Family Name: Papilioaceae
Botanical Name(s): Medicago Saliva
Popular Name(s): Lucerne, Chilean Clover and Buffalo Grass,
Father of All Foods (Al-fal-fa), Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic.
Parts Used: The stems and leaves are used as well as the sprouts
from the seeds.
Habitat: It is native to Asia
Description: It is a slim bushy perennial with blue-green
trifoliate leaves and mauve to purple flowers with seeds in
sickle-shaped pods.
Uses: Alfalfa has been used traditionally for treating
infections resulting from surgical incisions, bedsores and inner ear
problems. Early Americans used alfalfa to treat arthritis, boils,
cancer, scurvy, and urinary and bowel problems.
