Alfalfa
Alfalfa is an herb that some people consume as a source of calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Alfalfa is most commonly grown as food for livestock animals. In humans, it's often eaten as a garnish, and seems to prevent cholesterol absorption in the stomach.
Buy Alfalfa
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, sprouted seeds
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
Buy Alfalfa
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, sprouted seeds
Cautions:
- Avoid the seeds and sprouts if you have inflammatory conditions (like arthritis, lupus, etc). The leaves are okay to use for these conditions.
Healing Properties
- Promotes strong bones, teeth, connective tissues, skin
- Used to heal wounds and burns, and treat symptoms of arthritis, gout and rheumatism
- Lowers blood cholesterol level, reduces inflammation
- Improves body's resistance to cancer
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Add fresh or dried herb to food and beverages.
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
- How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
- Buy Alfalfa Seeds
- Zone: Any
- Soil pH: 6.8-7.5
- Can be grown on a wide range of soil textures, but sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam soils are preferred.