Alfalfa

Used as an infusion, extract, dietary supplement and vegetable.

This sweet-smelling nutritive grass is one of the most nutritious foods in the world.

Alfalfa is a rich source of Vitamins A, B Complex, C, D, E, K, biotin, carotenes, calcium, phosphorus, choline, inositol, PABA, octacosonal, trace minerals including iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorophyll, and many other nutrients.

It is an excellent tonic for the whole body, and it may help build iron levels in blood.

Animal studies indicate that Alfalfa's saponins block cholesterol absorption and thereby prevent arterial plaque. Alfalfa's iso-flavones have an oestrogen-like effect, thus confirming Alfalfa's traditional use for menopausal symptoms,

It contains natural fluoride that may help rebuild tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.

It is a good infection fighter and may help cleanse the body of toxins.

Alfalfa, containing eight digestive enzymes, thereby aiding the digestion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The resultant improved assimilation is helpful for gastritis, indigestion, morning sickness, and nausea. Alfalfa tea is an appetite stimulator.

Good for the pituitary gland and to help the quantity and quality of mother’s milk.

Two tablespoons of Alfalfa leaf contain:

• Twice as much calcium as an ordinary glass of milk
• Almost as much protein as one hamburger
• Nearly the same amount of iron as two ounces of liver
• Enough B-complex to soothe upset nerves
• Plenty of enzymes for good metabolism of ingested fats
• Sufficient fibre to lower high cholesterol

American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'On taking large doses of an infusion of the leaves of alfalfa as one would drink tea or coffee, there is a sensation of warmth in the stomach with fullness of the blood vessels of the head.'

'There is an increased secretion of the kidneys from this agent and in the female, of the milk glands; increased peristaltic action of the bowels; increased appetite; increased assimilation of food, and increased weight.'

'In every case so administered, the patient showed a satisfactory increase in flesh and strength. The digestive apparatus, whatever the disorder, assumed its normal function, and in some cases the patients took on a fair increase in flesh.'

'Dr. Bradley believes that a tea made of alfalfa will readily take the place of ordinary tea and coffee, and as a beverage for certain periods, he has found it to take away the taste for these commoner beverages and preserve an excellent condition of the stomach.'

'He finds in alfalfa a superlative restorative tonic, but it does not act as a stimulant, after the manner of alcohol, cocaine or other habit-forming drugs. It rejuvenates the whole system by increasing the strength, vim, vigour and vitality of the patient. In all cases, the ever-marked condition calling for the remedy is despondency, along with loss of flesh, whether the case is one of stomach trouble, such as indigestion, dyspepsia, general and nervous debility, anaemia, marasmus, loss of appetite and poor assimilation, as shown by loss, of flesh and constipation, with the always accompanying condition, depression. Alfalfa, administered in the dose one or two drops in a bottle of milk three times daily, is especially useful with bottle-fed babies. One physician prescribed it where there was dropsical effusion where the kidneys were inactive, and the skin dry, and in every case so administered, it gave satisfactory results.'

'In old men, it relieves prostatic irritation. It relieves irritable conditions of the urinary apparatus.'

'Dr. Bradley reports one family where seven children had died at the age of eighteen from some undefined disorder with great emaciation. The eighth child, a daughter, exhibiting the same symptoms was kept on a tincture of alfalfa seed fully saturated, ten drops four or five times a day. The condition disappeared, the patient increased in weight from 99 to 133 pounds, and recovered her health.'

'In a concentrated form, this will be probably found nutritional, occupying in some particulars a position like that of avena, improving the functional action of the brain and spinal cord. We have introduced this remedy here because it promises well for the future, and must not be overlooked.'

INFO FROM THE WWW

Alfalfa Medicago sativum, of the legume (Fabaceae) family, and also called Lucerne is one of the most versatile herbs in the world. Native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region, the Arabs dubbed this plant, “alfalfa,” which means “the father of all foods.”

Alfalfa is a perennial herb that can grow as high as three feet. It has three-lobed leaves and yellow or blue-violet flowers. It's not very choosy as to soil, but likes sun and water. It is the aerial (aboveground) parts of the plan that are used in herbal medicine. The sprouts are a very common health food.

Alfalfa was first cultivated in the Middle East, but as early as the sixteenth century it was also grown in England.

This herb was historically used to treat stomach upsets. Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians also found the leaves therapeutic for water retention and arthritis. North American Indians found the herb valuable for treating jaundice and for encouraging blood clotting of wounds.

Alfalfa's versatility is due to its high nutritional content. It contains all known vitamins, has a high chlorophyll content, and a balanced group of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. The leaves also contain eight essential amino acids.

Today, alfalfa is mostly used to combat high cholesterol and to alleviate symptoms related to menopause.

The active constituents found in the plant include saponins. Saponins are any of a group of glycosides—sugar derivatives often found in plants—which on hydrolysis yield a sugar and one or more other substances. Animal studies indicate that these saponins block cholesterol absorption and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Alfalfa leaves also contain flavones, isoflavones, sterols, and coumarin derivatives. The isoflavones appear to be responsible for oestrogen-like effects in animals. Though not confirmed in human trials, these effects have made alfalfa a popular treatment for menopause symptoms. Alfalfa’s high and varied nutrient content has also led to its use as an appetite stimulant, a laxative, and a natural diuretic.

Alfalfa Benefits

Due to its high nutritional content, the benefits of Alfalfa are many and varied:

• An immune-system stimulant
• Promotes normal blood clotting
• Aids in the assimilation of protein, fats, and carbohydrates
• Excellent blood purifier
• Prevents Atherosclerosis
• Menopause-related Problems—Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms are rare among women who consume legumes with estrogenic activity, and alfalfa has demonstrable estrogenic activity

Best Use

Alfalfa should be taken in capsules or eaten as fresh, raw sprouts that have been rinsed thoroughly to remove mould. Alfalfa seeds should never be eaten unless they have sprouted as they contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine.