Other names: Lucerne, Purple Medick.

Lucerne is a nutritive herb which contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B2, K, C and D; calcium, potassium, copper, iron and phosphorus. It is used extensively as a fodder crop for cattle and its only more recently that its beneficial effects for humans been noted.

Healing uses:
Alfalfa is an excellent internal cleanser. A tea made from alfalfa and buchu will assist in the healing of urinary infections, and alfalfa and peppermint tea will aid digestion and ease indigestion. Consuming alfalfa tea regularly will also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fresh alfalfa leaves are best for these purposes, but dried leaves are fine. Simply brew in a teapot as you would regular tea, adjusting the quantity according to individual taste.

An oestrogen-like substance found in alfalfa can help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, it needs to be taken in a fairly concentrated form to be of any use. A concentrated extract from the leaf, available in health food shops, can be used. 1/4 of this daily is sufficient.

Alfalfa in any form helps combat anaemia, due to its iron content.

Cautions:
While the oestrogen-like substance found in alfalfa can be beneficial to some women, it can be harmful to other individuals. Those not wanting to the oestrogen effects from alfalfa should keep away from the concentrated herb. However, a very large amount of the non-concentrated herb would be necessary for the oestrogen to have any effect.

Other uses:
Alfalfa leave are a tasty and very nutritious addition to any salad. Likewise alfalfa sprouts, widely available from supermarkets, are a healthy addition. They also provide an excellent source of protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans who may have trouble obtaining protein elsewhere.

Growing Alfalfa:
It is very easy to grow, either in the home garden, or in huge fields. Sow the seed in free draining soil and let be. It has a vigorous deep root system and is very beneficial as a rotation crop that adds nitrogen to the soil.
 

Index
Quick Reference
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera
Arnica
Asafoetida
Betel Leaves
Bishop’s Weed
Blessed Thistle
Burcock
Cascara Sagrada
Cardamom
Chamomile
Chaparral
Chicory
Cinnamon
Comfrey
Coriander
Curry Leaves
Dandelion
Damiana
Echinacea
Euphrasia
Fenugreek
Garlic
Ayurvedic Garlic
Ginger
Aurvedic Ginger
Ginko Biloba
Ginseng
Gotu Kola
Guarana
Henna
Holy Basil
Hoodia Gordonii
Horny Goat Weed
Hyssop
Isapghula
Kalonji
Kava
Lavender
Liquorice
Mullien
Sage
Sandalwood
Sarsaparilla
St Johns Wort
Tee Tree
Thyme
Tribulus
Turmeric