Latin Name
Medicago sativa
Growing, Cultivation,
and Harvest
It is not picky as to soil, but it does prefer full sun and
regular watering. The aerial (above ground) parts of the plant are used in
herbal medicine. I grew up growing alfalfa for our ranch in South Dakota. I
spent my summers stacking grass hay and alfalfa hay. My Grandmother made herbal
infusions and kept a small plot of alfalfa in her garden for organic purposes.
Alfalfa is an excellent plant to grow in your garden!
Easily grown and propagated, alfalfa adapts well to nearly
any garden, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions. It makes a good
drought-resistant plant too, as it doesn’t like wet feet. In fact, too much
moisture can lead to mold growth.
When growing alfalfa, choose an area with plenty of full
sun. Also look for a well-draining area with a soil pH level between 6.8 and
7.5. Prior to planting, you should clean the area, work the soil, and remove
any debris. Pure alfalfa seed can be purchased from most feed supply stores.
Those living in
cooler climates can plant alfalfa in spring while milder regions should opt for
fall planting. Since alfalfa roots quickly, it doesn’t require deep
planting—only about a half inch deep. Merely sprinkle the seeds evenly onto the
soil and cover lightly with dirt. Use about ¼ pound of seeds per 25 square feet
and space rows about 18-24 inches. You should begin to see sprouts within seven
to 10 days. Once seedlings have reached about six to 12 inches, thin them as
needed to avoid overcrowding issues. Unless growing alfalfa as hay for
livestock, allow it to grow until crops are ready to be planted or its purple
blooms appear, at which time you can simply mow it down and till it into the
soil or leave it. The alfalfa shoots will breakdown. This ‘green manure‘ will
then fertilize the soil as well as stimulate microbial activity, thus aerating
it too.
If planting alfalfa for livestock, it will need to be harvested and cured prior to flowering (known as early-bloom stage). It becomes more difficult for these animals to digest once the plant matures. Harvesting in this early-bloom stage also ensures the most optimal nutrient percentages, which is often found in the plant’s leaves. Do not cut alfalfa if rain is imminent, as this can damage the crop. Rainy weather can lead to issues with mold. Quality alfalfa hay should possess good green color and leafiness as well as a pleasant aroma and thin, pliable stems. Once harvested, the ground will need to be turned before next season’s planting takes place.
If planting alfalfa for livestock, it will need to be harvested and cured prior to flowering (known as early-bloom stage). It becomes more difficult for these animals to digest once the plant matures. Harvesting in this early-bloom stage also ensures the most optimal nutrient percentages, which is often found in the plant’s leaves. Do not cut alfalfa if rain is imminent, as this can damage the crop. Rainy weather can lead to issues with mold. Quality alfalfa hay should possess good green color and leafiness as well as a pleasant aroma and thin, pliable stems. Once harvested, the ground will need to be turned before next season’s planting takes place.
Alfalfa has few pest problems; however, the alfalfa weevil
can cause serious damage. In addition, the stem nematode can infest and weaken
stem buds.
The Science of the
Active Ingredients
* Anodyne * Anti-inflammatory * AntiCancer *
Antioxidant * Antirheumatic * Depurative * Diuretic *
Emmenagogue * estrogenic * Galactagogue
Alfalfa leaf contains a broad spectrum of nutrients,
including considerable quantities of protein, trace mineral and vitamins,
dietary fiber and chlorophyll, which serves as an antioxidant in the
bloodstream. The deep root system absorbs minerals from the soil resulting in a
plant rich in vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber and protein.
Alfalfa leaf is rich in protein and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Alfalfa extract is
a good source of chlorophyll and carotene. It is important to insist on
certified organic alfalfa, since the plant concentrates cadmium, copper, lead,
nickel, and zinc when it is grown in contaminated soils.
How to Take
Getting alfalfa into one's diet is not at all complicated.
It can be taken in many different forms. A popular way to get this herb into
the system would be to drink brewed tea daily. For added benefits and a better
taste, a helpful suggestion would be to brew alfalfa tea with another flavored
tea, as while the health benefits of this herb are extremely apparent, the
taste can be slightly bland. This herb can also be taken in capsule form, in
much the same way a person might consume their daily multi vitamin. This is a
great way of gaining all the health benefits every day. Dried Alfalfa is as
good, if not better, than fresh Alfalfa so capsules are a great way to take it.
Alfalfa can also be mixed in with different foods. Salads, soups, casseroles,
or whatever one's heart desires can be made healthier without hardly any change
in taste. The alfalfa herb is very mild in flavor so can be used in many
different ways.
Alfalfa can be taken in capsules, teas or eaten
as fresh raw sprouts that have been rinsed thoroughly to remove mold. Alfalfa
tea is mild and good tasting, and blends well with many other tonic herbs like
nettle, mints, and citrus.
Health Benefits
Minerals
Not only does the alfalfa plant contain a full spectrum of
important vitamins, but it is also loaded with extremely important minerals
such as biotin, calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, and many
others. As if there needed to be another reason as to why it's so great, the
alfalfa plant is also super high in protein, especially when dried. The alfalfa
plant has an unusual, extensive root system that can reach as far as 60 feet
into the soil. This is what allows the plant to absorb more vitamins and
minerals than the average plant, further giving credentials to its Arabic title
as, "The king of all foods."
Diuretic
The alfalfa plant, along with many other ancient herbs, has
a list of health benefits that are nearly endless. It has been found that
regularly ingesting alfalfa can aid in flushing the bowels of built up toxins.
In addition, the alfalfa herb has been used widely for diuretic purposes. This
is especially common among people who had been experiencing things like heavy
water retention or urinary tract infections. Using a natural herb as a laxative
or diuretic is much more beneficial than using an over the counter remedy,
because there aren't any added chemicals or compounds that could further
irritate the situation.
Lowers cholesterol
The alfalfa herb is believed to have a direct connection to
lowering cholesterol. The alfalfa herb is very good at detoxifying and better at
purifying the blood. As a result, regular consumption of alfalfa can lower
blood pressure and balance hormones.
Additional benefits
The alfalfa plant has beneficial healing properties against
bad breath, sore or achy joints, imbalanced skin conditions, and it even
increases immune system functionality. When consumed regularly, it acts as an
alternative to over the counter pain medicines for headaches or migraines
because of its high calcium and magnesium levels. As anyone can see, consuming
alfalfa herb on a routine basis has an abundance of positive health results.
- Detoxifies the urinary tract
- Purifies the blood and liver
- Has a strong alkaline effect on the body
- Promotes bowel movement regularity and healthy hydration
- Eases general digestive problems
- Contains high levels of enzymes for food digestion and assimilation
- Lowers bad cholesterol, and reduces incidence of atherosclerotic plaque
- Supports healthy blood sugar levels, especially when taken with manganese
- Supports the pituitary gland
Uses
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used alfalfa leaf to
stimulate the appetite and relieve ulcers. Indian Ayurvedic medicine has used
alfalfa leaf to relieve water retention, arthritis, and ulcers. Colonial
Americans used the plant to fight scurvy, menstrual difficulties, arthritis,
and urinary problems.
Native Americans used the seeds as a thickening paste and
nutrient additive. Herbal physicians in 19th century America used alfalfa as an
ingredient in general tonics. At home, alfalfa seeds were ground into a
poultice used to soothe insect bites. Nursing mothers have also used the leaf,
which is believed to help stimulate the flow of breast milk.
Nutritious fresh or dried leaf tea traditionally used to
promote appetite, weight gain, diuretic, stops bleeding.
A source of commercial chlorophyll and carotene, both with
valid health claims. Contains the anti-oxidant tricin.
High in chlorophyll and nutrients. Alkalizes the body and
detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Good for all colon disorders,
anemia, hemorrhaging, indigestion, vitamin or mineral deficiency, laxative,
cystitis, blood purifier, gas, edema, diabetes, ulcers, and arthritis. Promotes
pituitary gland function. Contains an antifungus agent.
Spiritual Folklore
GENDER : Feminine.
PLANET : Venus.
ELEMENT : Earth.
Associated Deities: Dadga, Midhir
PLANET : Venus.
ELEMENT : Earth.
Associated Deities: Dadga, Midhir
Alfalfa is associated with earthly providence because its
roots penetrate so deep into the dirt. Adding fresh alfalfa sprouts to a meal
is thought to ground etheric energies and increase the physical sustenance of
foods. It’s also associated with psychic awareness and to attract animal
spirits.
Keep in the home to protect from poverty and hunger. It is best placed in the
cupboard or pantry.
Also used for success in money matters. Used for money
drawing. A traditional “luck” herb. Not powerful enough to be used alone,
this herb “plays well” with other herbs such as Basil, Patchouli and Goldenseal
helping to reinforce other luck and money herbs while adding a bit of
protective insurance.
Burn Alfalfa and scatter the ashes around the property for
this is used in spiritual abundance work.
Harvest a small quantity at the full moon. Dry and burn in the fire pit. Place ashes in a spiritual amulet. Weave together alfalfa strands to make an amulet to protect against poverty. Add alfalfa to your magical cooking to ward off disease, bring money into the home and when general grounding is desired.
Harvest a small quantity at the full moon. Dry and burn in the fire pit. Place ashes in a spiritual amulet. Weave together alfalfa strands to make an amulet to protect against poverty. Add alfalfa to your magical cooking to ward off disease, bring money into the home and when general grounding is desired.
In hoodoo, Alfalfa is used for money matters of all kinds,
from gambling, to business success, to obtaining a bank loan. It is also used
to prevent poverty. Place a pinch in your gris gris bag or mojo hand for
money luck.
Grow a pot of Alfalfa on your windowsill. If you’re
nervous about a meeting, drink a tea beforehand by placing two heaping
teaspoonfuls to a pint of hot water. Steep 10 minutes and strain.
Drinking this tea at other times will help you release your fears.
To bring about Good Fortune in all sorts of Money Matters,
both through Business Success and through Good Luck in Gambling. It is
particularly said to keep away poverty and prevent financial troubles. Some
folks tell us that that they like to sprinkle ALFALFA under the carpets in
their place of business to attract and hold Steady Paying Customers or Gain the
Boss’s Favor. Others say they carry a pinch of ALFALFA LEAVES in a green
flannel bag or in their pocket when they go to place a bet because they believe
that it will Bring in the Winnings.
Contraindications
Alfalfa Side Effects: If you
have lupus or are in remission, you shouldn't consume alfalfa seeds. Use
alfalfa only during its prebloom stages of growth. Alfalfa seeds should never
be eaten unless sprouted because they contain high levels of the toxic amino
acid canavanine.
Persons with autoimmune disease or hormonal cancer should
avoid alfalfa. Pregnant women and persons with gout should also avoid alfalfa.
Consult your healthcare provider before using alfalfa leaf if you are currently
taking any form of medication or dealing with an autoimmune disease.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with ALFALFA
Alfalfa contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is
used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood
clotting. By helping the blood clot, alfalfa might decrease the effectiveness
of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose
of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
- Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with ALFALFA
Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Alfalfa might
have some of the same effects as estrogen. But alfalfa isn't as strong as the
estrogen in birth control pills. Taking alfalfa along with birth control pills
might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you take birth
control pills along with alfalfa, use an additional form of birth control such
as a condom.
Some birth control pills include ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Triphasil), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), and others.
Some birth control pills include ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Triphasil), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), and others.
- Estrogens interacts with ALFALFA
Large amounts of alfalfa might have some of the same effects
as estrogen. But even large amount of alfalfa aren't as strong as estrogen
pills. Taking alfalfa along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of
estrogen pills.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
- Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ALFALFA
Alfalfa might increase the immune system. By increasing the
immune system, alfalfa might decrease the effectiveness of medications that
decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
- Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with ALFALFA
Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Large
doses of alfalfa might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Taking
alfalfa along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could
increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed
to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending
time in the sun.
Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Recipes
Infusion: mix 1
tbsp. dried alfalfa leaf herb with 8 oz. of warm water. Some drink 1 cup of
this home brewed tea daily to lower cholesterol.
Fresh: toss
alfalfa sprouts in a salad.
For relief of rheumatoid arthritis some people take 9 to 18
alfalfa tablets daily.
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