Home » Herbs » Potential Alfalfa Side Effects, Adverse Reactions And Contraindications

Potential Alfalfa Side Effects, Adverse Reactions And Contraindications

Alfalfa is an herb that has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It is very beneficial because it contains very high amounts of important nutrients, minerals and vitamins that the body needs for healthy function.

It can be very useful in respiratory conditions, heart and cholesterol issues, cancer prevention, and can be helpful in removing excess water from the body.

Alfalfa is available in various different forms, such as teas and capsules, and it is regarded as a relatively safe herb to use. There are, however, some potential alfalfa side effects, adverse reactions and contraindications that you need to consider. Generally, though, a lot of the possible negative effects can be avoided if you consume alfalfa in moderation and avoid very prolonged use.

Skin sensitivity

One possible alfalfa side effect is its ability to cause the skin to become more sensitive. According to WebMD, this might mean that your risk of suffering an adverse reaction to sunlight will increase when you consume alfalfa. It is advisable that you use appropriate sunblock or cover your skin from sunlight if you are using the supplement.

Lower blood sugar levels

Alfalfa has also been found to be very effective in lowering blood sugar levels. Thus, if you are suffering from diabetes and taking medication for it, it is advisable to avoid using the herb. It may also create undesirable blood sugar levels if you are taking it together with other blood sugar lowering herbs and supplements.

Adverse autoimmune reaction

The alfalfa herb can cause problems if you are suffering from autoimmune conditions such as:

* Multiple sclerosis
* Lupus
* Rheumatoid arthritis

According to a 2013 article by the Natural Alternative Remedy website, alfalfa has an amino acid called canavanine which could worsen these autoimmune conditions. The article does note that this amino acid is not often found in the mature leaves of the plant. Canavanine is mostly found in alfalfa seeds and sprouts. Thus, a lot of different tea products are unlikely to contain this amino acid, and might therefore be safe. They do still suggest that to stay on the safe side and avoid this potential alfalfa side effect, it may be best to avoid use if you suffer from any of these health conditions.

Pages: 1 2