Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been traditionally used in various herbal medicine systems for its purported health benefits, including as a remedy for skin conditions like psoriasis. Early herbalists and naturopathic practitioners suggested that alfalfa, being rich in vitamins (notably vitamin K, C, and some B vitamins), minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium), and chlorophyll, could help “cleanse the blood” and support skin health. However, this rationale is primarily anecdotal and rooted in the concept of “internal cleansing” that was popular in traditional Western herbalism and naturopathy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Despite its traditional use, there is extremely limited scientific research specifically evaluating alfalfa’s efficacy for psoriasis. No high-quality clinical trials or substantial preclinical studies have demonstrated a clear benefit of alfalfa supplementation or topical application in psoriasis patients. In fact, some case reports suggest that alfalfa may even trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions, including lupus-like syndromes, due to its L-canavanine content.

In summary, while alfalfa has a minor traditional background in treating psoriasis, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and it is not widely recommended by dermatologists or evidence-based practitioners for this condition. Use should be approached with caution, especially in people with autoimmune tendencies.

More about Alfalfa
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Other ingredients used for Psoriasis

Other health conditions supported by Alfalfa

Products containing Alfalfa

Vitabase Active Woman's Multi
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Protein Green