Alfalfa is a livestock crop that is traditionally well known for its healing qualities. It belongs to the family Fabaceae along with lima beans and acacia and like all legumes, is rich in proteins.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on this grass, it still remains a herb of interest for scientists all over the globe; mainly due to its high nutrient content that makes it the perfect health supplement for human consumption. Being a commercially profitable crop, it is famously known as “Green gold” in the USA. A close watch is kept on its growth patterns and harvesting times to improve the quality and yield of alfalfa.
Interestingly, there is no clear record of the history of this crop and it is believed to have been growing in the wild even before the dawn of civilisation. However, there are some claims that designate the origins of alfalfa to eastern or central Asia, particularly Persia (now Iran), Kashmir, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and Baluchistan. In fact, the name alfalfa comes from a Persian word which means “the best forage”. Today, this herb is found growing all over the world.
Alfalfa is a perennial plant that grows up to a height of 3 feet. It has deep roots and woody base with an upright stem. Alfalfa leaves are oval and trifoliate (three leaves grow together) and they are hairy on the underside. It bears purple coloured flowers in the month of May to July that grow in clusters and the seed pods are spiral, bearing 2 to 5 yellow to green kidney-shaped seeds.
Apart from being an excellent nutritional supplement, alfalfa has a number of healing benefits. In ayurveda, alfalfa sprouts are considered good for liver health and blood cleansing apart from being an efficient anti-arthritic and anti-obesity agent. It is most commonly studied for its hypolipidemic (Reduces fat) and anti-diabetic properties. Research is still going on to confirm the traditional claims and reap maximum benefits from this herb.
Some basic facts about alfalfa:
- Botanical name: Medicago sativa
- Family: Fabaceae
- Common name: Alfalfa, Lucerne, Bastard medic, Buffal herb, hay
- Sanskrit name: Ashvbala
- Parts used: Leaves, seeds
- Native region and geographical distribution: Native to Southeast Asia, alfalfa is grown in China, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and North and South America.
- Energetics: Cooling
from myUpchar.com के स्वास्थ्य संबंधी लेख
via https://www.myupchar.com/en/herbs/alfalfa-ke-fayde-aur-nuksan-in-hindi
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