Alfalfa

Alfalfa, formerly known as purple alfalfa, also known as alfalfa, Latin name: Medicago sativa. It is a perennial herb of the genus Medicago, of the order Rosales, the family Leguminosae, with a strong root that penetrates deep into the soil layer and a well-developed root neck. The stem is upright, tufted or even procumbent, quadrangular, glabrous or slightly pubescent, with luxuriant branches and leaves. The seeds are ovate, 1-2.5 mm long, smooth, yellow or brown. The flowering period is from May to July, and the fruiting period is from June to August. It is native to Asia Minor, Iran, and the Caucasus. It is cultivated or semi-wild all over the world. It grows beside fields, roadsides, wilderness, grasslands, river banks and valleys. It is widely planted as feed and forage in Eurasia and other countries around the world.

The efficacy and function of alfalfa

1. Promote the elimination of retained water in the body. Since alfalfa has the function of drainage and diuresis, it has a good effect on the elimination of uric acid in women with edema during menstruation and gout patients. Alfalfa is rich in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. The potassium in it can help the body eliminate the accumulation of excessive sodium and achieve the function of drainage and diuresis. Alkaline minerals can neutralize uric acid and prevent the occurrence of gout.

2. Alfalfa contains an active ingredient called plant saponin. Plant saponin has a great affinity for cholesterol in the intestines and can be used as a fat emulsifier. It combines with cholesterol to form an insoluble complex that cannot be absorbed by the body and is excreted with feces. It can reduce the intake of cholesterol in the diet and indirectly reduce the cholesterol content in the blood and tissues.

3. Alfalfa contains an active ingredient called plant saponin. Plant saponin has a great affinity for cholesterol in the intestines and can be used as a fat emulsifier. It combines with cholesterol to form an insoluble complex that cannot be absorbed by the body and is excreted with feces. It can reduce the intake of cholesterol in the diet and indirectly reduce the cholesterol content in the blood and tissues.

Nutritional value of alfalfa

It is widely planted as feed and forage in Eurasia and other countries around the world. The stems and leaves of alfalfa are tender and delicious. Whether it is green feed, silage, green hay, grass powder, compound feed or mixed feed, it is the favorite food of all kinds of livestock and poultry. It is also the first choice for green feed in pig and poultry farming.

Alfalfa contains 5 kinds of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, 10 kinds of minerals and three plant-specific nutrients: flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids. Its main functions are as follows:

1. Flavonoids: They have antioxidant effects and can prevent cholesterol from depositing in arteries and blood from clotting, thereby reducing the chance of arteriosclerosis. Flavonoids can also block the adverse activities of certain hormones, inhibit the activity of enzymes that cause inflammation, and inhibit microvascular proliferation.

2. Phenolic acid: It has antioxidant effects and can be regarded as an antioxidant substance. It can prevent blood from clotting into plates, allowing blood to flow smoothly in blood vessels and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Carotenoids: They can protect the eyes and prevent degenerative diseases of the optic nerve. In the human body, they can make cells mature and differentiate. In terms of disease prevention, they have been proven to be effective in preventing the recurrence of cancer and the occurrence of heart disease. Clinically, some carotenoids have begun to be used as additional preventive chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Medicinal value of alfalfa

First, it is rich in vitamin A (good for eye health), vitamin E (effective for heart and cardiovascular disease), vitamin U (treats peptic ulcers), vitamin B6 (stimulates protein and fat metabolism), vitamins K (blood clotting and liver function), and D (regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body).

Second, alfalfa contains many valuable minerals such as calcium, phosphorus (contributes to the health of bones and teeth), iron (needed for hemoglobin), manganese (lowers blood sugar levels), potassium (muscle tone and nerves), chloride (regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism), sodium (regulates fluid balance), magnesium and silicon (stimulates brain function). Alfalfa also contains eight essential enzymes: amylase, coagulase, amygdalase, invertase (converts sucrose to glucose), lipase (breaks down fats), pectinase, peroxidase, and protease (digests protein).

Enzymes help digest all four categories of food: protein, fat, starch and sugar. In addition, alfalfa is rich in protein and fiber. Alfalfa can lower cholesterol levels by absorbing cholesterol before it adheres to the blood vessel walls. The chlorophyll, enzymes, minerals and vitamins it contains all aid in digestion and help stimulate appetite.

As a mild diuretic and laxative, it improves appetite and reduces swelling. The chlorophyll in alfalfa helps fight harmful bacteria. Alfalfa can also lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is great for heart health. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections, as well as prostate, kidney, and bladder problems. Alfalfa also has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain from arthritis and bursitis.

Alfalfa Side Effects

Side effects are caused by poor drug selectivity and are inherent in the drug itself. Whether it is a prescription drug or an over-the-counter drug, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist. If you feel uncomfortable while taking the drug, you must stop taking it in time and consult a doctor or pharmacist to avoid unnecessary damage.

Contraindications of using alfalfa

1. Avoid smoking, drinking, spicy, cold, and greasy food.

2. People with severe chronic diseases such as liver disease and kidney disease should take the medicine under the guidance of a doctor.

3. If there is no improvement in the condition after taking the medicine for one week, or if the symptoms worsen during medication, you should stop taking the medicine and go to the hospital for treatment.

4. People who are allergic to this product are forbidden to use it, and those with allergic constitution should use it with caution.

5. Do not take the drug if its properties change.

6. Children must use it under adult supervision.

7. Please keep this medicine out of reach of children.

8. If you are taking other medicines, please consult your physician or pharmacist before using this product.