Alfalfa Leaf (Medicago sativa) — Bulk Dried Herb
Alfalfa Leaf (Medicago sativa)
Alfalfa is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and one of the most nutritive botanicals in the Western herbal tradition — a deep-rooted perennial legume whose leaves are exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. Known as the “father of all foods” in Arabic (al-fac-facah), Alfalfa has been cultivated as a forage crop and botanical preparation across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean for over three thousand years.
Our Alfalfa leaf is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts harvested at peak nutritive maturity.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
- Common Names: Alfalfa, Lucerne, Buffalo Herb, Purple Medic
- Plant Part Used: Leaf (aerial parts)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Appearance: Dried green leaf pieces
- Aroma: Fresh, grassy, mildly sweet
- Flavor Profile: Mild, grassy, slightly bitter, pleasant
About the Plant
Native to southwestern Asia and the Iranian plateau, Medicago sativa is a perennial legume that grows to about 1 meter in height, producing trifoliate leaves, small purple to violet flowers, and spirally coiled seed pods. The plant is remarkable for its exceptionally deep root system — roots can penetrate 4–6 meters into the soil — which allows it to access minerals and water unavailable to shallower-rooted plants. This deep root system is believed to contribute to the plant's exceptional mineral content. Alfalfa was introduced to Greece from Persia during the Persian Wars (490–479 BCE) and spread throughout the Mediterranean world. It was brought to the Americas by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century and is now one of the most widely cultivated forage crops in the world.
Traditional Context
Alfalfa has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Arab botanical traditions for centuries. In TCM it is known as Mu Xu. It was adopted by Western herbalists in the 19th century and became particularly popular in the natural health movement of the 20th century, valued primarily as a nutritive botanical and green food supplement.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 tablespoons in hot water for 10–15 minutes for a mild, nutritive tea
- Long Infusions: Steep overnight for a more concentrated mineral-rich preparation
- Herbal Blends: Pairs beautifully with Oat Straw, Nettle, and Red Clover in nutritive tea blends
- Smoothies & Foods: Add dried leaf to smoothies or sprinkle on foods
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Alfalfa leaf maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for culinary, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Those with autoimmune conditions or taking blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.