Medicago Saliva
Other Names
Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic
Associations
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Gender: Feminine
Warnings
Alfalfa is thought to be safe when used in moderation, however excessive consumption can lead to some serious health consquences such as blood abnormalities and systemic lupus erythematosus. In rare cases it can trigger allergic reactions.
Description
Alfalfa is an extremely useful and hardy plant. It can grow up to 1m above the ground, with a root system that can extend up to 4.5m below ground. With narrow-oval, grey-green leaves and clusters of delicate purple flowers, Alfalfa can resemble a rather large Clover.
Health
Alfalfa is a brilliant plant for medicinal purposes and has been used as such for over 1,500 years. Alfalfa is high in vitamin A, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, as well as protein, calcium and other minerals.
It can be used to treat disorders of the digestive system and the kidneys. It is reputedly invaluable in the treatment of athritis, and supposedly taking alfalfa tablets before meals can limit the cholesterol absorbed from food. It is widely used as a health food supplement during theraputic diets as the nutrients in Alfalfa can be easily absorbed by those convalescing.
Magic
Alfalfa will protect you from poverty and hunger. Use to attract money or simply keep in the home to protect those within it. You can also burn Alfalfa and scatter the ashes around your property for the same effect.
Other Information
Alfalfa is perhaps most widely used in agriculture, and is the most cultivated legume in the world. It is grown as forage for cattle and harvested as hay. When grown well it is the highest yielding forage plant, and has the highest feeding value of all modern hay crops.