Littleflower's American Folk Remedies

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ALFALFA Medicago sativa

Also known as: Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Mu-Su

With a wide array of amino acids, vitamins and a full spectrum of minerals & trace minerals, Alfalfa is used for a wide variety of beneficial purposes, including anemia, arthritis, as a general tonic, and to build resistance to infections.

Common use: Anemia; arthritis; bursitis; digestive disorders; neutralizes acidity; intestinal disorders; colitis; appetite stimulant; blood purifier; skin disorders; fatigue; convalescence; stimulates & nourishes pituitary gland; arteriosclerosis; Celiac disease.

Alfalfa's storehouse of nutrients allows it to be used to support the body against physical & mental fatigue; act as an effective deodorizer for breath & body odors; aid digestion & relieve peptic ulcers; used to remove poisons and their effects in the body. One source noted that recent French studies have found it can reduce tissue damage caused by radiation exposure. For women, Alfalfa can help with menopausal symptoms (contains phytoestrogens), nourishes ovaries, as well as increase & enrich mother's milk. Animal studies also indicate that Alfalfa may prove beneficial for heart disease and stroke, as they show that Alfalfa leaves help reduce blood cholesterol levels & plaque deposits on artery walls.

History: Alfalfa has been part of traditional medicine for centuries. According to The Little Herb Encyclopedia, "As early as 1597, English herbalist John Gerard, recommended Alfalfa for upset stomachs." Not only has Alfalfa been used for many centuries, it has also been used in numerous cultures. Records show that the Colombians used it for coughs, while the Costonoan Indians made a poultice for earaches from it.

Current Traditional Use: Alfalfa is said to contain all of the known vitamins and minerals for life, though some are just trace amounts. The liquid extract is considered a good mineral supplement for those who are fasting.

Alfalfa leaves contain high sources of beta-carotene, which is good for a healthy immune system, skin and internal mucous membranes. Because of its high Chlorophyll content, it is generally thought to be a natural deodorizer, and is also said to be a natural infection fighter due to its high levels of Vitamin A.

Tea: Pour one cup of boiling water over 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful of herbs and allow to steep 4 to 7 minutes; strain. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups daily; one before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired, add honey and/or lemon to suit taste.

To prepare as "instant" tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful of herbal powder. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups daily; one before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired, add honey and/or lemon to suit taste.

Capsules: Take as an addition to the daily diet. Take 1 or 2 capsules three times daily with water at mealtimes.

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