Product Overview
Parts used: Dried aerial parts
TCM category: Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
TCM nature: Neutral
TCM taste(s): Bitter
Meridian affinity: Spleen Stomach Kidney
Scientific name: Medicago sativa
Other names: Lucerne or Clover
Use of alfalfa leaves (Mu Xu) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut and dry.
Dosage: 10-15 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Clears stomach and spleen, expels dampness and heat, facilitates urination and reduces swelling.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which alfalfa leaves may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Edema Urinary stones bladder stones strangury
Key TCM concepts behind alfalfa leaves (Mu Xu)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alfalfa leaves are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness' category. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM one has too much 'Heat' in their body as a result of a deficiency of 'Yin' (which is Cold in nature, see our explanation on Yin and Yang) or, more commonly, an excess of Yang (Hot in nature). Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness treat the latter while, at the same time, relieving the body of excess Dampness. As such they tend to be Cold or Neutral in nature.
As suggested by its category alfalfa leaves are plants that are Neutral in nature. This means that alfalfa leaves typically don't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin excess. The Neutral nature of alfalfa leaves means that you don't have to worry about that!
Alfalfa leaves also taste Bitter. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like alfalfa leaves tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing heat, drying dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such alfalfa leaves are thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Kidney. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, blood coagulation and fluid metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body.
Use of alfalfa leaves (Mu Xu) as food
Alfalfa leaves are also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Broccoli and alfalfa sprouts wrap.
