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Herbs > Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
Other names: Lucerne, Purple Medick.
Lucerne is a nutritive herb which
contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including
vitamins A, B1, B2, K, C and D; calcium, potassium,
copper, iron and phosphorus. It is used
extensively as a fodder crop for cattle and its only more recently that its
beneficial effects for humans been noted.
Healing uses:
Alfalfa is an excellent internal cleanser. A
tea made from alfalfa and buchu will assist in the
healing of urinary infections, and alfalfa and
peppermint tea will aid digestion and ease
indigestion. Consuming alfalfa tea regularly will
also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol
levels. Fresh alfalfa leaves are best for these
purposes, but dried leaves are fine. Simply brew in a
teapot as you would regular tea, adjusting the
quantity according to individual taste.
An oestrogen-like substance
found in alfalfa can help regulate a woman’s
menstrual cycle. However, it needs to be taken in a
fairly concentrated form to be of any use. A
concentrated extract from the leaf, available in
health food shops, can be used. 1/4 of this daily is
sufficient.
Alfalfa in any form helps
combat anaemia, due to its iron content.
Cautions:
While the oestrogen-like substance found in alfalfa
can be beneficial to some women, it can be harmful to
other individuals. Those not wanting to the oestrogen
effects from alfalfa should keep away from the
concentrated herb. However, a very large amount of
the non-concentrated herb would be necessary for the
oestrogen to have any effect.
Other uses:
Alfalfa leave are a tasty and very nutritious
addition to any salad. Likewise alfalfa sprouts,
widely available from supermarkets, are a healthy
addition. They also provide an excellent source of
protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans who
may have trouble obtaining protein elsewhere.
Growing Alfalfa:
It is very easy to grow, either in the home
garden, or in huge fields. Sow the seed in free
draining soil and let be. It has a vigorous deep root
system and is very beneficial as a rotation crop adding nitrogen to the soil.
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