Alfalfa has been around forever! 

Alfalfa is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Hay is made from alfalfa; it’s made by allowing the plants to grow until their early bloom, then they’re harvested dried and cured. It’s also a highly-nutritious food for humans, and has been used as an herbal medicine for at least 1500 years!

The word Alfalfa is Spanish and was derived from the Arabic word that means “Father of All Foods.” Sometimes called lucerne, buffalo herb, or Medicago sativa, alfalfa is a member of the pea family.  It is the most cultivated legume in the world, with the United States being the largest producer.

It's very high in chlorophyll and protein!

The extensive root system of the alfalfa plant allows it to absorb a high level of nutrients from the soil. They contain a concentration of all the B-vitamins, A, C, D, E and K. Alfalfa is a source of iron, niacin, folic acid, biotin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous potassium, beta carotene and flavonoids.

Alfalfa has the highest chlorophyll content of any plant. Compared to other plants, alfalfa leaf is very high in protein, especially when dried. Alfalfa also contains essential amino acids that are not made by the body but must be obtained from food sources. In China, it’s used as an appetite stimulant and as a treatment for digestive disorders, especially ulcers.

Ancient Indian texts show that Alfalfa seeds and sprouts were prescribed for improving blood cell production and its leaves and stems as a good source of proteins and minerals. Ayurvedic medicine used it as an herbal treatment for ulcers, to alleviate the pain of arthritis, and a treatment for fluid retention. Native Americans used the seeds as a nutritious additive to their meals. Herbal physicians in the early 19th century used it in their tonic mixes.

Edible sprouts!

This is one plant where the outer leaves and roots not only have medicinal properties, but their sprouts are edible. Alfalfa sprouts may be small but they’re mighty. And low in calories. A single serving of alfalfa sprouts provides nearly 15% of the daily required intake of vitamin C, making sprouts a great immune booster. By stimulating the production of white blood cells, alfalfa sprouts may help protect the body from infections and inflammation.

Are you aware that your immune system is amazingly complex?

It is! It can recognize and remember millions of different enemies, and it can produce secretions (release of fluids) and cells to match up with and wipe out nearly all of them. When our immune system is working properly, we don’t even notice it. It’s when the performance of our immune system is compromised that we face illness.

Obviously, the goal is to stay healthy. Get more sleep, work on lowering your stress level (easier said than done however it’s worth a try!), give your system good, regular nourishment with as many vitamins and nutrients as possible, and add in some immune boosters to help you seek and destroy those unwanted visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•    improving digestive health
•    reducing inflammation
•    enhancing kidney function
•    improving cardiovascular health
•    detoxing the urinary tract
•    supporting healthy blood sugar levels
•    supporting the pituitary gland
•    faster wound healing

Scientific research confirms the effectiveness of medicago sativa as a natural treatment for high cholesterol. Studies have shown that alfalfa may reduce blood sugar levels due to its high manganese content.

If you'd like to check out some products that contain alfalfa, please visit these links:

Ultimate Vita/Min by Professional Botanicals
Green Complex by Professional Botanicals
Multi Plus by Dynamic Nutritional Associates (DNA Labs)
MultiPlex Complete by NuMedica
Mental Clarity+ by Professional Botanicals
Mineral Complex by Professional Botanicals
Vitamin B Complex by Professional Botanicals

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Note: The content of this article, and additional content on this website, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking help because of something you read here on this website.