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Alfalfa is also known by the names Lucerne, Purple Medic, Buffalo Grass and Chilean Clover. The name Alfalfa is said to be derived from Arabic,
Persian and Kashmiri words, and the genus, Medicago, refers to Medea in North Africa from where this plant is thought to have originated. The botanical specific, sativa, means "with a long history of cultivation/sowing." The Chinese have long used Alfalfa to stimulate the appetite and to treat digestive problems, particularly ulcers. Ancient Indian Ayurvedic physicians used Alfalfa to treat ulcers, arthritis pains and fluid retention. Early Americans used Alfalfa to treat arthritis, boils, cancer, scurvy and urinary and bowel problems. Pioneer women used it to aid menstruation. Alfalfa has also been used traditionally for treating infections resulting from surgical incisions, bed sores and inner ear problems. Alfalfa is an excellent natural source of most vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin K is critical in blood clotting, so Alfalfa may have some use in improving clotting. It also contains trace minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. The plant is so rich in calcium that the ashes of its leaves are almost 99% pure calcium. Alfalfa is also higher in protein than many other plant foods. Alfalfa is a rich natural source of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and protein. Because Alfalfa's deep root system pulls these valuable minerals from the soil, Alfalfa is considered an excellent nutritive food for convalescing people. |
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Peppermint is found throughout Europe in moist areas, along stream banks and in waste lands. Mint is one of the most ancient of all medicinal herbs. Ancient Athenians would rub the leaves of mint on their arms to improve their endurance, and the Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its sprays. It is mentioned in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century but only came into general use in the medicine of Western Europe about the middle of the eighteenth century. Today, the United States is the most important producer of Peppermint. Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, and it combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil in Peppermint acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. This herb has long been known to relieve nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and travel sickness. Peppermint is also used in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment for fevers, colds and influenza. As an inhalant, this herb is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may be helpful. As a nervine, it eases anxiety and tension. In cases of painful menstrual periods, it is said to relieve pain and ease associated tension. |
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Fennel Seed is also known by the names Finocchio and Carosella. The name Fennel is derived from the Latin, foenum, meaning "hay," due to the finely divided leaves of the Fennel plant. Ancient Greek athletes ate Fennel Seed so they would gain strength, but not weight. During the Middle Ages, the seeds were chewed to stave off hunger during fasting periods and also during long church sermons. Eating the leaves has also been a traditional tonic for the eyes, brain and enhanced memory. The Fennel plant came originally from Europe, where it is still grown today, and Fennel Seeds are also cultivated in many parts of North America, Asia and Egypt. The major constituents of Fennel, which include the terpenoid, anethole, are found in its volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids inhibit spasms in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is thought to contribute to Fennel’s use as a carminative to relieve gas. Related compounds to anethole may have mild estrogenic actions, although this has not been proven in humans. Fennel is also thought to possess diuretic, choleretic (increasing bile and digestive fluids from the liver), pain-reducing, fever-reducing and anti-microbial actions. The seeds are used as a flavoring agent in many herbal medicines and to help disperse flatulence. The seeds and roots are also thought to help open obstructions of the liver, spleen and gallbladder, as well as ease painful swellings, in addition to helping with jaundice, gout and occasional cramps. Fennel Seed was formerly an official drug in the United States, and was listed for the treatment of indigestion.
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