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ALFALFA
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(Medicago sativa) Top
Pick
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Other Names
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Buffalo Grass, Buffalo Herb, Chilean Clover, Lucerne, Purple
Medic.
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Description
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Alfalfa is a perennial plant found in fields and valleys through out the
world. It is
also widely cultivated. Alfalfa grows 12 - 18 inches tall and it is a deep
feeder. There
have been reports of the roots reaching depths of 6 to 8 feet underground. The blue or purplish flowers
bloom from June through August, then producing a spiral coiled seed pod.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Alfalfa has disinfectant properties. Take to improve one’s appetite,
relieve cystitis, and constipation.
Use to treat arthritis and to help cure peptic ulcers. It
is also valued for its ability to alleviate allergic reactions to plants and grasses, as a
blood purifier, and as an important stomach ulcer remedy.
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Combinations
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Constituents
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Sapponins.
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Action
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Appetizer, Diuretic, Tonic.
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Food Values
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Vitamin's A, C, D, E, K, and Complex B’s, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron,
Zinc, Chlorophyll, Fluoride, and it contains 8 Essential Amino Acids.
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Part Used
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Leaves.
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Collection
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Harvest Alfalfa when it is in bloom. Cut plants back to within 3
inches of the ground, then hang them to dry.
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Preparation
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Capsule
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Take 3 - 6 capsules daily.
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Drink
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Mix 1 Tbsp of dried herb to a cup of warm water. Take once per
day.
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Fresh
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Eat fresh sprouts.
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. of herb. Infuse 10
minutes. Take
three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Alfalfa grows in loamy soil.
It will tolerate clay but not sand, which lacks the needed
nutrients. Prepare the soil with manure, then plant the seeds in the autumn in rows 18
inches apart. Young plants require regular watering, however, once the plants are
established they are fairly drought resistant.
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History
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The Arabs, discovered Alfalfa was useful in treating arthritis, and named it “The
Father of Foods.” It is also called “The King of the Plants.’ Alfalfa originated in Persia
and was brought to China by General Chang of the Chien of Han Dynasty. Alfalfa’s important healing
agents can be traced back to the writings of the Ancient Chinese.
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Additional Information
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1. One study suggests that Alfalfa helps neutralize carcinogens in the
intestine.
2. Another study by the “Journal of the National Cancer Institute” shows it
binds carcinogens in the colon to help speed up the elimination process.
3. Other studies show it helps to reduce blood cholesterol
levels. 4. Alfalfa also contains two chemicals that promote menstruation and may cause
miscarriage.
5. To date studies have been unable to verify its uses for treating ulcers,
bowel problems, asthma, hay-fever, or as a diuretic.
6. Bodybuilders and athletes have found Alfalfa an important part of their
nutritional regime.
7. In China this herb is called “Mu-Su” and it is used to strengthen
digestion, stimulate appetite and as an important remedy for stomach
ulcers.
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Cautions
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1. Do not take if you are pregnant as it causes uterine
contractions.
2. Known to aggravate lupus and other auto immune
diseases.
3. Alfalfa seeds contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine which
has been linked to kidney disorders.
4. Do not eat the seeds.
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Magick Information
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Gender
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Feminine
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Planet
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Venus
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Element
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Earth
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Deity
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None
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Powers
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Prosperity, Money
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Magickal Uses
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Keep Alfalfa in the home to protect against poverty and
hunger. Burn
it and scatter the ashes around your property to protect against poverty.
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