ALFALFA

ALFALFA INFORMATION

Information about the herb Alfalfa

Medicago sativa, also known as Buffalo Herb is part of the Papilionacae plant family. Alfalfa is widely grown throughout the world. It is a perennial plant native to Central and Western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean region but was originally found in Medea, Spain, Italy and France.

General Information

Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
Common Name: Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic
Plant Family: Papilionacae (a member of the pea family)
History:

• The first recorded mention of Alfalfa is in a book by the Emperor of China written in 2939 BC
• It was imported into Greece from the East, after Darius discovered discovered it in Medea (from where it gets its botanical name Medicago).
• The Arabs gave Alfalfa its name which means 'father of all foods' and fed it to their horses to make them run faster.

FolkLore:
In folk lore Alfalfa was used:

• ashes burnt and scattered around a property to protect it
• used in Wicca rites to protect the home from poverty and hunger

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Plant Constituents of Alfalfa
Contains:

• calcium
• carotene
• chlorophyll
• choline
• coumarin derivatives
• eight essential amino acids
• flavones
• iron
• isoflavones (estrogen-like effects) 
• lime
• magnesium 
• phosphorus
• protein (high protein content)
• potassium
• saponins (2–3%) 
• silicon
• sodiums
• sterols
• vitamins A, D, B1, B6, E, K, U
• zinc

and the essential enzymes:

• amylase (acts on starch)
• coagulase (coagulates milk and clots blood)
• emulsin (acts on sugar)
• invertase (changes cane sugar to dextrose
• lipase (splits fat)
• pectinase (forms vegetable jelly from pectin)
• peroxidase (has an oxidizing effect on the blood)
• protease (digests proteins)

Action: Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Promotes pituitary gland function and contains an anti-fungus agent.

• anti-anemic [agent to relieve anemia]
• appetizer [an agent that excites the appetite]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine]
• galactagogue [an agent to increase mammary gland function]
• laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels]
• nutrient [gives nourishment]
• tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]

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Usage of Alfalfa
Medicinal Part used: Whole herb and leaf
Alfalfa has been used  extensively over the years in India, and has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to:

• relieve fluid retention and swelling
• treat kidney stones

Alfalfa is commonly used for:
Blood Conditions

• anemia (with Nettles and Oatstraw)
• blood thinner
• boils
• helps the blood clot

Brain and Nervous System Conditions

• recuperation of narcotic and alcohol addiction

Cardiovascular Conditions

• heart disease
• prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques
• stroke

Female Conditions

• late or irregular menstruation
• menopausal symptoms
• stimulates lactation (milk supply) in nursing mothers

Fungal Conditions

• anti-fungal

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• appetite stimulant for loss of appetite
• bowel problems
• digestive disorders
• dyspepsia
• peptic ulcers
• poor assimilation of nutrients
• poor digestion
• regulates the bowels
• relieves gastric ulcers
• stomach upset

Genitourinary Conditions

• eliminates retained water
• fluid retention and swelling
• kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders
• kidney cleanser
• kidney stones
• relieves urinary problems
• urinary tract infections 

Glandular Conditions

• nourishes pituitary gland
• promotes pituitary gland function

Immune System Conditions

• hay fever

Inflammatory Conditions

• arthritis

Liver Conditions

• blocks absorption of cholesterol
• detoxifies the the liver
• jaundice

Male Conditions

• prostrate disorders

Respiratory Tract Conditions

• asthma

Other Conditions

• alkalizes and detoxifies the body
• cancer (binds carcinogens in the colon to help speed up their elimination from the body)
• debility
• diabetes
• overall tonic for general health
• fatigue
• stimulates the growth of supportive connective tissue
• weight gain

Other Uses:

• sprouts used in salad

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Precautions
Caution:

Alfalfa should not be eaten by pregnant or nursing women or young children due to:

• its ability to bring on menstruation (periods)
• the estrogenic effects of some of Alfalfa's components

Drug Interactions:
Do not use Alfalfa without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:

• Warfarin (Coumadin) (the high vitamin K content in Alfalfa could make the drug less effective)

Source :  globalherbal 


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Keistimewaan Alfalfa: Khasiat Alfalfa Shaklee

Alfalfa merupakan herba tradisional masyarakat barat, Ia digunakan untuk tujuan kesihatan terutamanya bagi wanita baru bersalin. Oleh kerana alfalfa mempunyai 1001 kebaikan, Dr.Shaklee merumuskan alfalfa menjadi supplement Alfalfa Shaklee yang memberi manfaat kepada jutaan pengguna. Alfalfa kaya dengan vitamin & mineral. Alfalfa Shaklee Mengandungi vitamin B, C, E dan K dalam jumlah yang seimbang.  Ia juga mengandungi mineral Kalsium, Magnesium, Kalium, Fosforus dan Zat Besi, Flourida, Protein, Mineral Surih, Serat, Asid Lemak dan Antioksidan. Alfalfa bermanfaat dalam penyerapan protein, dan karbohidrat. Alfalfa juga bertindak sebagai pembersih darah. 

Antara khasiat Alfalfa Shaklee ialah: 

1.    Merawat masalah pencernaan

2.    Mengawal kadar kolestrol dalam darah

3.    Menghapuskan kolestrol buruk 'LDL' dari tubuh

4.    Mengurangkan risiko penyakit jantung dan strok

5.    Bagus untuk pesakit diabetes kerana mengurangkan paras gula dalam darah

6.    Mencegah edema - Pengumpulan air dalam badan

7.    Mengurangkan simptom menopous

8.    Merawat asthma dan lain-lain masalah pernafasan

9.    Merawat masalah sembelit.

10.  Menyahkan toksin dalam tubuh

11.  Mengurangkan kesakitan otot dan sendi

12.  Meningkatkan sistem pertahanan tubuh

13.  Membantu masalah penghadaman

14.  Membantu membanyakkan susu (milk booster)

15.  Mengurangkan masalah pundi kencing

16.  Mengurangkan masalah gastrik dan gangguan hati

17.  Meningkatkan kesihatan prostat

18.  Bertindak seperti kacip fatimah kepada wanita

19.  Menghangatkan hubungan suami isteri

20.  Membantu tingkatkan kesihatan lelaki

Ada bermacam jenama Alfalfa di pasaran, kenapa Alfalfa Shaklee adalah yang terbaik?

1.  Sumber terbaik dari daun alfalfa (tanpa akar dan batang)

2.  Alfalfa Shaklee ditanam tanpa semburan bahan kimia

3.  Di sediakan dalam dua pek bersaiz 330 biji dan 700 biji  

4.  Pil boleh dihancurkan dan dicampur dengan air sebagai minuman herba semulajadi

5.  Tidak memberi mudarat kepada bayi yang menyusu seperti panas dan cirit-birit

6.  Alfalfa Shaklee tiada perasa tiruan, pemanis, pewarna dan pengawet tiruan.

7.  Membersihkan hati

8.  Membantu melengkapakan zat dan nutrient dalam pemakanan seseorang

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Kebaikan Alfalfa Shaklee

Alfalfa adalah raja segala tumbuhan. Ianya sesuai dimakan oleh wanita tak kira anak dara atau yang sudah berkahwin & melahirkan anak. Tapi, kalau kita nak dapat khasiat & kebaikan alfalfa ni, kena ikut cara pemakanan yang betul. Bukan main hentam je. Berikut adalah antara khasiat alfalfa:

 ~ Bertindak seperti kacip fatimah 

~ Milk Booster bagi ibu menyusu

~ Melegakan sakit sendi dan belakang. 

~ Menghilangkan kelesuan dan tekanan. 

~ Memberi kelegaan semasa haid. 

~ Memulihkan urat selepas bersalin

~ Bagus untuk elergi dan ekzema 

~ Merawat asma 

~ Mencuci usus bagi membuang toksik 

~ Membantu masalah penghadaman dan pencernaan

~ Meneutralkan asid dalam badan 

~ Membesar dan menegangkan payudara

~ Melegakan sembelit 

~ Memberi sensasi ‘rasa sejuk’

~ Mengatasi masalah kekeringan semasa bersama suami