Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
Description: A leguminous perennial that grows to over a foot tall under normal conditions. Alfalfa normally lives 4-8 years and can live as long as 20 years under certain conditions. An extensive root system extends deeply into the soil and fixates nitrogen.
Planting Instructions: Alfalfa generally germinates easily in 3 days or less and then grows slowly for several months before establishing a crown that is the source for 5-25 stems that will regrow if grazed or pruned.
Common Usage: It is commonly used as a forage plant because it is nutritious and healthy for animals and has one of the highest protein contents of the regular forage plants.
Benefits: The Arabic word for alfalfa (which is spoken in the area where alfalfa is thought to have originated), translates into "father of all foods" is likely the result of the high nutritional content of this plant. Not only is it high in protein and B vitamins, there is also a significant content of zinc, phosphorous and vitamin K.
Alfalfa has been used medicinally for centuries in various civilizations around the world including India, China and the Mediterranean to treat digestive disorders and arthritis among other things. It's effectiveness may be caused simply by providing nutrients and fiber to the patient's diet.
Alfalfa has been used medicinally for centuries in various civilizations around the world including India, China and the Mediterranean to treat digestive disorders and arthritis among other things. It's effectiveness may be caused simply by providing nutrients and fiber to the patient's diet.
Ideas:
Grow the plants, and then periodically harvest the young leaves for addition to salads, soups etc.
Grow the plants, and then periodically harvest the young leaves for addition to salads, soups etc.
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Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a trained medical professional before attempting to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease.