Alfalfa is a perennial herb, and the benefits of alfalfa for health and wellbeing appear to be numerous. So, what is alfalfa used for?
Alfalfa’s health benefits have been recognised by various cultures around the world. It has been used to relieve fluid retention and swelling by the Chinese since the sixth century, and the Arabs regarded it as the ‘father of all foods’, and initially fed it to their horses to make them fast and strong.
The range of alfalfa health benefits appears to be quite extensive. Some research indicates that alfalfa can lower blood glucose, and alfalfa also contains chemicals that stick to cholesterol, and help to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Alfalfa is also used as a diuretic and a laxative, and some people have found that it is good for kidney, prostrate and bladder problems, as well as urinary tract infections. Alfafa leaf health benefits come from the fact that the leaves are very rich in minerals and other nutrients, including potassium, calcium, magnesium and carotene. The herb can also help to reduce fevers, and it contains natural fluoride, and may help to promote tooth health.
A minority of people have a negative reaction to oral supplements of alfalfa, and experience lupus-like symptoms. This is thought to be caused by the amino acid L-cavananine, which is present in the seeds and spouts, but not in the alfalfa leaves.
Sprouted alfalfa seeds are popular in salads. They are very high in fibre, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, and are very enzyme-rich. Alfalfa seeds are very easy to sprout, although they may be something of an acquired taste for some people.
Alfalfa also makes a good tea (just steep the leaves in hot water). Gardeners also use alfalfa tea to spray on their irises and delphiniums, and use whole alfalfa as a mulch for their flower beds.
As you can see, there are many benefits of alfafa, and it is very easy to use too.
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