Evidence supporting the use of: Alfalfa
For the health condition: Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been traditionally used as a nutritive tonic during pregnancy, particularly in Western herbal medicine. Historical records suggest that alfalfa was recommended for pregnant women due to its rich content of vitamins (such as vitamin K, C, and folate), minerals (like calcium and iron), and protein. Herbalists have often promoted alfalfa to help increase dietary intake of these nutrients, which are important for fetal development and maternal health. Additionally, alfalfa is sometimes used in late pregnancy to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage, thanks to its vitamin K content, which is essential for blood clotting.
However, while these traditional uses are well documented in herbal literature, there is a notable lack of robust scientific evidence to confirm the efficacy or safety of alfalfa supplementation during pregnancy. Most available information comes from anecdotal reports and small case series rather than controlled clinical trials. Safety concerns also exist, as alfalfa contains phytoestrogens and can, in rare cases, cause lupus-like symptoms or interact with medications. Therefore, while the use of alfalfa in pregnancy is rooted in tradition and its nutritional profile, healthcare providers generally recommend caution and advise consulting a qualified practitioner before using it in pregnancy.
More about Alfalfa
More about Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Other ingredients used for Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Alfalfaalgal oil
asparagus
beet
bovine liver
calcium
chamomile
choline
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fenugreek
folate
ginger
iron
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
quail egg
sardines
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
shepherd's purse
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ashoka
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Beef liver
banana
Bifidobacteria
Bird's nest
Cohosh
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Date
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folinic Acid
Folic Acid
Fish
False Unicorn Root
Garden Cress
Labisia pumila
Montanoa tomentosa
Other health conditions supported by Alfalfa
AnemiaArthritis
Breast Milk (dry up)
Cholesterol (high)
Debility
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Fingernails (weak or brittle)
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Labor and Delivery
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Nursing
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
Products containing Alfalfa
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green