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Name |
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Alfalfa |
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Biological Name |
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Medicago sativa Leguminosae; (beans and peas) |
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Other Names: |
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Alfalfa, Chilean Clover, Buffalo Grass, Father of All Foods
(Al-fal-fa), Buffalo herb, lucerne, purple medic |
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Parts Used |
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Leaves |
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Active Compounds |
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Up to 50% protein, has good quantity of
beta carotene, chlorophyll and octacosanol. Other ingredients are:
saponins, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, acids, vitamins
(A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic
acid), amino acids, sugars, minerals (Ca, K, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu),
trace elements and other nutrients |
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History |
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Chinese used it stimulate appetite and
treat digestive problems, particularly ulcers. Ancient Indian
Ayurvedic physicians used Alfalfa to treat ulcers, arthritis pains
and fluid retention. Early Americans used alfalfa to treat
arthritis, boils, cancer, scurvy, and urinary and bowel problems.
Pioneer women used it to aid menstruation. |
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Remedies For |
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Alterative, diuretic, antipyretic,
hemostatic
May reduce
cholesterol
Help prevent Heart
disease
Help prevent some
strokes
Studies done at University of California at Davis found
that alfalfa extracts with a lot of manganese definitely improved
the condition of a diabetic who failed to respond to insulin.
Clinical nutritionists have clearly demonstrated that
alfalfa meal helped monkeys, who was fed food rich in cholesterol,
from getting atherosclerosis. It was also found to reduce the serum
cholesterol levels.
Alfalfa had been used traditionally for treating
infections resulting from surgical incisions, bed sores and inner
ear problems. |
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Description |
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Alfalfa is a perennial herb found on the
edges of fields. It is widely cultivated by farmers for livestock
feed. It grows to a height of a foot or more. The erect, smooth stem
grows from an elongated taproot. The flowers are blue to purple
during the summer months. It produces a characteristic spirally
coiled seed pods.
Some Herbalists believe
that alfalfa is the "Big Daddy of 'em all" in terms of nutritional
value. The plant is so rich in Calcium that the ashes of its leaves
are almost 99% pure Calcium. |
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Dosage |
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When high cholesterol or diabetes is the
problem, take 2 capsules of good quality alfalfa powder with every
meal.
For treating infections, make fresh juice from raw
alfalfa sprouts whipped un in a blender. Take 4-6 oz of this juice
orally or apply to the site of infection.
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