The name alfalfa comes from the Arabian word al-fac-facah, meaning "father of all foods." Historically, Arabs used alfalfa to feed horses. It was believed that alfalfa could make horses stronger.

Alfalfa is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and is considered to be a good nutritional addition to the diet. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll that is often used in liquid chlorophyll preparations. Chlorophyll has been found to have an alkalising effect on the body. The body works best at a slightly alkaline pH where it is more resistant to infection.