Alfalfa: useful properties and contraindications

Alfalfa is a herb with branching stems that hold a sickle-shaped or spiral purplish-lilac fruit. Alfalfa is also sometimes found under other names in literature and on Internet sites: medunka, lechucha or elm. It belongs to the family of legumes and is often used for fodder for livestock, in agriculture to make hay and silage. Grinded alfalfa particles are added to flour. In addition, it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, which have a positive effect on human health. This article will acquaint readers and readers with the useful properties of this sown herb, as well as tell about the contraindications that should never be forgotten when using alfalfa as a medicine.

Chemical Composition

Alfalfa contains a huge number of useful and necessary microelements for the human body. Therefore, there is no doubt that this grass can be used not only as a sustenance for animals, but also as a medicinal product.

1. First, it is vitamin F (or also called omega-3 and omega-6 acids). It has the effect of improving hair structure and strengthening the nail plate. Thanks to it, blood vessels become stronger. Consumption of vitamin F is also a good prophylactic for eyesight, increases the level of the female hormone oestrogen.
2. Secondly, it includes so-called steroids. But these are not the classical steroid substances that exist in human understanding, but natural, or also called phytosteroids. They are much healthier and better than those consumed by all kinds of athletes who want to build muscle mass as quickly as possible.
3. The chemical composition of alfalfa also includes carbohydrates, which are directly involved in metabolism, and this is associated with the processes of energy metabolism in the body.
4. This crop herb has a lot of oils, which are so good for the skin.
5. In alfalfa there are very strong and effective antioxidants of natural origin.
6. The herb is rich in natural female hormone, which perfectly copes with the restoration of hormonal balance in the fair sex.
7. It contains ascorbic acid, familiar to everyone from childhood, which has a positive effect on the restoration of immune cells in the human body.
8. There is also an element in alfalfa that promotes excellent skin regeneration. It is called tocopherol.
9. It also contains trace minerals such as fluoride, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium and iron.

From this we conclude, based on the above beneficial components of alfalfa, that it can and should be taken in doses by a person to be healthy, strong and sturdy.

How it looks and where it grows

Where to Find It

Alfalfa translates from Latin as "fodder from Mydia." This place is in Asia Minor, where the plant was first found. There were favorable climatic conditions, so the wild honeydew germinated there quietly, and then people learned to cultivate it. In general, it is believed that alfalfa originally grew not only in Asia but also in the mountains of the Northern Caucasus and Iran. Ancient people were able to cultivate it about 5 thousand years ago. Then it was brought to ancient Greece, Rome and northern Africa. It later spread throughout Europe, Australia, North and South America. Nowadays, alfalfa is very popular in the United States and India, as well as in Australia, where most varieties of the herb can be found.
Introduction to the plant

General information about the plant

Alfalfa, as mentioned above, is a legume crop. It has very many species and subspecies, but in its pristine form it still grows in the Balkans, as well as in Russia.

So what is alfalfa:

1. It is a perennial sown crop.
2. Its root system is very strong and reaches 10 meters into the soil.
3. It has a straight stem, which can reach a height of 80 centimeters.
4. Alfalfa has small leaves that grow all over the shrub.
5. In August, it bears brown fruits that look like bean sprouts, from which it then develops inflorescences of blue and blue flowers.

When the alfalfa is fully mature, the part of the bush above the ground ceases to function. It is only in the spring that it begins to bloom again.

Varieties

Alfalfa has more than a hundred varieties. This article will introduce some of them, which are the most common.

1. Alfalfa sown or blue alfalfa. A typical representative of the legume family. It has a branched stem with a bunch of small leaves on it. It reaches 30 to 80 centimeters in length. The leaves have an oblong ellipse shape. The inflorescences are distinguished by their purple-lilac color. It bears fruit from June to September. Alfalfa is best harvested when in full bloom. It is harvested and dried during this period to preserve its useful properties for a long time. It grows near waterholes, in meadows, on grassy slopes and on steppes.
2. Field alfalfa. This type of alfalfa can also be used as a medicine. It can be found both in a sunlit glade and in the shade. Any soil is suitable for it, but it still prefers dry soils. It looks almost the same as the seed plant, but the inflorescences may be bright yellow in color.
3. Alfalfa crescent or yellow alfalfa. This is a plant that is a shrub. This species has a tap root system. The stems are mostly very numerous, so they form a small shrub that is entirely covered with small wedge-shaped leaves. The inflorescences are yellow. This herb mainly grows on edges and meadow fields.
4. Lucerne is roundish. While all the above species of alfalfa are perennial, this plant flowers for only one year. The stem is not erect, but recumbent and weak. It can reach 50 centimeters in length. Its flowering begins in the spring. It mainly grows on slopes with soil dominated by sand, on pebbly beaches of reservoirs.
5. Alfalfa hopscotch. This type of plant is not a long-lived one either. The maximum life span reaches two years. The herb has a tap root system. The stems can be either standing or flowing on the ground. It reaches 50 centimeters in length. Leaflets are diamond-shaped or obovate in shape, inflorescences are yellow in color. Mostly this type of plant needs meadow fields or steppes.
6. Alfalfa arborealis. This herb is long-lived, with a stem that can reach two meters in length. The leaves are oblong in shape and slightly serrated around the edges. Rather dense inflorescence is yellow or orange in color. It is found in rocky steppes.

Hoarding and storage

So, when we have already figured out when the alfalfa mostly begins to bloom, and this is the beginning of the summer period, then we can proceed to its collection. During the flowering period, the plant is saturated with its vitamins, so the medicinal properties are doubled.

Collection and storage rules:

1. It is best to collect the herb in the morning hours of the day. If this is done in the afternoon, when the sun's rays have sufficiently enriched the plant with chlorophyll, it loses some of its useful properties.
2. The best time period for harvesting seeds is August.
3. Dry the collected herbs in a place out of reach of the sun and moisture.
4. It is not a good idea to harvest plants that are too ripe or overripe.
5. You can store the already dried grass or its seeds for two years, then it loses its useful properties.
6. Seeds that have sprouted live for six days. To store them, you need a plastic container and a refrigerator.
7. Only recently cut leaves and stems should be kept in a plastic bag. Store again in the refrigerator. They live only three days.
8. Before proceeding to the preparation of decoctions and tinctures, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Therapeutic properties of alfalfa grass

Alfalfa is not only good as a diet for animals, but also widely used by people for medicinal purposes. It includes a wide range of different vitamins, minerals and trace elements that have a positive effect on the functioning of all human organs:

1. Due to the fact that it contains omega-3 and omega 6 amino acids, alfalfa has a beneficial effect on hair structure, nail plate structure and strengthening, eye health. Blood vessels become stronger, the female hormone oestrogen levels increase.
2. Alfalfa contains a lot of potassium and iron, which is good for the cardiovascular system. First, it lowers blood pressure. Iron, when ingested, improves the function of the circulatory system because it promotes the growth of new red blood cells. This has the effect of improving the oxygen supply to all organs. These minerals prevent the risk of thrombosis, heart attack, angina and other heart diseases.
3. Many scientists highlight the large amount of phytoestrogens in alfalfa, which are very valuable and beneficial micro compounds. Not only do they improve and stabilize the hormonal balance in the human body, but they are also a preventive agent against cancer. Natural compounds are beneficial to cells and prevent the risk of cell mutations and the development of cancerous formations.
4. Alfalfa helps to eliminate from the body unpleasant toxins, toxins, various carcinogens, which spoil the intestinal microflora, worsen metabolic processes and cause great harm to human health.
5. Ascorbic acid or vitamin C contained in this plant helps strengthen the immune system and reduces the risk of colds and viral diseases.
6. Alfalfa also contains the magic vitamin E, which has an impact on regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin, and also works to improve the process of energy metabolism. The vitamin is also good for genital and reproductive function.
7. Alfalfa and its beneficial trace elements fight colds and viral diseases. Properly prepared tincture of this plant overcomes coughs, colds, sore throats. It activates the cells of the body to fight the virus or infection.
8. Decoctions of alfalfa leaves help with joint pain. Since they contain vitamins C and B, which contain a lot of calcium, iron and various antioxidants, they strengthen the immune system and relieve pain and inflammation in the joints.
9. Alfalfa has what are called glycosides. These are compounds that fight the formation of cholesterol plaques that impair blood circulation. This prevents the risk of cardiovascular problems and prevents the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension.
10. Alfalfa is very rich in beneficial substances that improve digestive functions. If you consume with food sprouts of this plant, you can forget about such problems as heartburn, flatulence, bloating, constipation, diarrhea. In addition, the balance of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract is restored. The body is cleared of toxins and waste that interfere with normal digestion and poison the body.
11. Alfalfa is used as a preventive measure against diabetes, as it has the effect of lowering blood glucose levels.
12. Tincture of alfalfa in alcohol will help with problems of cuts. Thanks to its regenerating functions, alfalfa speeds up the healing and tightening of wounds. It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
13. Alfalfa is very high in protein compounds and is recommended for people who have had some serious illnesses to restore the energy balance within the body.
14. Alfalfa is used in the fight against kidney diseases such as cystitis and pyelonephritis. This plant has diuretic properties, so that all unnecessary salts and fats are eliminated from the body. Therefore, the plant also contributes to the loss of extra pounds.

Baths with decoction of alfalfa perfectly cope with hemorrhoids problems. Depending on the temperature of the water, the properties of the plant will vary:

• A warm bath relieves itching;
• Cool - reduces pain;
• Hot - removes inflammation.

For women

Alfalfa is rich in natural female hormone, which perfectly copes with the restoration of hormonal balance in the fair sex. In addition, thanks to its properties, skin cells are regenerated and rejuvenated, that is, you can keep your youth for many, many years. During "these" days, it is also recommended to take alfalfa decoction as a pain reliever. Again due to the properties of restoring hormonal balance, you can take alfalfa decoction during menopause to stabilize and relieve the stress that occurs within the body.

For men

If a man drinks an alfalfa decoction several times a week, he will forget about such a problem as prostatitis or impotence. This remedy can be used to treat these types of diseases. It removes swelling and relieves pain when going to the toilet. Of course, alfalfa will help if you start taking it in time, at the initial stage. If the process is already neglected, the risk of prostate cancer is possible.

If you're pregnant

Since a woman gives most of her vitamins to her growing baby, naturally the body is stressed. The expectant mother needs to replenish the mineral and vitamin balance. This can be done with alfalfa decoctions. Vitamin K, which is in alfalfa, is good for the development of the fetus and prevents bleeding.

When breastfeeding.

First, alfalfa enhances lactation, and secondly, it contains many vitamins that help strengthen the baby's immunity, and calcium, which is beneficial for the development of small baby bones.

For children

Newborn children who are not yet a year old are advised to rub an alfalfa decoction. Older babies can be given 1 teaspoon of medicinal alfalfa to strengthen immunity and bones. But you need to be wary of an allergic reaction. It is better to consult a doctor before giving a child alfalfa.

When losing weight

Alfalfa does an excellent job of fixing the digestive system and metabolism. It speeds up, thanks to which a person loses weight faster. On the plus side, the decoction from alfalfa is a diuretic, therefore, it removes all unnecessary slags and toxins, fats poisoning the body faster, which helps to shed extra pounds.

Therapeutic properties of alfalfa during stressful situations

In addition to all the other health benefits of alfalfa, it may have an influence on the nervous system. Alfalfa decoction energizes the body and makes it easier to cope with stressful situations.

How is alfalfa honey helpful?

From this medicinal plant also make honey. The chemical composition of the herb contains sugar, which is released at 13:00 and 16:00. The humidity should reach the 50 percent mark and the temperature outside should be about 30 degrees Celsius. At this time, the family of bees should pollinate these plants, so that an experienced person can then collect delicious nectar.

Characteristics of alfalfa honey:

• Has a delicate and very soft texture;
• has a pleasant taste and aroma, a light golden hue;
• contains about 40 percent of glucose.

Healing qualities of such honey:

1. The cardiovascular system feeds on quite a lot of glucose, which helps to lower blood pressure and strengthen blood vessels.
2. During viral and colds, alfalfa honey will be an excellent antiviral agent. It will quickly reduce symptoms and things will get better. Also in very severe coughs, inflammation of the bronchi, exacerbation of asthmatic attacks, you can use honey to soothe the throat, relieve swelling and inflammation.
3. The beneficial properties of alfalfa honey combat digestive problems and remove bile from the body.

Disadvantages of alfalfa honey
Despite all the positive and healing properties of alfalfa honey, it still has one drawback: it crystallizes very quickly, since it contains a large amount of sucrose.

Contraindications to the use of honey
Doctors recommend consuming a spoonful of honey every day, because it has beneficial properties. They say that there are no contraindications, as this product does not cause any allergic reaction and can not harm the state of the body.

The use of alfalfa in folk medicine

So, having determined that alfalfa is a healing and essential plant for the body, having understood when to collect and how to store the collected herb, it is necessary to learn how to properly make decoctions and tinctures.

For anemia

Anemia is a disease in which the blood lacks hemoglobin. In such cases, it is possible to use medicines from the pharmacy or to make a decoction from alfalfa.

Alfalfa is considered an excellent remedy for treating problems with anemia, anemia and other diseases related to the circulatory system. So, you need to take a small saucepan and fill it with water (200 ml). Add a few sprouts of alfalfa, then 1 teaspoon of horsetail and 0.5 tablespoons of green nettle. The resulting mixture should be boiled for 5 minutes. Then the resulting decoction should cool down a little. After that, strain it. The resulting medicine should be taken after two hours from the time of the end of the morning breakfast.

For acne and skin conditions.

Alfalfa, as mentioned above, has regenerating properties, so a decoction from it will be an excellent remedy against various kinds of skin-related diseases.

You have to make a cocktail of sorts. First wash 100 grams of oats and then put them on damp gauze. Tie it up and hide it in the shade for a while. Sprouts of oats should germinate, and it takes about 2-3 days. Grind the oats with a meat grinder, add 100 ml of pomegranate juice, alfalfa sprouts (about 10 grams), juice of lemongrass berries (also about 10 ml) and the juice of half a carrot. Add to all this ground oats. Cocktail is ready. Take for 10 days, 2 tablespoons per day, morning and evening.

Decoction for weight loss

Due to its useful properties, alfalfa improves metabolism in the body, which reduces the feeling of constant hunger, that is, it makes it possible to get rid of overeating. To lose weight with the help of alfalfa, you need to drink a decoction. To do this, you will need 200 grams of grass shoots pour boiled water. Each day, drink about 200 ml of the resulting decoction. You can also simply add the sprouts of the plant to food or tea.

For diabetes

As mentioned above, alfalfa helps to fight diabetes due to its property of lowering blood glucose levels. So, for the broth you need 100 grams of crushed and dried alfalfa and boiled water. Pour the herb with boiling water. Put the resulting mixture on the fire and by means of a water bath prepare a decoction. It will take about 25-30 minutes. At the end of the time, let the decoction infuse, and then consume it several times in small doses. Just do not forget that you need to constantly monitor the state of blood sugar.

For muscle and joint pain

To carry out the therapy, you will need: 300 grams of dried alfalfa and half a liter of vodka. Mix all the ingredients. Such a medicinal decoction should insist for at least 2 weeks. Store it in a place protected from sunlight and in a glass container. When the decoction is ready, you should add 10 drops of the remedy to a glass of water before each meal and drink it.

Remedy for skin rejuvenation

Add to half a glass of boiled water 1 spoon of dried alfalfa. Then add the resulting decoction to the bath and soak in it for 20-30 minutes.

For healing wounds and cuts.

You can put the dried plant to the wound or make a decoction of alfalfa and apply to the damage soaked in it cotton disks. This will promote faster healing and tighten the wound.

For Lactation

The useful properties of alfalfa increase lactation in a woman's body and saturate her milk with vitamins and trace minerals, which are excellent for the development of the newborn baby. You can add 0.5 tsp. of dried herb to a thermos while brewing green tea. You need to drink this drink in small doses every day, so as not to cause an allergic reaction in the baby.

When menapause.

For a decoction, you need to take 200 milliliters of water and 1 tablespoon of crushed alfalfa. Boil the resulting mixture for a few minutes, then let it steep. In time it may take 2-3 hours. Such a remedy should be drunk 3 times a day before each meal.

In hemorrhoids.

To relieve inflammation, itching and unpleasant pain, you need to take baths with alfalfa extract. For a glass of boiling water, take 1 tablespoon of crushed plant, which has been dried in advance. The decoction should infuse for half an hour, and then you can safely use it for your purposes.

To strengthen the immune system

There is no need to boil or infuse anything. It is enough just to take the young leaves, plucked from the plant, and add them to food, for example in a salad. This helps to strengthen the immune system, restore the energy of the body, which has been exposed to a cold or some serious illness, make the digestive system work without interruption.

To lower cholesterol

With this recipe, you can lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques, which are bad for the circulatory system.

For this decoction, you do not need dried herbs, but fresh ones. It is necessary to collect the stems, from which later to squeeze the juice. This medicinal liquid should be drunk 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.

Applications in cosmetology

Alfalfa is used not only in the treatment and prevention of any diseases, but also for cosmetic purposes, since it contains vitamins, minerals, essential oils that contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. In addition, they also have a strengthening effect on the hair structure and nail plate.

Alfalfa for cosmetic purposes should be used by people with such problems:

• skin diseases, acne;
• dry skin;
• inflammation that occurs on the skin;
• Rashes and rashes of all kinds;
• Regeneration of the skin in the place of scars and scars;
• hair loss and lack of vitamins in the hair follicles;
• Scaling, especially of the hairy parts of the body.

With alfalfa extract you can make various kinds of masks:

1. For this, you will need fresh alfalfa shoots, ground into a powdered state. They need to pour boiling water. Cool the resulting mixture and allow to infuse. Then apply it massaging motion on the skin of the face and neck. Allow the infusion to soak into the skin and in 15-20 minutes rinse with water of moderate temperature. After the procedure, moisturize the skin with cream. Such a mask should be applied in the morning and evening for a week to achieve the best results.
2. This is a recipe for a mask with a rejuvenating effect. Suitable for all those who want to keep a fresh and youthful skin for a long time. In a small container, pour 1 teaspoon of alfalfa juice, then plain water and honey. Mix it all thoroughly and apply it to your face. With such a mask to walk for at least 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. The course of application is to repeat this procedure every 2 days 10 times.
3. This mask has a soothing effect, removes redness and reduces inflammation. Add half a liter of boiled water to 50 grams of ground alfalfa powder. Add honey to this mixture. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and apply to a gauze bandage, which is then placed on the problem area of the skin for 10-15 minutes. After this procedure, remove the mask with a damp cotton pad. It is also recommended that this infusion wash in the morning after bedtime to preserve a longer youthfulness of the skin and to stretch the process of appearance of the first unwanted wrinkles.

Recipes with the addition of alfalfa for hair care:

1. This recipe is recommended for people who suffer from the problem of hair loss. You need to prepare a decoction of 20 grams of dried plant and add half a liter of boiling water. Wait until the decoction cools, infuse. Then strain it and rinse your hair with it. It is recommended to do this several days a week (whether you wash your hair that day or not). Hair not only stops falling out, but also becomes soft and easy to comb.
2. This recipe is suitable for people who are starting to go gray. You can stop this process by using alfalfa juice with the addition of juice from carrots and lettuce leaves. Also adding alfalfa sprouts to your diet strengthens the roots of your hair.

This plant also strengthens the nail plate because of the amino acids it contains. Simply adding the seeds of this miraculous plant to your basic food or tea can help keep your nails strong and prevent the risk of breakage and splitting.

Herbal remedies with alfalfa

Tincture

1. Alfalfa needs to be ground so that it turns into a powdery state. Pour it into a glass filled with boiling water. Then let it infuse and cool. The resulting tincture to drink several times a day for a week and a half.
2. The leaves of alfalfa should be crushed and add to them half a liter of alcohol or vodka. This tincture should be left for 2 weeks to thoroughly infuse. How to use: drink a glass of water, in which beforehand add 10 drops of the resulting solution.

Decoction .

1. To make a decoction, you need to pour half a liter of water in a saucepan and throw 100 grams of dried herbs in it. Then boil for a few minutes and then let the broth cool a little. The resulting solution can be used for douches.
2. If there are problems with the work of the nervous system, you can make a decoction: add 20 grams of the plant to 400 ml of water. Place on the fire and boil for 15-20 minutes. Then the decoction should cool and infuse. How to use: 3 times a day, 100 ml of decoction at room temperature.
3. To make juice from alfalfa, you need to grind young, freshly picked leaves of the plant and, laying them on a towel, or better - on gauze, squeeze the juice out of them. Then add boiling water to the juice in the proportion one to one. Such a decoction should be consumed in the morning half an hour before breakfast.

Infusion .

You need to grind alfalfa into a powder, and then add to it boiled water. Cool the infusion and take in small doses before each meal.

How to grow alfalfa

Alfalfa is a particularly unpretentious plant, so it can be safely and without unnecessary fuss grown on an ordinary garden plot.

The first thing to do before sowing is to clear the plot of any weeds, loosen the soil. First, spread the seeds on a towel and expose them to sunlight. The soil should be combined and enriched with all kinds of useful enzymes. Prepare a container with soil in advance, plant the seeds, and then water them as needed.

Alfalfa can even be grown in a glass jar. You need to soak the seeds in the jar. In the morning, rinse them and transfer them to a clean container. Place the jar sideways, so that the sun's rays warm the seeds well. Rinse them several times a day. After a week, the first green sprouts will appear. But you can use them only after rinsing. The refrigerator is the best place to store alfalfa sprouts, which should be wrapped in a cloth of thick material. The shelf life of such sprouts only 7 days, after that they lose their useful properties and become unsuitable for eating.

Can I feed alfalfa to rabbits and guinea pigs?

It is very common in agriculture to use alfalfa as a livestock feed. Animals get many healthy vitamins and minerals through it, which improves their internal condition. But what about small pets like guinea pigs and rabbits?

For the "big-eared ones" alfalfa is a real treasure trove of vitamins to improve their health. It is the most essential component of rabbit food. Very often alfalfa is added to the diet of young rabbits and females who feed their babies with milk. Useful enzymes affect the circulatory system and increase the amount of milk in the nursing rabbit. In addition, as we all already know, this plant improves the digestive organs, cleanses the gastrointestinal tract, promotes good metabolism.

For male rabbits, alfalfa sprouts are given 3 weeks before the "date" with the rabbit's female. Consumption of alfalfa by rabbits makes them strong: muscle mass builds faster and bones become strong. But you should not feed small rabbits with large amounts of alfalfa. The unaccustomed stomach can react with painful sensations. So you should train them with caution and gradually.

Guinea pigs also need micronutrients from alfalfa, especially females waiting to breed and newborns.

But there are some contraindications that should be considered in order not to harm our little brothers. Adult animals should not be given too much of this herb. Its chemical composition contains calcium, which, entering the body of an adult, washes out useful trace elements, which can lead to diseases of rabbits and pigs.

Contraindications to use

1. Alfalfa should not be added to the diet of those who suffer from a disease such as lupus erythematosus.
2. If a person has problems with blood clotting and is taking special medications, drinking alfalfa, which is high in vitamin K, will nullify the entire treatment process. The medications will cease to have their effect.
3. If a person has an allergic reaction to leguminous crops, you should not take any chances with alfalfa.

In any case, before starting to use this plant, it is necessary to consult with a doctor.

To summarize all of the above, we must say that alfalfa, indeed, is a miraculous natural remedy, which should be included in the diet of every person, except for those for whom it is contraindicated for medical reasons. It is not necessary, of course, to overdo it. Several times a year you need to arrange such preventive measures to prevent the development of many diseases and improve your own health.

Photo of alfalfa