Where does alfalfa come from?
alfalfa (Medicago sativa), also called alfalfa but also big Cloveror sainfoin, would originate from Central and South Asia but is cultivated all over the world. Evidence of alfalfa cultivation has been found almost 10,000 years ago in the Caucasus.
Over the centuries, its culture has spread throughout the world. Alfalfa has been used as fodder for livestock for hundreds of years, especially for horse feed. Indeed, this legume is known and recognized for its high in protein and fiber.
Alfalfa is also used in the composition of our salads in the form of sprouted seeds, it is its seeds and the juice from its foliage that are used for medicinal purposes.
What are the benefits of alfalfa?
Alfalfa is used in herbal medicine for internal use. Indeed, alfalfa is rich in vitamin K, blood clotting vitamin. It also contains phytoestrogens like coumestrol, which help in the growth and renewal of bone tissue. It is therefore particularly useful for women when menopause to prevent osteoporosis. More generally, it is recommended for thin, malnourished, devitalized and tired women.
Alfalfa is rich in antioxidants, which have a positive effect on the fight against free radicals, cellular aging and therefore on cardiovascular diseases. Finally, there are saponins in its composition, cholesterol-lowering substances, as well as many trace elements and minerals (zinc, copper, iron, phosphorus).
When should alfalfa be used?
- Alfalfa is recommended for people suffering fromanemia orfunctional asthenia. Doing two cures of three weeks a year helps boost the body and regain renewed energy. For this, take 20 drops of liquid alfalfa extract in a little water before each meal or infuse 10 g of dried alfalfa in a bowl of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- In infusion, it also helps you to fight againstosteoporosisTHE brittle nails and hairTHE hot flashes menopause, thanks to its calcium and phytoestrogen content.
- In cooked leaf salad, alfalfa can both reduce bad cholesterol thanks to saponin andincrease good cholesterol levels in the blood.
- You can also consume alfalfa in the form of raw germinated seeds, very rich in minerals, which will be effective in the fight against bad breath in periodontal disease
You can also take alfalfa capsules.
What are the contraindications of alfalfa?
Alfalfa should be avoided in immunocompromised people. It is also prohibited in patients suffering from systemic lupus (or acute systemic lupus erythematosus), which is an autoimmune disease.
Furthermore, the consumption of its raw leaves is not recommended for health reasons (potential presence of salmonella or Escherichia Coli).
It is also necessary avoid consuming ungerminated alfalfa seeds in excessive quantities. In rare cases, intestinal disorders and eczema are observed.
On the other hand, there have been no significant interactions between alfalfa and other drugs or plants.
Source :
Medicinal Plants at Home: More Than 100 Easy, Practical, and Efficient Natural Remedies, María Tránsito López Luengo and Carlota Mánez, Simon and Schuster
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