Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Fabaceae

Cooling Moist Bitter Yin

Alterative Anti-inflammatory Galactagouge

Diuretic Nutritive Phytoestrogenic 
Edible Wild Plant 

The name Alfalfa is actually Arabic meaning “Father Of All Foods”. This would be an indicator as to how strong and powerful this common plant really is. It's roots often grow a 100 feet down into the Earth. This means that where Alfalfa grows, it is abundant in picking up minerals and rich soil will exist there. Alfalfa is a very strong source of chlorophyll. Alfalfa sprouts are grown and sold readily at most markets. They are very easy to grow indeed. 

To Sprout:

Throw some Alfalfa seeds in a glass quart jar and rinse them everyday. Leave them on the counter. They will begin to sprout and will be ready after the hulls rinse off easily.

This herb is mineral rich, having been a staple for livestock. Humans should be eating more plants and this one is very nourishing. It will strengthen bones, hair,skin,nails and all connective tissues.

Alfalfa will lend its support to anemia, convalescence, arthritis, fatigue, menopause, osteoporosis...and more.

It feeds the body with its nutrients and it also cleanses and cools the joints and removes uric acid and other deposits. This makes the joints feel healthier and pain free. It is alkalizing to the bloodstream. It helps to remove toxins from the body. This action helps to eradicate gout.

With its high chlorophyll content, it will naturally cleanse the digestive tract and will greatly reduce halitosis and body odor if present.

The phytoestrogens that are naturally present in Alfalfa will help to regulate hormonal imbalances that may occur during menopause. Normalizing to hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. It is a galactagouge, meaning that it will increase breast milk. Contains Vitamin K which will help the blood to clot. This is helpful during pregnancy.

Alfalfa has been known to stimulate the pituitary gland.

The plant helps you to assimilate!

Preparation:

Dry it out for tea or add in smoothies.

Add fresh raw Alfalfa into smoothies, soups or salads.

Macerate in apple cider vinegar to extract minerals.

Alfalfa Elixir 

 Use your Alfalfa vinegar to make salad dressings or add 1 TBSP to soups and stews. Alfalfa vinegar would also be good to take if you have arthritis. Take 1 tsp. Of Alfalfa vinegar to 1 tsp. of honey in 1 cup of warm water.
This elixir will help to cleanse the joints of unwanted deposits and inflammation.
Drink your elixir first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Contraindications:
It contains coumarin, meaning that it thins the blood. Beware of taking with blood thinning medications.

©Anne Calzada Herbalist
healingheartherbs.com