Alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a cool seasonal flowering plant that belongs to pea family Fabaceae. Alfalfa plant grow up to the height of 1 meter has deep root system that stretch up to 4.5 meters and grow as much as 130 feet in to the earth. ^{[1, 2]} Alfalfa has extremely high nutritive profile and one the most nutritious foods known. ^[3] Alfalfa is a vitality augmenter that helps to improve overall health, heartiness and liveliness.^[3]

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Extremely Rich Nutritional Profile

Alfalfa is one of the most famous mineral loaded foods known and contains chlorophyll and nutrient rich content. ^{[2, 3]} Alfalfa has tremendously uppermost nutritive value which includes Vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, niacin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, minerals, protein, saponins, amino acids, minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. ^[3] The rich nutritive profile of Alfalfa make it valuable dietary supplement.

Traditional Usage

Alfalfa has long been used for over 1,500 years in herbal medicine. In Chinese medicines it was used for variety of health problems related to kidneys and digestive tract. In ayurvedic medicine the leaves of Alfalfa are used to improve digestion. Alfalfa was supposed to be useful for the people suffering form bones and joint related problems and water retention. ^[1]

Health Qualities of Alfalfa

Cholesterol Lowering Effect

Alfalfa is the most studied plant and contains many important substances like saponins. Recent researches suggest that Alfalfa saponins help to inhibit increase cholesterol levels of the blood. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Good Source of Fiber

Alfalfa is also a good source of fiber and helps in cellular detoxification. ^{[2, 3]}

Effective for Blood Pressure

Alfalfa may have beneficial effects on blood pressure and normalize it within the normal range. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Supports Bones & Joint Health

Some researchers observed the estrogenic effects of Alfalfa that supports bones joint health. Prolong use of Alfalfa could noticeably help many people to deal with arthritis. ^{[2, 3]}

Promotes Detoxification

Alfalfa has good detoxifying property and supports liver health. ^{[2, 3]}

Good Appetite Stimulant

Alfalfa is well-known on the basis of its appetite stimulant effect and help to gain weight. ^{[1, 3]}

Estrogenic Property

As Alfalfa has phytoestrogenic effect, so it helps in production of more breast milk, relieves symptoms of menstrual cycle and menopause. ^{[1, 4]}

Other Therapeutic Effects of Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a good mineral supplement and has potential to aid the healing of intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver problems, skin problems, hemorrhoids, asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, constipation, body and breath odor, bleeding gums, infections, burns, eczema, athlete’s foot and various long standing problems. Alfalfa also acts as a diuretic, i.e. increases urine out put, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfalfa
2. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 63, 88. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
3. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 2, 91, 291. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
4. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 92, 186, 324. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.