Health Articles > Health-and-nutrition > Alfalfa Herb - The 'Father of All Foods

Used by the Chinese to treat kidney stones. Used by the Greeks for bladder and kidney conditions. This herb has been given many names such as Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic, but it is known best as alfalfa, meaning 'father of all foods.' So how can alfalfa help you?

First, alfalfa is rich in vitamins A (eye health), E (heart and cardiovascular health), U (treats peptic ulcers), B6 (stimulates protein and fat metabolism), K (blood clotting and liver functions), and D (regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body). Second, alfalfa contains many valuable minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (bone and teeth health), iron (needed in hemoglobin), manganese (lowers blood sugar levels), potassium (muscle tone and nerves), chlorides (regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism), sodium (regulates fluid balance), and silicon magnesium (stimulates brain function).

Alfalfa also contains eight essential enzymes: Amylase (acts on starches), Coagulase (clots blood), Emulsin (acts upon sugar), Invertase (converts cane sugar to dextrose), Lipase (fat splitting), Pectinase (forms vegetable jelly), Peroxidate (oxidizing effect of the blood), and Protase (digests proteins). These in turn help in digesting all four classes of food: proteins, fats, starches and sugars. Alfalfa is also rich in protein and fiber.

By attracting it to itself before the cholesterol can stick to vessel walls, alfalfa helps lower cholesterol. As a mild diuretic and laxative, alfalfa may improve appetite and relieve some causes of swelling. The chlorophyll, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins all aid digestion and help stimulate appetites. The chlorophyll in alfalfa is what helps fight bad bacteria. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, as well as problems with the prostate, kidney, and bladder. Alfalfa has anti-inflammatory qualities and thus can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis.

Alfalfa's richness has been found especially beneficial to health needs related to child birth. It can relieve morning sickness, anemia, heartburn, and constipation. The vitamin K both reduces postpartum bleeding and increase the K level in the baby. Alfalfa will also reduce swelling, balance blood sugar levels, and increase and sustain lactation. In addition, menopausal women have discovered alfalfa reduces hot flashes.

Alfalfa may be taken in liquid, tablet, or capsule form, as well as ingesting the raw leaves in food or as a tea. One caution: because if its potential blood thinning effect, alfalfa is not recommended for people with lupus.