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Newsletter>
About Alfalfa
April 2, 2008
Dear Friends,
I would like to spend some time highlighting for you some
of my favorite herbs. The first one will be alfalfa.
Isn't that hay, you may be asking yourself? Well, yes it
is, as a matter of fact we purchase it by the bale to feed
to our goats! It is commonly used around the world as an
animal feed. Alfalfa is often referred to as the "king of
herbs", and for good reason. It is chock full of vitamins
and minerals and is a total body tonic!
Alfalfa is an excellent addition to herbal blends. Because
it is such a rich source of nutrients it can be beneficial
in treating a great number of health problems. The high
chlorophyll content also contributes to its many health
benefits.
Pregnant women and children will both do well to add
alfalfa to their diet. The easiest way to take this herb
is by infusing it in water. I personally add alfalfa to
nearly all of my medicinal herbal tea blends. I find the
grassy taste to be quite pleasant, but it is easily masked
by adding a bit of lemongrass or mint. As someone who
works to keep her iron levels up, I appreciate the
nutritional profile of alfalfa. It is a fantastic blood
detoxifier and purifier. It affects the digestive,
circulatory, and structural systems. Best of all, alfalfa
is an easy herb to grow yourself or purchase locally. Make
sure to use alfalfa that has been grown without pesticides!
Organic alfalfa is worth the extra cost. Alfalfa is a
very economical herb to use.
Here is a simple herbal tea recipe that I highly
recommend...
2 parts alfalfa
1 part nettle
1 part dandelion leaf
1 part red clover
1 part lemongrass
1/2 part hibiscus or rose hips
This tea taken daily will perk up almost anyone! I often
suggest that those with health concerns drink 2 quarts per
day until they feel their energy returning to a normal
level. My "dose" is 1/4 cup of the blend to 1 quart of
boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes and strain. Make a
second 1 quart batch by pouring additional boiling water
over the strained herbs. This batch will be slightly less
potent, but that can be helped by allowing it to steep for
30 minutes. You may sweeten with a bit of stevia or honey,
but the fruity taste is pleasant without additional
sweetener.
Blessings,
Jennifer Ferris
www.fromfieldsandgardens.com
www.farmsteadorganics.etsy.com
Jennifer@fromfieldsandgardens.com
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