Alfalfa

Medicago sativa is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae, native to southwest Asia and cultivated globally as a high-protein forage crop. Its deep root system allows it to draw up minerals from the subsoil, making it nutrient-rich. In herbal and nutritional contexts, alfalfa is valued for its chlorophyll content, vitamins, and minerals. In homeopathy, the fresh leaves and flowering tops are tinctured to produce a remedy with a tonic and nutritive action, influencing assimilation, appetite, and metabolism. It is especially associated with loss of flesh, nervous exhaustion, and malnutrition following chronic illness, and with states of general debility.

Used as a livestock fodder crop for centuries. In herbal medicine, taken as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, and mineral supplement. Sprouted seeds are consumed as a health food rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals. Traditionally used for convalescence, anaemia, and lactation support.

Introduced into homeopathy in the late 19th century by Dr. E. M. Hale and Dr. J. C. Fahnestock, based on clinical use rather than formal proving [Hale]. Symptoms are drawn from clinical experience with debilitated patients and those recovering from prolonged illness.

• Digestive system – Improves assimilation, relieves dyspepsia of nervous origin.
• Nutrition and metabolism – Increases body weight in cases of malnutrition.
• Nervous system – Restores vitality in nervous exhaustion.
• Genito-urinary system – Tonic influence in lactation; mild diuretic action.
• Constitutional state – Convalescence, neurasthenia, wasting diseases.

• Rest and adequate nutrition
• Fresh air and outdoor activity
• Regular, small, nourishing meals
• Gentle exercise to stimulate appetite

• Prolonged illness without nutritional support
• Mental overwork or emotional stress [Clarke]
• Irregular meals or poor diet
• Sedentary indoor life

• China officinalis – Debility after loss of fluids; more pronounced periodicity and digestive flatulence.
• Avena sativa – Nervous exhaustion with sexual debility; less direct action on assimilation.
• Ferrum metallicum – Anaemia with flushing; Alfalfa more nutritive and less circulatory reactivity.
• Cinchona arsenicosa – Debility with emaciation, but more restlessness and coldness.

• Complementary: China, Avena sativa, Ferrum phos.
• Follows well: China after haemorrhage or loss of fluids; Nux vomica for digestive stimulation.
• Antidotes: Camphora in acute medicinal overdose.

Alfalfa embodies the principle of nutritive restoration: increasing appetite, improving assimilation, and building strength after chronic illness or exhaustion. It is not merely a digestive tonic but a constitutional restorer, especially suited to anaemic, underweight, easily fatigued individuals.

Valuable in convalescence, especially when weight gain and appetite recovery are slow [Hale]. Frequently prescribed in mother tincture or low potencies (1x–3x) to stimulate appetite and weight gain, particularly in children, the elderly, and nursing mothers. Can be combined with other tissue-building remedies for chronic malnutrition.

Mind

• Apathy from weakness
• Irritability from exhaustion

Stomach

• Appetite increased, with weight gain
• Dyspepsia from mental strain
• Digestion slow, atonic

Female

• Lactation, increases milk
• Weakness after childbirth

Generalities

• Debility from chronic illness
• Emaciation, with improved nutrition under treatment
• Convalescence, slow recovery

1. Hale, E. M., New Remedies, Clinical and Proving Records – Introduced clinical use; nutritive action; restoration in chronic illness and lactation.
2. Clarke, J. H., A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica – Notes on appetite, assimilation, and use in nervous dyspepsia; improved sleep in exhaustion.
3. Allen, T. F., Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica – Compilation of clinical effects and early case reports.
4. Boericke, W., Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica – Keynotes for digestive and nutritive restoration.