Description
Alfalfa is used to help anaemia, ulcer treatment, urinary disorders, peptic ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers, for bladder and prostate problems, for lumbago, to retard tooth decay, as a diuretic, for dropsy, helps clot blood in haemorrhages, for high blood pressure, pregnancy, to increase quality of mother’s milk, for jaundice, malnutrition, to lower cholesterol, for arthritis, rheumatism, colitis, wounds and to help alcoholics and drug addicts to kick the habit.
It is a good supplement when antibiotics or sulfa drugs are taken, and is also recommended for alcoholics and drug addicts who are trying to kick the habit. It is excellent for children who do not seem to be growing well enough, providing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes which might not be assimilated otherwise. The chlorophyll abundant in the leaves has been found to assist in granulation of tissue after it has been damaged. The substance also helps in the strengthening of the connective tissue in the body.
Although the herb has attributed to body-building characteristics, excessive use of Alfalfa is said by the Chinese to cause one to lose weight and become thin. It might therefore be good for use in weight loss programs.
In any conditions which require cleansing and building of the body (and that includes most ailments!) Alfalfa is recommended as a basic and mild herbal food.
Benefits:
- Antioxidant
Like other plant foods, alfalfa is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E. These compounds fight free radicals and protect you from the ravages of aging as well as lower the risk of infections and disease. Antioxidants in alfalfa also help to prevent DNA damage, according to the International Sprout Growers Association. - Blood Disorders
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alfalfa has traditionally been used to fortify and cleanse the blood. It may also be beneficial in treating mild cases of anemia and restoring hemoglobin levels to a normal range. Anemia is the result of a deficiency of red blood cells, which reduces the supply of oxygen to tissues and organs. - Cardiovascular Health
Alfalfa lowers cholesterol and plaque build-up in the arteries, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke. This cholesterol-lowering effect is due to the rich saponin content in alfalfa, which, along with fiber in alfalfa, binds to cholesterol, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The leaves of the plant are more effective at reducing cholesterol levels than the sprouts. - Elimination and Excretion
Although alfalfa may not be as rich in fiber as some other plant foods, it’s still a good source of this colon-cleansing nutrient. According to Castleman, studies show that alfalfa can also bind with carcinogens in the colon to help eliminate them faster. Alfalfa also has been used as a diuretic agent; this benefit has not been proven scientifically. Still, you should not use alfalfa if you’re taking diuretics as it can increase the activity of these medications, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
