Sowing alfalfa is a very valuable and quite widespread throughout the world high-protein perennial culture. It is cultivated in the southern middle zone of Russia, in Africa and in Eurasia as a feed plant. In the wild, it can grow in the Balkans and in Asia - mainly on the edges, dry meadows, grassy slopes, pastures, in the steppes and river valleys.
Sickle Alfalfa (Falcata) is the species name of the plant, which is given by the shape of its fruit. The popular name is lechuha, dawning, medunka and knitting. The scientific name (Medicago) was given to this genus at the place where the plant was first discovered (the ancient country of Midia), from where it came to Greece.
Sowing alfalfa: description
A herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 100 cm. Alfalfa sowing has a thick rod and well-developed lateral roots. The powerful root system of alfalfa significantly improves the structure of the soil, increases its water permeability, breathability, and also contributes to the accumulation of humus. Perennial species of this plant form numerous small tubers in the ground, from which young bushes subsequently develop.
Alfalfa sowing has stems with four faces, branched and hollow. Its leaves are triple, complex, with oblong or elliptic leaves. The inflorescence is presented in the form of an elongated brush, friable, with purple or blue flowers in the form of moths. In hybrids of this species, flowers can be of all kinds of colors, from purple to yellow. The flowering period of alfalfa begins in June - July. The fruits are spirally twisted beans. Seeds are quite hard, in the form of buds, have a brown color.
Alfalfa: application
Alfalfa is called the ancestor of food on earth. Specialists in the field of herbal medicine consider it an excellent source of mineral elements and vitamins. For medical purposes, only the aboveground part of this plant is used. Lucerne is harvested during its flowering. The grass is dried under awnings in the open air, laying out with an even layer up to three centimeters thick.
Sowing alfalfa is rich in carbohydrates, ketones, organic acids, higher fatty acids, glycides, triterpinoids, steroids, essential oils, calcium, magnesium, iron, fluorine, potassium, silicon, chlorine, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, alkaloids, e-asparagamine, , fructose, melonic and myristic acid. It contains saponins, stigmasterol, tocopherols, phenol carboxylic acids, triasontanol, amino acids, anthocyanins, carbohydrates, vitamins K, C, B1, B12, B2, E, carotene, pantothenic acid and even vitamins D2 and DZ, which are rarely found in plants.
Medicines, which include grass sowing alfalfa, have an extensive effect. They contribute to the normalization of metabolism, positively affect the thyroid gland, improve the state of the circulatory system, increase hemoglobin and lower cholesterol, as well as prevent rickets and strengthen bones.
In addition, the use of alfalfa enhances immunity, regulates the function of the pituitary gland (brain appendage) and has an antitumor effect.
Alfalfa strengthens the body in various diseases, especially after operations and during the recovery period. She is an excellent diuretic. Thanks to the active compounds in its composition, alfalfa has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in tuberculosis, arthritis and fungal diseases.
Alfalfa grass is rich in vitamin K, which prevents hemorrhages and bleeding. It is widely used in hemorrhagic syndrome. And the high fluorine content in alfalfa prevents tooth decay.
Alfalfa is also recommended for coronary heart disease, obesity, colds, joint diseases, anemia, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic and thyroid gland dysfunctions.