"Alfalfa" Health Benefits
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Genus: Medicago
Also know as: Chilean clover, Species: M. sativa buffalo grass, Lucerne (in Britain) Parts used: Leaves |
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| Solaray Alfalfa 430 MG - 100 Capsules |
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| Alfalfa Leaves, 100 caps: W |
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| Nature's Answer Alfalfa Herb - 1 Fluid Ounces Liquid |
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| Alvita Alfalfa Leaf (Caffeine Free) - 30 Bag(S) |
Uses of alfalfa consist of treating disorders of the digestive tract and the kidneys, among other conditions. Use of this herb is greatly used in homeopathic medicines world wide.
Alfalfa is suggested for treating: anemia, diabetes, loss of appetite, as a diuretic, for indigestion, bladder disorders, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, healing of fractured bones, ostearthritis, osteoporosis and may be helpful in balancing hormones.
It may be useful as an estrogen replacement in order to increase breast milk and to lessen the effects of PMS, and lower blood cholesterol levels.
The nutritional benefits of alfalfa are that it is full of nutrients essential for the function of the central nervous system. Alfalfa contains the essential amino acid tryptophan, which has been proven to be a nerve sedative.
STUDIES:
Animal studies show that alfalfa leaves help reduce blood cholesterol levels and plaque deposits on artery walls. Alfalfa sprouts produce a similar, but less significant effect.
One study suggests that it helps neutralize carcinogens in the intestines and another study showed that it binds carcinogens in the colon and helps speed their elimination from the body. Also in laboratory studies, it helps disease causing fungi. It might one day be used in treating fungal infections. These are just a few of the health benefits of herbs. Alfalfa Leaf is on the Food and Drug Administration list of herbs generally regarded as safe.
As with all herbal nutrition supplements, alfalfa supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
GROWING:
Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the pea family. It resembles a tall clover. It is a deep rooting, busy perennial that grows to three feet tall. The leaves are divided into three leaflets. The herbs lavender, pale blue or yellow flowers bloom from May through October. Depending on location.
It grows best in loamy soil. It tolerates clay but not sand. Seeds are usually sown in fall in rows eighteen inches apart. Young alfalfa plants require regular watering, but once established, they become drought tolerant.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs with alterative action include aloe vera, angelica, black cohosh, buckthorn, burdock, cascara sagrada, chaparral, comfrey, dandelion, dong quai, gotu kola, kelp, licorice, psyllium, red raspberry, rhubarb, stinging nettle, and white willow.
