Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa)
Family: LEGUMINOSAE
Energetics: Neutral to slightly cooling, Moistening.
Taste: Sweet
Tissue States: Dry
Parts Used: Aerial portions: Flowering top & leaves.
Systems affected: Blood. Stomach.
Key Components: Betacarotene. Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Essential enzymes, Choline, Sodium, Silicon, Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, F, K, P (rutin) & U.
Preparations & dosage: Tincture. Infusion. Standard dose taken 3x on a daily basis for chronic issues as it is slow to work but runs deep. Tea is the best way to get the calcium.
Actions:
Foundational:
Primary: Alterative. Diuretic. Galactogogue.
Secondary: Antihemorrhagic. Antianemic. Nutritive tonic. Restorative tonic.
Uses:
For Digestion: The Vitamin P builds capillary strength & reduces inflammation of the stomach lining. Peptic ulcers. Vitamin A helps maintain stomach health. Aids in digestion of proteins, starches, fats & sugars. Also aids in the assimilation of protein, carbohydrates, Iron, calcium and other vital nutrients.
As a restorative & Nutritive Tonic: A cooling Yin tonic. Increases strength and vitality. High in many vitamins & minerals. Also helps the body improve assimilation. Supports the body when taking sulfa drugs or antibiotics. Increases mothers milk.
Helpful for both chronic and acute cystitis& burning urination as well as prostatitis. Use for arthritis and other rheumatic complaints, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain as well as other acute and chronic inflammatory issues that come with aging.
Indications: people who are impatient and always on the go. Always complaining they don't have enough time. Sensitive to insect stings. Nervous system irritation causing poor protein digestion.
Essential Oil:
Flower Essence:
Identifying:
Growing: Succulent perennial. Very alkaline & will only grow in alkaline soil. Heals the soil in which it grows. Roots have been known to grow down more than 68’, breaking up heavy clay, hardpan, and bringing up valuable nutrients. Fixes nitrogen in the soil (like other legumes). Does best in loamy soil. Sow seeds in fall.
Harvesting: Harvest at flowering time. Harvest down to 3” from crown (ground).
Blends Well With:
Contraindications: Can cause bloating, gas & diarrhea when it begins to work in the system. Long term use can reactivate Lupus (SLE).
Sources:
The way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 84;
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 338-339;
Comments
Post a Comment