Alfalfa

          The benefits to be derived from this “animal food” should be given their due. Alfalfa is a leguminous plant that has been cultivated for over two thousand years as forage; horses have waxed swift and strong on its healthful properties-and so well might you. The roots of the alfalfa grow extraordinarily deep into the earth and are able to probe out minerals and trace elements that more shallow-rooted plants cannot reach. Alfalfa is also a rich source of vitamins and contains all eight essential amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Its richness in vitamin A makes it a particularly good food for pregnant and nursing women, and it is said to increase the flow of breast milk. It is helpful in cleansing toxins from the bloodstream, fighting infections in the body, hindering tooth decay, treating anemia, healing ulcers, and boosting the immune system.

          Chew the leaves raw, add them to salad, or suate them in oil and serve as a tender vegetable.

         

          Alfalfa is available in health food stores in pill, powder, tea, and seed (for sprouting) form.