The Wonders of Alfalfa: How to Become as Healthy as a Horse

When my superman walked into my life, he brought with him not only newfound love and a sense of security for my family, but also his family secret of a wondrous plant called alfalfa. After nearly a year of sharing a cup of alfalfa tea on the patio each morning or during our nightly movies, I am convinced that the world needs to hear how it can change your life and general well-being.

Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the same family as peas, it resembles a clover and when in bloom is adorned with clusters of small purple flowers. The Chinese have used alfalfa for centuries to treat kidney stones and relieve swelling, it is an excellent diuretic and laxative among so many other uses we will discuss. The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and even carotene which has been useful against heart disease and cancer. Alfalfa leaves also contain eight essential amino acids which make it useful against a variety of disorders such as, urinary tract infections, bladder and prostate disorders, and kidney disease. It contains an anti fungus agent and also helps promote pituitary gland function while it detoxifies and alkalizes your body.

Here is a list of the eight enzymes found in alfalfa as well as list of some of the vitamins and minerals;

Enzymes:
Lipase, Amylase, Coagulase, Emulsin, Invertase, Peroxidate, Pectinase, and Protase

Vitamins:
A, E, U, B6, K, and D

Minerals:
Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine (chloride), and Silicon Magnesium

As if I haven't given you enough reasons to entice you to try adding this remarkable plant to your diet, here are a few more; Alfalfa has been known to remedy ailments such as arthritis , diabetes, hay fever, and even asthma. It is also an excellent appetite stimulant and can be used many ways.

Dry alfalfa leaves can be stewed in water to make a delicious tea that is as refreshing cold as it is hot. You can strain the water of the excess leaves and keep it in your refrigerator or drink it right away, it can also be used as a "stock" for nearly anything you prepare. Since it has a very mild flavor it is a great way to introduce these proteins and nutrients into your everyday cooking. Use it in soups, stew, virtually anything you would normally add water to. We even use it to make tea/aid for the kids, just make kool aid as normal only with the tea instead of water. Your children will love it and be getting all those nutrients instead of just sugar water!

Making alfalfa tea is so easy that anyone can do it and it is very fast too. Just grab a medium sized pot or tea kettle* and fill it with water. You want to add about ½ -¾ cup leaves to about 6 cups of water, once you start making it you may want to add more or less to personalize the flavor of the tea. Cook on medium heat just until it comes to a boil, you don't want to actually boil it. Remove from heat and let stand about 5 minutes, strain the leaves off with a small strainer, and you are ready for a cup of yummy goodness! You can also add extra flavor with honey, lemon, or anything else you want to try.

*VERY IMPORTANT~ Never boil alfalfa in an aluminum pan, the enzymes can wear away the aluminum and cause you to ingest it. Use glass, steel, anything BUT Aluminum!

If you add this tea to your everyday diet you will start seeing a noticeable difference in only a couple days. As your body detoxifies your urine will become much clearer and there is also a noticeable difference in your level of energy. You can buy alfalfa leaves already dried at any health food store at a very affordable price, or you can go out and enjoy a day of gathering your own alfalfa and drying it.

From my family to yours, I hope you truly enjoy your alfalfa tea as much as I enjoy mine. Wishing you all good health and happy memories!