Acacia - Agrimony - Alfalfa

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Acacia

Acacia vera, A. arabica, A. senegal

 

MEDICINAL:

The bark is used to make a gum, most commonly known as Gum Arabic. It is used

to treat sore throat, relieving clogged bronchial passages, and is often mixed

with water to make a paste to soothe and heal external injuries.

 

Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

 

MEDICINAL:

An infusion of the leaves is used to treat jaundice and other liver ailments.

Agrimony is also used in treating ulcers, diarrhea, and skin problems. It is

often recommended as a diuretic. Externally, a poultice or soak is used to

treat athlete's foot, sores, slow-healing wounds, to stop bleeding, and insect

bites. Gargle with an infusion of agrimony to relieve sore throats, inflamed

gums, and laryngitis.

GROWING:

Agrimony is grown throughout much of the United

States and southern Canada. It is a perennial that

reaches 2 to 3 feet tall. Agrimony tolerates dry spells well, and prefers full

sun and average soils.

 

Alfalfa

Medivago Sativa

 

Source

Alfalfa is the dried leaf of a well-known pea family member, with purple flowers

and cloverlike leaves. It is native to western Asia

and the eastern Mediterranean region and is widely grown as fodder for farm

animals.

Traditional Use

Alfalfa leaf has been used in tea and dietary supplements to help increase

appetite and vitality, reduce water retention, and as a stimulant for digestion

and bowel action. It is a folk treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes,

and preventing absorption of cholesterol from the diet. Its use for loss of

energy due to indigestion, dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and poor

assimilation began in the early 1900s with American physicians who specialized

in herbal medicine. Dr. Ben A. Bradley of Hamlet, Ohio, wrote in 1915: 1 find in Alfalfa,

after about seven years' clinical tests in my practice and on myself, a

superlative restorative tonic.... It rejuvenates the whole system by increasing

the strength, vim, vigor, and vitality of the patient. "

Current Status

Alfalfa has been thoroughly studied as an animal feed but not as an herbal

medicine for humans. Animal studies suggest it can prevent high cholesterol in

animals on high-fat diets. Compounds in the plant may decrease intestinal

absorption of cholesterol and reduce atherosclerotic plaque.

Alfalfa is high in protein and contains vitamins A, B1,

B63 B 12, C, E, and K1, along with the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus,

iron, and zinc.

Despite its widespread use as a dietary supplement, there

are no human studies of its claimed benefits. Alfalfa would be a good subject

for further research.

Product forms

Alfalfa is available as dried leaf, tablets, capsules, extracts, health drinks,

tea, and in other forms.

Cautions

Moderate use of alfalfa products is not associated with side effects. A case of

allergic reaction (from contamination with grass pollen) in alfalfa tablets has

been reported. Eating alfalfa seeds or sprouts has been linked to systemic

lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition characterized by inflammation of

connective tissue. In two instances, alfalfa sprouts caused the recurrence of

SLE in individuals who had been treated for the condition. Those diagnosed with

SLE should avoid alfalfa products. Consuming large quantities of the seeds has

also produced reversible blood abnormalities. The compound responsible for ill

effects is canavanine.

Actions

Appetite Stimulant Nutritive

 

 

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