Alfalfa is a slender and bushy perennial plant with trifoliate leaves that are almost bluish to green, and mauve to purple colored flowers that can be used as herbal remedies. It has seeds in pods that are sickle shaped. It is called by its other names such as buffalo grass, chilean clover, erba medica, and lucerne.
Alfalfa belongs to Papilionaceae family of genus Medicago Sativa. It grows actively during summer, spring, and fall. It can live for a long time and can adapt well in fine or medium textured soil, but, not to coarse textured ones.
It was believed that the plant originated from Medes land in Iran in accordance with the assumption of the Romans and the Greeks. It can be prepared as immediate home remedies for some ailments that need immediate action. Take note that prior to any preparations, one must consult a doctor first.
Uses
Alfalfa is a herb that has medicinal value. People use the leaves, seeds, and sprouts of the plant to make a medicinal concoction. It can be used for bladder and prostate conditions, kidney conditions and kidney stones, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, asthma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenic purpura, upset stomach, and to increase urine flow.
The plant is a great source of minerals, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and Vitamins A, B, E, D, C, and K4.
Benefits
Alfalfa is a great natural laxative. It can also reduce too much water retention in the bladder.
It contains bioflavonoid that can prevent or hinder the swelling of the stomach lining. It has high levels of enzymes that can easily digest foods.
The herb can detoxify the urinary tract and aid in giving relief from urinary tract infections. It is a well known purifier of chemicals and heavy metals present in the liver and blood. The acids in the intestinal tract can be neutralized by alfalfa, as well.
Any digestive problems can be easily taken care of by the plant as well as indigestion and gastritis.
It can easily alleviate joint pains – (see gout remedies. ); bring a solution to foul breath, and some skin issues. It also has alkaline effects on the body.
The plant can reduce headaches due to migraine, lower bad cholesterol, and reduce fat deposits that might accumulate in the artery wall’s lining. It also stabilizes the levels of blood sugar specifically when taken with manganese.
It can also improve the functioning of the pituitary gland and immune system. The high concentration of Vitamin K can make bleeding gums heal immediately as well as bleeding nose.
Preparations
For treating high cholesterol and related ailments, prepare 5 to 10 grams of the herb, steep then strain to make tea. Using 5 to 10 ml liquid extract with a ratio one is to one in 25% alcohol is also acceptable. Take it three times daily.
In juice form, Alfalfa has been proven very effective in most problems concerning the arteries and heart disease. Fresh leaves of the herb is needed for this purpose but be careful in dealing with it because it is potent and strong. It is best to take it with carrot juice, which can also intensify the benefits of each juice.
For stomach related disorders and arthritis, the seeds of the plant can be made into tea. The tea can provide alkalizing benefits to control the acidity in the stomach. In cases of arthritis, it is recommended to take six to seven cups of alfalfa tea for two weeks.
Alfalfa can also be taken raw. Use it as an addition to a sandwich or in a salad. It is not only helpful and healthy it can also provide for that added taste. Make sure to rinse the herb properly before putting it in the salad.
Other ways to prepare the alfalfa are frying, steaming, and as an addition to fruit shakes. Fry the herb, for five minutes while stirring occasionally then serve as a side to beef, fish, or chicken. Steam it for five minutes or until tender.
Adding alfalfa in the diet can bring all the benefits that the herb can provide, but as always it is wise to seek the doctor’s advice before taking anything.
Precautions
Although it is safe to take the herbs, the leaves might give mild-gastric upset and also lupus-like conditions in some people. A person suffering from hormonal cancer or autoimmune disease must also be careful in taking the herb.
It should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women as well as persons suffering from gout.
Diabetic patients must be careful in taking alfalfa because it can bring blood sugar down drastically. Make sure to monitor the blood sugar or ask for the doctor’s opinion for best guidance.
