Alfalfa

Patient sheet

Alfalfa is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals. It also has many other components that can lower cholesterol, increase urine flow, and stimulate the immune system, among others. When used for medicinal purposes, alfalfa is usually taken orally as a tea or in tablet, capsule, or liquid form.

Other names

• Medicago sativa
• Purple medick
• Trefoil
• Buffalo grass
• Buffalo herb
• Lucerne

Common uses

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Increasing urine flow
• Kidney, prostate, and bladder problems
• Source of vitamins A, C, E, and K and of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron
• Digestive problems
• Menstrual problems

This non-exhaustive list presents the most frequent applications.

Recommended doses of natural health products may vary depending on several factors, including which part of the plant is used and the product's form. To avoid confusion regarding dosage, read the information on the product's packaging and seek advice from your health care provider.

Side effects

In addition to its intended effects, this product may occasionally cause side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Decrease in blood sugar levels
• Intestinal gas
• Abdominal discomfort
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Joint pain, muscle pain, or rashes

This non-exhaustive list presents the most frequent and relevant side effects. If you think you're experiencing side effects, speak to your health care provider.

Warnings

Natural health products are not without risk. They may be incompatible with certain health issues or interact with your medications. Always speak with a health care professional before taking this product, especially in the following cases:

• You're taking prescription or over-the-counter medications
• You're taking contraceptives or hormones
• You're scheduled for laboratory tests
• You have lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis
• You have cancer
• You've received an organ transplant
• You have or have had gout
• You're pregnant or breastfeeding

Always inform your health care providers of your existing health issues, and make sure to mention any medications that you're taking, either on a regular or irregular basis, including non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and natural health products.

If you're taking a medication for a specific health condition, do not attempt to replace it with a natural health product without first consulting a health care professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist.

General notes

Make sure to inform your health care providers if any of the following applies:

• You have allergies (e.g., medication, food)
• You're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or you're breastfeeding
• You use tobacco, cannabis or cannabis derivatives, or recreational drugs

Keeping a list of your current medications with you at all times is strongly recommended. It may come in handy if you need to see a health care professional or call emergency services.

As with medication, store your natural health products out of reach of children and pets, and return unused or expired products to the pharmacy for safe disposal.