Alfalfa - Beneficial for Arthritis symptoms

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Alfalfa-

Nature's Mineral Source

 

Alfalfa belongs to the legume family, which includes beans, peas and

clover. It is not a grass as some people believe. It is an excellent

source of chlorophyll, potassium, magnesium and vitamins, especially

beta-carotene and vitamin E!

 

 

Alfalfa can be as beneficial as eating a big green salad

every day.

 

It is an excellent way to prevent constipation and it becomes

essential that arthritics keep their bowels moving easily to prevent

the build up of toxins in their body.

 

Alfalfa has a superb calcium to phosphorus ratio and it is the

richest land source of the trace elements boron and silicon, both of

which are valuable for bone integrity!

 

 

One biochemist has observed that an essential alkaloid in the leaves

of alfalfa works on the central nervous system to relieve minor

pain.

 

This may be part of the reason the plant is beneficial to arthritics.

 

Alfalfa binds and neutralizes various types of agents that are known

to be carcinogenic to the colon.

 

It is " nature's broom and deodorizer " which provides an excellent

source of dietary fiber, chlorophyll, amino acids, and trace

minerals.

 

Overall, alfalfa is one of the most

nutritious foods known. Alfalfa has always been an important part of

our health-building program.

 

 

 

ALFALFA CONTAINS:

 

Twice as much calcium as an ordinary glass of milk

 

As much protein as one hamburger

 

Nearly the same amount of iron as two ounces of liver

 

Enough B-complex for the most jangled nerves

 

Plenty of enzymes for good metabolism of ingested fats

 

Sufficient fiber to lower the highest cholesterol

 

 

So what happens when we take alfalfa?

 

Well, to start with, we just might start feeling much healthier!

 

Alfalfa is so rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and digestive

enzymes that it boggles the mind.

 

The reason for this kaleidoscope of nutrients is the plant's root,

which can grow as far as 125 feet under ground, where it absorbs all

of the natural minerals within the earth.

 

Alfalfa contains vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, K and P, as well

as niacin, pathothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, saponins, calcium,

phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper.

 

All this healthy stuff pulsates through the root and shoots up into

the plant, filling the leaves and flowers with every last drop.

 

Alfalfa has numerous herbal uses, but it really hits the jackpot

when it

comes to *rheumatoid* and *osteoarthritis*, heart problems, high

blood

pressure, labor and nursing, menopause, PMS and tooth decay.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis-

 

Arthritis (along with bursitis) is often caused by an overly acidic

condition within the body. The acid settles in the joints, causing

inflammation.

 

Alfalfa won't help with this problem if you consume sugar, white

flour, processed chemical-laden foods, salt, caffeine or alcohol.

 

But if you cut these out of your diet and add alfalfa to your daily

regimen, you can gradually reduce the inflammation and alkalize the

body to empty those nasty acid deposits.

 

You can take it in either tablet or tea form. (To make teas, steep 1

teaspoon of the herb in 8 ounces of hot distilled water). You'll

need 9-18 tablets per day to benefit from the herb. If you prefer

the tea, one to two cups a day is usually sufficient. Drink it first

thing in the morning and during the afternoon. I don't recommend it

in the fluid extract form, because the alcohol will destroy many of

its life-giving vitamins and enzymes.

 

 

Start with two to three alfalfa tablets and increase to six or ten,

then take that amount twice a day. The optimal dosage may be twenty

to thirty tablets taken throughout the day, until your bowels are

regular.

Then cut back to three or four tablets a day. The tablets may be

taken at any time in a day and are relatively inexpensive.

 

Blood Pressure-

 

There is hard, scientific proof that alfalfa saponins can regulate

high or low blood pressure, as well as inhibit high cholesterol by

25%.

 

Alfalfa also works to strengthen the arteries and blood cells

throughout the body, providing major support to the heart. Take

three to four tablets a day or one cup of the tea first thing in the

morning.

 

Once again, diet plays a big role.

 

 

 

 

Resistance to Disease-

 

It's not exactly a stretch to say that any herb with this many

vitamins and minerals is good for fighting off the latest cold or

flu. So the next time " the bug " is buzzing around, try slipping one

or two cups of the tea a day as a preventive.

If you already have " the bug " , drink one to three cups a day---

spread out over several hours---to fortify your system and get much-

needed minerals and vitamins into your bloodstream.

 

Labor & Nursing-

It might sound strange to add alfalfa ice cubes to the labor room

inventory, but they're a surprising aid for the mom-to-be. Make the

ice cubes using the same formula as the tea. Sucking on the cubes

during labor eases tension while replenishing the body with minerals

and vitamins.

Alfalfa also enriches mothers milk.

 

Menopause-

 

Alfalfa is a phytosterol-rich herb---one that's high in plant

hormones that convert to human hormones in the body. For this

reason, drinking 1 cup of alfalfa tea during menopause two weeks out

of every month for three to four months can help to nourish the

ovaries and adrenal glands as well as support the pituitary gland.

 

Tooth Decay-

Many herbalists feel that taking two to three alfalfa tablets daily

helps prevent cavities.

 

In combination with proper dental care, alfalfa tends to ward off

dental decay, especially for those people prone to

problems no matter how well they take care of their teeth.

 

Taken from:

 

" Healing Power of Herbs " with Dr. John Heinerman

" Aging Without Growing Old " with Judy Lindbergh McFarland

" Nature's Miracle Tonics " with Laurel Dewey,

" The Humorous Herbalist " - Ms. Dewey's column appears in newspapers

and magazines nationwide.

 

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