Evidence supporting the use of: Alfalfa
For the health condition: Debility

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine as a general tonic to address "debility," which refers to weakness, fatigue, or lack of vitality. In Western herbal traditions, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, alfalfa was often recommended as a nutritive tonic, believed to restore strength in convalescents or those recovering from illness. This use is largely attributed to alfalfa's rich content of vitamins (such as vitamin K, C, and some B vitamins), minerals (including calcium, magnesium, and iron), and protein, which made it a valuable dietary supplement before the widespread availability of multivitamins and enriched foods.

There is, however, minimal scientific evidence to support alfalfa specifically for the treatment of debility in the modern medical sense. Most contemporary studies focus on alfalfa’s potential effects on cholesterol, antioxidant activity, or estrogenic properties, rather than its efficacy as a restorative tonic. Nonetheless, its nutritional profile may contribute to improved general nutrition in individuals with poor dietary intake, which could indirectly alleviate feelings of weakness or fatigue. Overall, while traditional use is well documented, robust clinical evidence for alfalfa in the treatment of debility is lacking, and its use for this purpose should be considered supplementary rather than primary.

More about Alfalfa
More about Debility