What is Alfalfa Leaf?

Alfalfa Leaf is the dried leaf of Medicago sativa, a deep-rooted perennial legume in the pea family (Fabaceae). The common name comes from the Arabic al-fasfasa, often translated as "father of all foods." It is one of the world's most widely grown forage plants and also has a long place in traditional herb kitchens.

About the plant

Alfalfa is a small purple-flowered legume best known for its remarkably deep taproot, which can reach fifteen to twenty feet into the soil. It is cultivated on every inhabited continent, primarily as livestock forage but also as a human food and a component of traditional herbal tea blends. In Western herb practice the dried leaf has historically been brewed as a tea, often alongside nettle and oat straw.

Related herbs

• Burdock Root — another classic Western herbal root.

Alfalfa Leaf: form & sizes

We carry Alfalfa Leaf as cut and sifted dried leaf, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Alfalfa Leaf in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Alfalfa Leaf at a glance

Botanical name

Medicago sativa

Family

Fabaceae

Native region

Central Asia, now cultivated worldwide

Plant part

leaf

Also known as

Lucerne, Father of All Foods

Form

cut and sifted dried leaf

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb