water
  • Honey or lemon to taste
  1. Place the herbs in a teapot or jar.
  2. Pour the water over, cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Strain into cups. Once it has cooled a little, add honey or lemon if you like.
  4. Enjoy it warm, or chill it over ice on a hot day.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Do not use alfalfa medicinally during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It has hormone-like (estrogenic) activity, and MSK lists pregnancy as a reason to avoid it.
  • Alfalfa seeds and sprouts contain L-canavanine, which has caused lupus-like illness in animals and flare-ups in people with lupus taking alfalfa tablets. Avoid alfalfa if you have lupus or another autoimmune condition.
  • Because of its estrogen-like activity, avoid alfalfa if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, or take hormone therapy, unless your doctor approves.
  • Alfalfa contains vitamin K. If you take warfarin, keep your intake steady and talk with your doctor before adding alfalfa tea or supplements.
  • Raw alfalfa sprouts have been linked to outbreaks of E. coli and Salmonella food poisoning. Pregnant people, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system should avoid raw sprouts. Alfalfa may also raise uric acid, so people with gout should check first.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using alfalfa regularly.

In Our Shop

Organic Alfalfa Leaf

Organic Alfalfa Leaf, from $4.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Alfalfa →

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.