It is also called Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic. The ancient Greeks used it to treat bladder and kidney conditions. The Chinese use alfalfa to treat kidney stones. But it is best known as alfalfa herb, Arabic for ‘father of all foods.’ So what about this plentiful weed would give it such a prestigious name?

Following are just some of the alfalfa benefits. First, alfalfa is rich in vitamins A (eye health), E (heart and cardiovascular health), U (treats peptic ulcers), B6 (stimulates protein and fat metabolism), K (blood clotting and liver functions), and D (regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body). Second, alfalfa contains many valuable minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (bone and teeth health), iron (needed in hemoglobin), manganese (lowers blood sugar levels), potassium (muscle tone and nerves), chlorides (regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism), sodium (regulates fluid balance), and silicon magnesium (stimulates brain function).

Eight essential enzymes are contained within alfalfa: Amylase (acts on starches), Coagulase (clots blood), Emulsin (acts upon sugar), Invertase (converts cane sugar to dextrose), Lipase (fat splitting), Pectinase (forms vegetable jelly), Peroxidate (oxidizing effect of the blood), and Protase (digests proteins). The four food groups (proteins, fats, starches and sugars) are in turn digested by these. Protein and fiber are also plentiful within alfalfa.

The chlorophyll, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins all aid digestion and help stimulate appetites and fight bad bacteria. As a mild diuretic and laxative, alfalfa may improve appetite and relieve some causes of swelling. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, as well as problems with the kidneys, bladder, and prostate. Alfalfa has anti-inflammatory qualities and thus can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis. Alfalfa helps lower cholesterol by attracting it to itself before the cholesterol can stick to vessel walls.

Consider this list of benefits in child birth: relieves problems of morning sickness, constipation, anemia, and heartburn; vitamin K reduces postpartum bleeding and increases K level in the baby; increases and sustains milk supply; reduces swelling, and balances blood sugar levels. Alfalfa may reduce hot flashes in menopausal women as well.

The nutrition of alfalfa may be ingested as bulk herbs, in liquid, tablet, or capsule form, as well as ingesting the raw leaves in food or as a tea. One caution: because if its potential blood thinning effect, alfalfa is not recommended for people with lupus. An herb with such potential for beneficial health surely deserves a try, wouldn’t you say?