Latin Name: Medicago sativa
Other Names: Buffalo herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic, Chilean clover
Alfalfa is a plant native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated elsewhere. It has an age-old reputation as a nutritious food. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, protein, minerals, and beta-carotene, B vitamins, and vitamins C, E, and K.
Sources of Alfalfa
Alfalfa is best known as a food. The raw sprouts can be found in the produce section of grocery stores and health food stores.
It is also available in capsule, powder, tablet, and liquid extract forms. Many of these supplements are made from dried alfalfa leaves and/or seeds.
==Special Precautions of Alfalfa==
The alfalfa plant, especially the seeds, contains an amino acid called L-canavanine. Excess consumption of L-canavanine may cause abnormal blood cell counts, spleen enlargement, or the recurrence of active disease in patients with lupus. Exposing the seeds to extremely high temperatures may prevent this, but it hasn't been confirmed.