What is the English word for alfalfa?

What is the English word for alfalfa?

Alfalfa (/ælˈfælfə/) (Medicago sativa), also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. The name lucerne is the more commonly used name in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

What is alfalfa called in Europe?

In much of the world, including Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and South Africa, alfalfa is more commonly called “lucerne.” Less widely known is the fact 49 Page 2 that in other parts of the world alfalfa is (or has been) known by other common names including purple medic, snail clover, median herb, burgundy hay or …

What exactly is alfalfa?

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne or Medicago sativa, is a plant that has been grown as feed for livestock for hundreds of years. Alfalfa is a part of the legume family, but it’s also considered an herb. It seems to have originally come from South and Central Asia, but it has been grown around the world for centuries.

Why is it called alfalfa?

The Spanish began grazing and farming the hay, calling it alfalfez and then alfalfa. As a country of horsemen, the Spanish placed a high value on alfalfa and considered it the best feed for horses. Spanish colonizers later brought alfalfa to the Americas and the name alfalfa stuck.

What are the side effects of alfalfa?

Possible Side Effects. Alfalfa sprouts are considered safe and nutritious but may cause side effects in some people. Due to its high fiber content, consuming raw alfalfa can cause gas, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.

What is the supplement alfalfa used for?

Alfalfa is an herbal supplement which can be used as treatment for asthma, arthritis, diabetes, excessive production of urine (diuresis), high cholesterol, indigestion, and excessive bruising or bleeding (thrombocytopenic purpura).

Is alfalfa safe for humans?

Alfalfa sprouts are considered safe and nutritious but may cause side effects in some people. Due to its high fiber content, consuming raw alfalfa can cause gas, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.

Does alfalfa make you gain weight?

Alfalfa is higher in calories and protein than grass hays, which makes it an excellent choice to help to add weight to a thin horse. If your horse tends to be wasteful with his hay, he may eat more when offered alfalfa hay cubes or pellets.

Does alfalfa help arthritis?

Alfalfa is used for kidney conditions, bladder and prostate conditions, and to increase urine flow. It is also used for high cholesterol, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, upset stomach, and a bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenic purpura.

Is alfalfa good for liver?

Alfalfa causes reduction in cholesterol synthesis by saponins, and it can reform membrane of liver cells, thus, inhibiting leaking of liver enzymes. High dose of manganese in alfalfa and increased insulin resulted to decrease of blood glucose.

Can alfalfa make you gain weight?

According to the USDA Nutrient Database, one cup of alfalfa sprouts has only 8 calories but delivers 0.2 grams fat, 0.7 grams carbohydrate, 0.6 grams fiber, and 1.3 grams protein. 2 Alfalfa’s rich soluble fiber content may help reduce cholesterol and aid in weight loss by increasing satiety (a feeling of fullness).

Is alfalfa good for hair growth?

Its deep roots allow it to soak up tons of vitamins while it’s growing. Alfalfa may be of particular interest if you experience hair loss. Alfalfa contains high levels of antioxidants, like most herbs. Antioxidants fight the environmental factors that can make your hair and skin cells look prematurely aged.