- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west and central), Europe (southeast)
- Other names
- Luzerne
Asia · Herb · № 376
Medicago sativa
Herb · Asia
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
Traditionally attributed effects: calming and moisture-restoring for dry skin.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Throw away after a week and make fresh.
Preparation
External: dried in chamomile cleanser for dry or mature skin.
Use in traditions
Described in natural skin and hair care. In herbal magic associated with brings prosperity and abundance, increases fertility, creates harmony. Alfalfa (lucerne) was domesticated some 9,000 years ago in Iran; the name comes from Arabic and means 'father of all foods'. It is mainly fodder; the sprouts are eaten. In Chinese medicine the young leaf was used for bladder complaints.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Used in skin care for dry skin; the leaf contains vitamins and minerals.
Preparation and amount
External: dried alfalfa in a chamomile cleanser for dry skin (see the recipe).
Caution: Throw away after a week and make fresh.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Brings prosperity and abundance, increases fertility, creates harmony.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with prosperity, abundance and keeping want away.
Preparation and amount
Alfalfa or lucerne comes from Central Asia and Persia and was grown as horse fodder in antiquity; the Arabic word roughly means 'best fodder'. Settlers brought it to the Americas. In folk custom it stands for abundance, because a field keeps regrowing for years.