Alfalfa is not just one of The Little Rascals.  It is an amazing herb that has so many medicinal benefits it is an integral ingredient in our Premium Detox 7 Day Comprehensive Cleansing Program.  The roots of the alfalfa plant can reach down as far as twenty to thirty feet to reach minerals that are not readily available near the earth’s surface. It is rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.  Some of the minerals found in alfalfa are calcium, carotene, iron, potassium, niacin, folic acid, biotin, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc.  It is very high in protein.

Alfalfa was originally used by the Arabs who used to feed it to their horses in the belief that it would make them stronger and run faster.  The word Alfalfa comes from the Arabic phrase, al-fac-facah, which means “The father of all foods”.  It is believed that the plant originated in Northern Africa and there have been alfalfa remains found in Persian ruins that date back 6,000 years.

The Chinese have used this particular herb since the 6^th Century as an appetite stimulant, to treat fluid retention, swelling, kidney stones, and to alleviate ulcers.  In India, alfalfa leaf has been used for ulcers, water retention, and to treat pain from arthritis.   The early colonists in America used alfalfa to treat menstrual problems, scurvy, urinary problems, arthritis and to combat a variety of infections and cancers.  Alfalfa seeds were ground up to make an ointment that was used to treat insect bites, boils, rashes, and other skin irritations.  It was also believed that alfalfa stimulated the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Alfalfa is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting, healing bleeding gums and nosebleeds, and contains a high level of enzymes that help the body with food digestion. It also contains a high level of Vitamin K2 which helps prevent bone loss due to lack of estrogen in menopausal women.  It also detoxifies the urinary tract and aids in the eradication of urinary tract infections.  It is a natural laxative and diuretic and reduces excess water retention in the bladder.  Because it has high levels magnesium and calcium, alfalfa can help reduce migraine headaches.  It can also lower bad forms of cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.  Alfalfa stimulates the immune system and is very beneficial in getting rid of heavy metals in the blood and the liver.  It helps keep the pituitary gland functioning properly and increases the strength of the blood capillaries.

Alfalfa also alleviates skin problems, bad breath, digestive problems and arthritis in the joints.  The juice of alfalfa, along with the juice of lettuce and carrots may also help in the prevention of hair loss and actually stimulate hair growth.

Alfalfa should be taken in moderation, as with all herbal supplements, because taking too much alfalfa may result in the breakdown of red blood cells.  Pregnant women should avoid regular consumption of alfalfa.

(To Be Continued)