When I first saw my positive pregnancy test, I mentally calculated my due date and realized it would be early May. Then three thoughts shot through my head:
1. Hooray! I’m pregnant!
2. I wonder if we’ll have a Cinco de Mayo baby? What a fun first birthday that would be!
3. Oh dear goodness, nooooooooo….. allergy season!!
I prefer to stay away from medicine while pregnant. Since I don’t usually take medicine often anyway, this isn’t that big of a deal. However, I’ve shared before that I have terrible spring allergies. They are so bad that they change my way of life for a couple months. I shared my natural allergy remedies two years ago (still using them all too!) and recently went back and added a new favorite… ALFALFA.
Nope, not the cute kid from Little Rascals. Let me elaborate…
What is Alfalfa?
Alfalfa is a powerhouse herb. It contains a wide variety of minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium, potassium, silicon, and trace elements. It is also a good source of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. It also contains essential amino acids.
What is Alfalfa used for?
For everyone:
- To reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
- Aids in blood clotting (vitamin k)
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Is helpful in reversing tooth decay and remineralizing teeth
- Supports the pituitary gland
- Helps ease gout
- Aids with all forms of arthritis
- Strengthening the immune system
- Helps alleviate allergies
For pregnant and nursing moms:
- Can increase milk supply
- Helps ease morning sickness
- Great source of Vitamin K (Many midwives advise drinking mild tasting alfalfa tea or taking alfalfa tablets during the last trimester of pregnancy to decrease postpartum bleeding or chance of hemorrhaging)
Is Alfalfa safe to take?
I am very much aware that despite something being natural, it does not always mean it is safe for use by everyone, especially during pregnancy. I’ve researched it and feel comfortable taking alfalfa during my pregnancy and breastfeeding (as long as it does not increase my supply TOO much, since I had oversupply issues last time). In fact, it is often advised to take during late pregnancy for the reasons listed above.
The one caution about alfalfa is not to use in combination with blood thinning agents as it is so effective it can interfere or amplify the effects of these.
Now can we go back and focus on my favorite? EASING ALLERGIES.
Recently spring arrived here in North Carolina. It started a few weeks ago with 70 degree weather. As I was walking with Hailey down the street, I started sneezing. 4 sneezes in a row, followed by that torturous itching throat and eyes that any allergy sufferer knows all too well. With 80 degree weather coming this weekend, those dang little pollen pods falling from the trees and people out cutting grass and pulling weeds, it’s no secret that spring and it’s allergies are officially here.
However, though I’ve felt a tingle of itch here and there, I have yet to be taken down and I am crediting it largely to alfalfa. When I’ve felt the uncomfort and itch start to creep up on me, I’ve taken 4-5 tablets. The serving size is 10 and I know plenty of people that take 10 tablets 3 times each day, but for me, 4-5 before I head outside is doing the trick.
I am loving this alfalfa because I trust how it is sourced. It is grown in California, then tested twice: once at harvest and another once it’s been bottled to ensure it’s purity (no fungicides, bacteriocides, synthetic hormones, growth regulators, or chemicals). Plus, it contains spearmint oil, giving it a great taste if you choose to crush the tablets and turn it into tea.
I’ve never loved spring because of what it’s done to my eyes and throat, but we spent all yesterday afternoon outside with friends and for once I got to focus on the gorgeous weather rather than feeling miserable. Maybe I’m drinking the proverbial (alfalfa) kool-aid, but as long as it’s working for me, I’ll keep it up!
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies?
How do you handle them?
John J. says
Good tip. Glad it’s working for you and, hopefully, baby girl Dixon!
Marjorie says
I eat a lot of alfalfa sprouts on sandwiches, wraps and salads. I am guessing eating the does not give a high enough doage for these benefits?
Brittany Dixon says
Not at all- I think the sprouts themselves are great too! I’d have to look more closely at the potency and what not, but sprouts are very nutritious.
However, they are on the avoid list for me (during pregnancy) because of risk of potential harmful bacteria. Raw sprouts can have an e.coli and salmonella risk, and though I would eat them normally from sources I trust, I’m a rule follower during pregnancy 😉
Sarah (shu) says
Interesting! I thought you were going to say you were allergic to alfalfa 🙂 that is great to know it works for you – would definitely try it. However i do hate the claim of “supports pituitary function” as an endo 🙂 kind of vague and I find it hard to believe! The milk production benefits do sound promising though!
Sooo excited that you are close! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!! My bday is 5/20 and I always loved it. Although I hope you go sooner than that!!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes doc, please weigh in! I’d love your professional insight. Now that you point it out, I agree, it sounds very vague. I found so many sources that cited it, that I included it, but you’re right- vague.
And I’m hoping to go before the 20th, too, but am not getting my hopes up, as H was induced 10 days after her due date. I’ve loved reading about your experience thus far with two- so helpful!
sarah (the SHU box) says
i hope i’m not scaring you 🙂 in all seriousness, i do feel like i’m figuring it out more every day. but the main themes i have to emphasize are a) don’t be afraid to hire or ask for family help; b) not everyone is going to always be happy and that’s just life; c) the sweet moments are even sweeter and seeing your older one take care / play with the younger is the best ever. oh, and everything is temporary and in just a couple of years our lives will look SOOOO different (not “better” per se, but very different 🙂 )
Jess says
My seasonal allergies don’t sound as bad as yours, but I didn’t get them at all last year when I was pregnant (mid-September baby). Neither did two friends of mine during their pregnancies (and one didn’t get them as bad the following year – fingers crossed). So maybe baby girl is helping you out too?!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey, if baby girl is helping me out, too, I’ll take! I still had pretty terrible allergies when pregnant with H, but maybe this one is different? Like I said, whatever seems to be helping, I’ll take it 😉
Jess says
Haha, definitely!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
Thanks for this information! I’m fortunate not to suffer much from allergies, but my husband has them terribly. I’ve been on the hunt for natural alternatives to Claritin for him and might just try this! 🙂
Jamie says
My allergies are terrible too and this is my second pregnancy dealing with them. I can tell you that a neti pot will be your best friend and you don’t need to ingest anything. It’s completely safe to use- just water/saline solution to clear out all of the irritants. I use it several times a day and it’s amazing.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yes, love the neti pot! I still use everything I talked about in my other post, too- local honey, air purifier, neti pot, showering at night, nose filters… for me, a combo approach works well!
christina says
Yes, have the baby on Cinco de Mayo so you can enjoy a celebratory cerveza after!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
I have never heard of this! Thank you so much for sharing. I am trying to start living more naturally with things like this.
Heather says
I’ve never heard of Alfalfa helping with seasonal allergies before, so now I’m looking forward to giving it a try! Plus I like the other potential benefits as well… wish I would have known about this when I was having trouble with milk production!
char eats greens says
I don’t suffer from allergies, but I totally feel for you and those that do! Maybe it’s because I’m a May baby (built my system up right for spring? haha…and your baby will be too ;)). I wonder if eating alfalfa sprouts is considered helpful, too?
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’m going to look into alfalfa more! David & I have terrible allergies! Yard work is torturous for us this time of year. I really want to try the local honey trick this year.
Katie Harding says
I have allergies as well and like you I am pregnant, not due until later this summer but thats the biggest bummer about allergy season and being pregnant, it’s so tricky to find something thats safe to take and that will actually provide some relief! I’m totally going to check out the alfalfa and see if it does the trick for me too!
Morgan says
I too have terrible allergies (though they’re pretty much year round, which is the worst!) so when I found out I was pregnant and due in June I figured I’d just be suffering on through – thanks so much for the tip, I definitely need to try it out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I used to have year-round seasonal allergies! I was allergic to everything in the environment and dust and cats! But 5 years ago I started getting immunotherapy (allergy shots) and believe me when I say, I never ever get a headache or migraine or sneezing fits anymore! It worked wonders and I am so glad I did it!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
I’m lucky that I don’t really have allergies!
Heather @ The Soulful Spoon says
My allergies KILL me. Red eyes, itchy eyes, I’m a mess! I find that coconut oil helps the itching on my eyes and I use a greens powder with alfalfa, so I guess I’m doing okay:) Plus, Vitamin C seems to help too, believe it or not:) THANKS FOR SHARING THIS!!!
Dana says
HI! Great info! Would this work for a teenager? I have a friend whos son has terrible seasonal allergies and would love to use something more natural?
Shan says
Quercetin is really pretty effective for me in combating my perennial allergies. It is a natural antihistamine. But unfortunately I think its not suitable for pregnancy. Drinking dilluted (unfiltered) apple cider vinegar with raw local honey daily is also useful
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Sarah says
How interesting! I’ll have to try it. I’m curious if you had unmediated childbirth since you aren’t fond of taking medicines. I’ve had 2 unmedicaded births at home as I’m not too fond of hospital politics. It definitely taught me not to rely on medicines and take a more natural approach – especially with birthing. If I was in a hospital with my first they would have urged me to have a c section since labor was so long and her positioning was not good. My midwives however were just calm and knew to just give it time and movement. It wasn’t easy but she was born perfectly healthy.
Tamikia Floyd says
So my husband is good with taking different herbal supplements. He is in great shape and rarely gets sick. He wants me to take Alfalfa now as a supplement during pregnancy. I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and I went to a herbal pharmacy and the lady suggested that I should take it and will be helpful during my pregnancy. I am just a little apprehensive about taking them. But you are sharing that it is perfectly safe? I will only take one capsule a day. I will appreciate some positive feedback.
Tamikia Floyd
Brittany Dixon says
I can not advocate for what others should do, so definitely talk to your doctor. I took them while pregnant though, and it worked well for me.
Cassandra says
Can I consume this Alfalfa during 1st trimester? I have serious skin allergies too and it was fine before I was pregnant as I took it daily, but I saw some article saying it’s not safe during pregnancy. So now my allergies getting worse when I stop.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m sorry, I can’t answer that for you. Please check with your doctor. Congratulations on your pregnancy!