The Many Uses of the Alfalfa Leaf
While alfalfa is one of the world's most important crops for feeding farm animals, the alfalfa leaf itself attracted the attention of humans long ago as a remedy for many health issues. Alfalfa is a plant that falls in the "pea" family. Its long green stalk can grow as tall as three feet in height. Alfalfa produces green, clover-like leaves and small purple flowers. Alfalfa is typically grown to feed livestock such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats. It is especially favored as a food supply for milking cows because alfalfa is very high in fiber and protein, which makes for good milk! When this plant is intended to feed animals, it is most often cut and rolled into bales for hay. As for us humans, we tend to stick to the alfalfa leaf on its own to reap both the nutritional and health benefits it can offer.
So, what does the alfalfa leaf have to offer? Alfalfa is a great source of fiber, and is one of the best natural sources for Vitamin K, which helps the body store calcium and aids in blood clotting. Alfalfa is also a great source for Vitamins C and E, as well as beta carotene. It can also be used to supplement one's diet with iron, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and niacin. To be prepared for normal consumption, the "sprouts" of alfalfa can be thrown into almost any dish. Many people use it on sandwiches and in salads, much like watercress.
In the past, alfalfa has been used to treat a number of conditions, and is still used today as an overall health aid. As alfalfa is very high in fiber, it is often used as a natural laxative against constipation. It is also a diuretic, which means that it expels excess water from the body, causing frequent urination. Many people use it to treat general gastric upset (such as indigestion and excess acid), stabilizing blood sugar levels, detoxifying the urinary tract (especially during a urinary tract infection), and cholesterol reduction.
There are plenty of alfalfa leaf supplements available online, but you may have luck finding them in your local health food or alternative medicine stores. These supplements are typically provided in the form of a capsule, however it is possible to purchase them in powdered form. If you are interested in taking an alfalfa supplement but have trouble with pills, you should consider alfalfa leaf tea. One tablespoon of the alfalfa leaves (specifically designed for making tea) can be infused with a cup of boiling water. The leaves should be allowed to steep for about ten to fifteen minutes before drinking. You can add a bit of lemon, mint, or sugar to the tea to soften the flavor a bit, but it isn't recommended that you add milk, as this is likely to cause a severe "clash" in flavor.
Although alfalfa can be an excellent healthful addition to one's diet, it should really be consumed in moderate amounts. Because of its ability to provide a laxative effect (albeit natural), it can cause the intestinal tract to become dependent upon digestive "help" to the point that it can't function properly without the aid of a laxative. This is true with any kind of laxative, natural or over-the-counter, so one should be especially careful with taking new herbal supplements. Excessive consumption of alfalfa can also lead to the breakdown of red blood cells. If you are considering adding alfalfa to your diet and are taking prescription medications (even birth control), speak with your doctor to determine whether the alfalfa will interact with your medication. For pregnant women, herbalists and medical professionals alike recommend staying away from alfalfa in both its natural and supplement forms.