The Incredible Benefits Of The Alfalfa Herb
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It is also called Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic. The ancient Greeks used it to treat bladder and kidney conditions. The Chinese use alfalfa to treat kidney stones. But it is best known as alfalfa herb, Arabic for ‘father of all foods.’ So what about this plentiful weed would give it such a prestigious name?
Following are just some of the alfalfa benefits. First, alfalfa contains many valuable minerals such as iron (needed in hemoglobin), calcium and phosphorus (bone and teeth health), potassium (muscle tone and nerves), manganese (lowers blood sugar levels), chlorides (regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism), sodium (regulates fluid balance), and silicon magnesium (stimulates brain function). Second, alfalfa is rich in vitamins A (eye health), B6 (stimulates protein and fat metabolism), D (regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body), E (heart and cardiovascular health), K (blood clotting and liver functions), and U (treats peptic ulcers).
Eight essential enzymes are contained within alfalfa: Amylase (acts on starches), Coagulase (clots blood), Emulsin (acts upon sugar), Invertase (converts cane sugar to dextrose), Lipase (fat splitting), Pectinase (forms vegetable jelly), Peroxidate (oxidizing effect of the blood), and Protase (digests proteins). The four food groups (proteins, fats, starches and sugars) are in turn digested by these. Protein and fiber are also plentiful within alfalfa.
The chlorophyll, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins all aid digestion and help stimulate appetites and fight bad bacteria. As a mild diuretic and laxative, alfalfa may improve appetite and relieve some causes of swelling. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, as well as problems with the kidneys, bladder, and prostate. Alfalfa has anti-inflammatory qualities and thus can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis. Alfalfa helps lower cholesterol by attracting it to itself before the cholesterol can stick to vessel walls.
Alfalfa’s richness is especially beneficial to health needs related to child birth. It will relieve morning sickness, anemia, heartburn, and constipation. The vitamin K both reduces postpartum bleeding and increase the K level in the baby. Alfalfa will also reduce swelling, balance blood sugar levels, and increase and sustain lactation. Menopausal women have found alfalfa reduces hot flashes as well.
Alfalfa may be taken as bulk herbs, in liquid, tablet, or capsule form, as well as ingesting the raw leaves in food or as a tea. One caution: because if its potential blood thinning effect, alfalfa is not recommended for people with lupus. An herb with such potential for beneficial health surely deserves a try, wouldn’t you say?
Tags: natural remedy for depression, natural healingremedies, natural remedy for diabetes
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