Alfalfa

ALFALFA

‘Alfalfa’ is regarded as one of the most versatile herbs in alternate medicine. The botanical name of this herb is ‘Medicago Sativa’. It is commonly known as, Lucerne, Chilian Clover or Buffalo Grass while the name ‘Alfalfa’ has Latin origin, meaning- plant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ALFALFA

This leguminous herb has purplish flowers, clove-shaped, alternate, green leaves and grows up to a height of 50 cms. It was originally grown in Europe and other South-West Asian regions. It is now grown in places with different climatic and soil conditions including subtropical, temperate, and higher attitudes of tropical regions, including India.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF ALFALFA

This herb was discovered by Arabs who coined the terms, ‘King of Kings’ and ‘Father of all foods’. They used it as fodder for their thorough-bred horses while Persians were the earliest to identify it as a relieving grass.

Some therapeutic effects of alfalfa are:

• Acts as a diuretic, lowers cholesterol and prevents excessive bleeding during menopause.
• Improves circulatory and urinary system functioning.
• Its alkaline properties make it a good digestive, laxative and tonic. It improves peristaltic movements of bowels, augments assimilation of food and enhances digestion.
• It revives youth, vitality, immunity and assists in maintaining a vigorous and healthy old age.

Extracts or juice from different parts of this herb including seeds, leaves and stem are effective in relieving various ailments. Sprouts from alfalfa seeds are nourishing and delicious. They are used in salads, soups and sandwiches. Tea, brewed from seeds is refreshing and can be served with a dash of honey.

Dried alfalfa leaves are used to brew tea. Fresh juice of leaves and stem extract are used for manufacturing various herbal products.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

Alfalfa is a herb with astringent, cooling and sweet characteristics. It rids body tissues of toxins. It is a rich source of Vitamins A, B, D, E, G, C and K; and minerals like calcium, manganese, potassium, sodium, silicon and chlorine; essential for proper functioning of vital organs in our body. Manganese improves manufacture of ‘insulin’ essential for good digestion.

Investigations conducted by the Agricultural Department in the US have proved that alfalfa has better nutrient balance than grains like corn and wheat. It contains almost one and a half times more protein and only half the amount of carbohydrate compared to commonly used grains.

Its protein contains amino acids like lysine, tryptophane, arginine and theronine which relieve deficiencies caused by lack of essential nutrients in our diet.

This herb is a rich source of chlorophyll and dietary fibers. Nutritional authorities have conducted experiments to evaluate its use as a ‘protein-concentrate’ for supplementing foods deficient of proteins like- vegetables and as easily-digestible, ready-to-consume food.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

When used as an ingredient in herbal products, Alfalfa relieves various ailments like:

• Dropsy: Its diuretic property relieves fluid accumulation in our body.
• Hearing disorders: Its fresh leaf-extract relieves heart diseases and arterial disorders. Since the juice is potent and strong, it is preferable to consume it with carrot juice.
• Respiratory disorders: Chlorophyll in alfalfa juice relieves disorders related to lungs and sinuses.
• Stomach disorders: Tea prepared from alfalfa seeds provides alkaline benefits to relieve hyperacidity and controls flow of hydrochloric acid thereby, aiding the activity of the gastric enzyme called pepsin. A dash of mint to the tea settles disturbed stomach after consuming a rich meal. It refreshes one’s pallet and makes an exceptional morning drink.
• Arthritis: Consuming six to seven cups of tea prepared from alfalfa seeds alkalize food in our body thereby, alleviating arthritis symptoms.
• Hair disorders: Alfalfa juice combined with lettuce or carrot juice when consumed daily is good for hair-roots and their growth.
• High blood-pressure: Alfalfa juice softens hardened arteries and relieves high blood pressure.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS WHILE USING ALFALFA

People need not discontinue their standard managements to commence alternate therapy. Rather, they can use both therapies simultaneously in relieving and revitalizing oneself to feel younger and healthier.

However, it is not recommended to administer alfalfa supplements to pregnant women, patients suffering from auto-immune diseases or those being administered anti-coagulant or blood-thinning medications.

It is advisable to always consult a practitioner for the correct dosage of alfalfa supplement since an over-dose can increase photosensitivity.

SOME HERBAL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY ‘PLANET AYURVEDA’ CONTAINING ALFALFA ARE: