Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an herbaceous perennial that grows about two to three feet tall. The plant bears bright purple or blue flowers from July through September, followed by interesting corkscrew seedpods. The taproot is long and tough, allowing the plant to survive in dry weather.
It also enables the plant to pull up nutrients from deep underground. Alfalfa fixes nitrogen in the soil and is often used during crop rotation for this purpose.
Alfalfa is widely cultivated throughout the world. It is an easy grower and will tolerate most soil types. Alfalfa prefers full sun and tolerates dry spells well.
Other names: Lucerne
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Alfalfa, a plant with a rich history dating back thousands of years, has been revered in various cultures for its multifaceted uses.
Its magical attributes include being associated with prosperity and abundance, often used in rituals and spells to attract good fortune.
Beyond magic, alfalfa has practical household uses such as natural pest control and soil improvement in gardening.
In the realm of healing, alfalfa’s nutrient-rich leaves have been used for centuries to promote overall health, with benefits ranging from improving digestion to reducing cholesterol.
History and Folklore
As one of the earliest cultivated plants, alfalfa has a long history. Alfalfa comes from the Arabic al-fac-facah, which means “father of all foods”. It has been used for centuries as a high-protein food source for cattle, horses, sheep and other livestock.
| Folklore | Description |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Traditions | Historical uses of alfalfa in agricultural practices, such as soil improvement and livestock feed |
| Symbolism | Cultural and symbolic meanings associated with alfalfa, such as abundance, fertility, and prosperity |
| Folk Remedies | Traditional remedies or beliefs regarding the healing properties of alfalfa |
| Superstitions | Common superstitions or beliefs surrounding alfalfa in different cultures |
Magical Attributes
Alfalfa is a feminine herb of the earth element. It is ruled by Venus.
Alfalfa is a bringer of prosperity. When you go to the bank to ask for a loan, carry it with you.
Keep a small jar of alfalfa in your kitchen cabinet or pantry to protect your home and all who dwell within from hunger, poverty, and unhappiness.
To protect your property, burn some alfalfa and scatter the ashes all around its boundaries and buildings.
| Magickal Attribute | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Abundance and Prosperity | Utilizing alfalfa in spells or rituals for attracting abundance, financial prosperity, or material success |
| Fertility and Growth | Incorporating alfalfa in rituals or charms associated with fertility, promoting growth, or nurturing new beginnings |
| Protection and Warding | How alfalfa can be used for protective purposes, creating shields, or warding off negative energies |
| Psychic Development | Harnessing the energy of alfalfa to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, or spiritual growth |
| Ritual Offerings | Traditional or symbolic offerings involving alfalfa to honor deities, spirits, or ancestors |
Weave together alfalfa strands to make an amulet to protect against poverty.
Add alfalfa to your magical cooking to ward off disease, to bring money into the home, and when general grounding is desired.
Household Use
Besides being wonderful food for all of your vegetarian pets, alfalfa is great plant food. Roses love it. You can apply it in tea form or scatter some pellets (get them at the pet store) in the soil and work them in.
Alfalfa pellets make great, nontoxic, biodegradable litter for your indoor pets. They absorb moisture and odors quite well.
Healing Attributes
Alfalfa helps flush out excess water and as such increases urination and helps relieve bloating and water retention. It is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and bladder infections, and helps to flush out toxins.
However, always consult a physician if you suspect you have an infection in any of these organs.
| Healing Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Content | Overview of the nutritional value and benefits of alfalfa, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants |
| Digestive Health | How alfalfa can support digestive health, alleviate digestive disorders, or aid in detoxification |
| Hormonal Balance | The potential effects of alfalfa on hormonal balance and conditions such as menopause or PMS |
| Anti-Inflammatory Properties | The anti-inflammatory benefits of alfalfa and its potential uses for reducing inflammation |
| Blood Health | How alfalfa can support blood health, including its potential role in anemia prevention and blood clotting |
As a general tonic and blood purifier, alfalfa is useful in rebuilding the body after a prolonged illness. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduces plaque buildup on artery walls. In some cases, Alfalfa also acts as an anti-inflammatory and may be used to reduce the pain and swelling of many conditions.
Alfalfa is also useful for digestive disorders such as ulcers and constipation.
Alfalfa aids the body in absorbing nutrients from other foods and reduces fat production, making it useful for dieters.
Large amounts of alfalfa can disrupt reproductive cycles, especially when the whole fresh plant is consumed.
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using alfalfa, and should not consume the seeds which contain chemicals that promote menstruation and may lead to miscarriage.
Ingesting large quantities of seeds, which contain the amino acid canavonine, over a long period may lead to blood disorders and a weakened immune system. This amino acid is also contained in smaller quantities in the sprouts.
Those with autoimmune disorders such as Lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis should be cautious of eating large quantities of sprouts and seeds as it may trigger attacks.
Studies suggest alfalfa may trigger the destruction of carcinogens built up in the liver during the digestive process.
Culinary Use
Alfalfa sprouts are rich in protein and trace minerals. They also assist the body in absorbing nutrients from other foods and resist fat production. They are especially good on sandwiches.
Many people enjoy sprouting alfalfa for use on salads. To do this, soak your alfalfa seeds overnight in a jar. Strain the water from a jar, and then place it in a dark place for four days. Two or three times a day rinse and drain the seeds again.
Once the little white sprouts begin to appear about the fourth day, after rinsing your seeds place them in the sun. Once the little sprouts turn green, they’re ready to eat.
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