Alfalfa: History and Health Benefits

In the UK, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and south Asia, alfalfa is known as lucerne, and because it visually resembles clover (with clusters of small purple flowers), in many part of the Western Hemisphere it carries the common folk name, bum clover.  Known to have been used as an herbal remedy for over 1500 years, early Chinese herbals list young alfalfa leaves as treatment for disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys.  Similarly, Ayurvedic herbals advocate its leaves for treating poor digestion, and a poultice from the seeds for boils.  In Eastern cultures, it has long been proported to be helpful to people suffering from arthritis and water retention.  Read more . . .