Alfalfa Leaf
Posted by Hazel Correll on Sunday, May 30, 2010
Under: Bulk Herbs
Considered an herbal remedy for appetite loss. Used historically in Chinese and
Indian medicine for digestive problems. Gaining popularity for its apparent
cholesterol lowering properties. Its estrogen mimicking action has resulted in
its use as a herbal remedy for menopause symptoms. Good source of Vitamins A,
B1, B6, C, E, and K plus calcium, potassium, iron and zinc.1
Eliminate bloating and water retention with Alfalfa Leaf - the "Father of all Foods." This excellent source of nutrients will help boost a sluggish appetite, relieve constipation and the swelling that often accompanies rheumatism and arthritis. It is most helpful in treating kidney and urinary tract infection and will help detoxify the body, especially the liver.
Beneficial Uses:
Alfalfa is a good laxative and natural diuretic that promotes urine flow and is often used to treat urinary tract infections and eliminate excess retained water.
Alfalfa is especially useful for replacing vitamin K that is depleted during treatment with a wide variety of drugs, including antibiotics.
Alfalfa acts as a blood purifier and has helped many arthritis sufferers.
The action as a detoxifier and blood purifier has been found to be beneficial for a variety of illnesses, including liver disorders, breath odor, infections, disorders of the bones and joints and skin ailments.
Alfalfa has an alkalizing effect on the body. It is a great source of mineral supplements that are all alkaline, which has a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract, thereby easing digestive problems, such as upset stomach, gastritis and indigestion.
Alfalfa contains a high calcium and magnesium content, and studies have shown that migraines may be prevented and/or reduced when these two minerals are combined. All the minerals are in a balanced form, which also promotes absorption.
Herbalists have long used Alfalfa Leaf to treat ulcers, as the bioflavonoids found in Alfalfa reduce inflammation of the stomach lining and build capillary strength, while Alfalfa's vitamin A helps to maintain the stomach's overall health. The herb's enzymes aid in food assimulation. During the Han Dynasty (200 A.D.), Alfalfa was used to treat ulcers and continues in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen the digestive tract and stimulate the appetite.
Alfalfa is said to lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques (by blocking cholesterol's absorption into the body from the intestines), balance blood sugar (especially when taken with manganese) and promote pituitary gland function.
Alfalfa is an immune-system stimulant that promotes normal blood clotting; and the vitamin K content helps treat bleeding gums and nosebleed, but does not interfere with normal circulation. The bioflavonoids found in Alfalfa are believed to build capillary strength.
Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens, and the herb has had some estrogenic activity in women whose own sex hormone production has declined; thus Alfalfa has helped many women with the discomforts of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. The Vitamin K2 found in Alfalfa may also partially prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.
Contraindications:
Alfalfa should not be taken by those who have autoimmune problems (lupus, etc.), nor should it be taken by pregnant women. Ingestion of very large amounts (the equivalent of several servings)
of the seed and/or sprouts or supplements has been linked to the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the autoimmune illness characterized by inflamed joints and a risk of damage
to kidneys and other organs. The chemical responsible for this effect is believed to be canavanine. Alfalfa should be avoided in patients with hormone sensitive cancers, and due to the high content of purines, Alfalfa should be avoided in patients with gout. Do not take Alfalfa without first talking to your doctor if you are taking: Azathioprine (examples: Imuran), Cyclosporine (examples: Sandimmune, Neoral, Sang Cya), Blood thinning medicines (examples: warfarin (Coumadin) and Prednisone. Alfalfa may lower the amount of potassium that you have in your blood, and it may cause you to have belly pain, pass more gas or have larger and more frequent bowel movements (BMs). It may also cause you to have diarrhea (loose BMs).
Eliminate bloating and water retention with Alfalfa Leaf - the "Father of all Foods." This excellent source of nutrients will help boost a sluggish appetite, relieve constipation and the swelling that often accompanies rheumatism and arthritis. It is most helpful in treating kidney and urinary tract infection and will help detoxify the body, especially the liver.
Beneficial Uses:
Alfalfa is a good laxative and natural diuretic that promotes urine flow and is often used to treat urinary tract infections and eliminate excess retained water.
Alfalfa is especially useful for replacing vitamin K that is depleted during treatment with a wide variety of drugs, including antibiotics.
Alfalfa acts as a blood purifier and has helped many arthritis sufferers.
The action as a detoxifier and blood purifier has been found to be beneficial for a variety of illnesses, including liver disorders, breath odor, infections, disorders of the bones and joints and skin ailments.
Alfalfa has an alkalizing effect on the body. It is a great source of mineral supplements that are all alkaline, which has a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract, thereby easing digestive problems, such as upset stomach, gastritis and indigestion.
Alfalfa contains a high calcium and magnesium content, and studies have shown that migraines may be prevented and/or reduced when these two minerals are combined. All the minerals are in a balanced form, which also promotes absorption.
Herbalists have long used Alfalfa Leaf to treat ulcers, as the bioflavonoids found in Alfalfa reduce inflammation of the stomach lining and build capillary strength, while Alfalfa's vitamin A helps to maintain the stomach's overall health. The herb's enzymes aid in food assimulation. During the Han Dynasty (200 A.D.), Alfalfa was used to treat ulcers and continues in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen the digestive tract and stimulate the appetite.
Alfalfa is said to lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques (by blocking cholesterol's absorption into the body from the intestines), balance blood sugar (especially when taken with manganese) and promote pituitary gland function.
Alfalfa is an immune-system stimulant that promotes normal blood clotting; and the vitamin K content helps treat bleeding gums and nosebleed, but does not interfere with normal circulation. The bioflavonoids found in Alfalfa are believed to build capillary strength.
Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens, and the herb has had some estrogenic activity in women whose own sex hormone production has declined; thus Alfalfa has helped many women with the discomforts of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. The Vitamin K2 found in Alfalfa may also partially prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.
Contraindications:
Alfalfa should not be taken by those who have autoimmune problems (lupus, etc.), nor should it be taken by pregnant women. Ingestion of very large amounts (the equivalent of several servings)
of the seed and/or sprouts or supplements has been linked to the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the autoimmune illness characterized by inflamed joints and a risk of damage
to kidneys and other organs. The chemical responsible for this effect is believed to be canavanine. Alfalfa should be avoided in patients with hormone sensitive cancers, and due to the high content of purines, Alfalfa should be avoided in patients with gout. Do not take Alfalfa without first talking to your doctor if you are taking: Azathioprine (examples: Imuran), Cyclosporine (examples: Sandimmune, Neoral, Sang Cya), Blood thinning medicines (examples: warfarin (Coumadin) and Prednisone. Alfalfa may lower the amount of potassium that you have in your blood, and it may cause you to have belly pain, pass more gas or have larger and more frequent bowel movements (BMs). It may also cause you to have diarrhea (loose BMs).
In : Bulk Herbs