The Alfalfa Plant

The Alfalfa plant grows and is cultivated in many areas of the world, but it originally grew in the Middle East, where it was called “the father of all foods”. During the 1700’s , it began to be planted in England. By 1736, it was being used by the early American colonists. In England and early America, the herb was primarily used to soothe an upset stomach.

The leaves of this plant are high in many vitamins and minerals. Minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium and nutrients like beta carotene. The leaf contains vitamins A, D, E, and K and is a source of eight essential amino acids.

Benefits of Alfalfa

This herb is an immune system booster and it promotes healthy blood clotting. In addition it helps the body assimilate protein, fats, and carbohydrates and helps to cleanse and purify the blood. It also is said to rid the body of toxins and alkalize the body.

This herb eases the symptoms of a variety of illnesses and is a favorite remedy for many arthritis sufferers. It’s helpful in the treatment of many other illnesses as well, including gastritis, liver disorders, ulcers in the intestinal tract, bleeding gums, high blood pressure, anemia, hemorrhoids, asthma, bad breath, body odor, eczema, constipation, athlete’s foot, cancer, urinary tract issues, and infections.

Specific health issues and conditions

This herb is quite beneficial for many specific conditions including the following :

• Atherosclerosis – Many scientific experiments with animals have shown that the leaf of this herb helps lower cholesterol and shrinks plaque on blood vessel walls.
• Cancer – This plant has shown to be effective at countering the damage of chemotherapy treatment on the body.
• Diabetes – Diabetic people who develop insulin resistance can benefit greatly by taking supplements of this plant.
• Endometriosis – A common treatment for endometriosis synthetic estrogen contained in birth control pills. Amore natural option is to consume foods and herbs with substances in them called phytoestrogens.. Phytoestrogens are natural plant hormones that are similar to the body’s own estrogen, although it is a less potent form of the hormone. Phytoestrogens are found in the sprouts of this herb.
• Menopausal issues – Menopause related symptoms are especially rare in women who include estrogenic foods and herbs in their diets. This herb demonstrates estrogenic properties. Because of this, taking this herb also reduces the risk of breast cancer.
• Nosebleed – This herb contains vitamin k, which is known to help the blood clot in a healthy way.
• Osteoporosis – Scientific studies from Japan have shown that substances found in the Alfalfa plant and other green vegetables may help prevent bone loss due to low estrogen levels.
• Ulcers – The Alfalfa plant is a long standing treatment for ulcers with effective results. This herb contains substances called bioflavinoids which promote capillary strength and reduce inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

  Considerations and uses

  This herb shouldn’t be considered as a primary treatment for any illness or condition in particular. If possible, it should be taken in the form of capsules to remove the danger of mold. Although the sprouts can also be eaten, they must be fresh and rinsed clean of any mold. The seeds should never be consumed, because they contain an amino acid called canavanine that is known to be toxic.

  Alfalfa is useful for anyone suffering from a vitamin k deficiency as well. Certain medications and treatments are known to cause a vitamin k deficiency. Specifically, people being treated with antibiotics will benefit greatly by taking this herb.

  People with certain health conditions should avoid taking this herb. If you are pregnant, suffer from hay fever, or PMS, I am talking to you. You should also avoid this herb if you are taking a blood-thinning medication or suffer from an auto-immune disorder like lupus.

  
  
  Return to the Natural Herbal Remedies Advice Home Page from this Alfalfa page.