Possible Alfalfa Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

Are there any serious alfalfa side effects?

Generally speaking, I see the alfalfa plant, alfalfa grass or alfalfa sprouts as a largely safe and very nutritious food, not very unlike wheat grass or barley grass, and with little or no serious side effects to take note of.

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A note about the Possible Alfalfa Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

Herbs are God and nature's gifts to us. While the use of herbs and herb remedies has brought excellent results for many people, do note that their health benefits may be limited when they are used in isolation. However, when combined with some basic dietary and lifestyle good health habits, such as a full body detox and a proper understanding and application of nutrition, the impact on one's health will be greatly magnified.

In natural health and healing, we believe that the body has the ability to heal itself of any disease, even supposedly incurable diseases. We also believe in holistic health and healing, as we realize that different parts of the human body are highly interlinked, often beyond Man’s understanding. It is thus a good idea to apply these fundamental health steps no matter how remote or unrelated a health condition may seem.

Some parties recommend that, before commencing the use of alfalfa, it is advisable for one to consult a qualified health professional, preferably a herbalist. Personally, I see no such need, unless one is suffering from a particular, special health condition.

However the herb is consumed to obtain the many alfalfa health benefits, whether as fresh alfalfa grass or alfalfa sprouts or in the form of alfalfa supplements, the following potential contraindications or side effects should be taken note of.

Alfalfa is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.

Alfalfa is also not recommended for persons suffering from autoimmune diseases or while on anticoagulant medications.

The constituent canavinine in alfalfa is seen to set off systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pancytopenia.

Long term usage of alfalfa could trigger photosensitivity and red blood cell deficiency.