Alfalfa, the king of plants

• reduces cholesterol
• reduces blood sugar levels 
• enzymes break down food
• thins mucas (sinus, intestinal)
• alleviates allergies / congestion
• promotes liver health
• detoxifies the body
• relieve pain and stiffness of arthritis/bursitis
• anti-cancer activity because of isoflavone/phytoestrogens content
• alleviate postmenopausal “hot flashes”. 1
• If cut before it blooms, alfalfa is low in fiber and high in energy. 
• improves soil structure and condition, and controls weeds in subsequent crop rotations.
• Alfalfa is a good source of protein, B-complex vitamins, and certain minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.
• Alfalfa could help prevent fatigue associated with vitamin/mineral deficiency or protein energy malnutrition in disadvantaged parts of the world. 
• absorbs significant quantities of cholesterol. The direct interaction of saponins and cholesterol is thought to be responsible for the ability of alfalfa and other saponin-containing plant materials to reverse diet induced cholesterolemia in rats. Alfalfa saponins also interact with cholesterol found in intestinal cell membranes. This potentially alters cholesterol metabolism by interfering with intestinal absorption of cholesterol. 3
• absorbs bile acids in the small intestine which then enter the large intestine and are eliminated along with steroids.  Since steroids normally facilitate cholesterol absorption, their elimination provides another possible mechanism to reverse or prevent cholesterolemia. 4

 

References

1. Alfalfa, Supplementwatch.com, 2002 
2. International Forage Factsheet Series, http://www.forages.css.orst.edu/Topics/Species/Legumes/Alfalfa/International_Fact_Sheet.html
3. Hwang J, Sevanian A, Hodis H, Ursini F. Synergistic Inhibition of LDL Oxidation by Phytoestrogens and Ascorbic Acid. Free Radical Biol Med, 29(1); 2000:79-89; Malinow M, McLaughlin P, Stafford C, Livingston A, Kohler G. Alfalfa saponins and alfalfa seeds. Atherosclerosis, 37;1980:433-438; Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson A. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis, 65,1987:173-79.
4. Story J, LePage S, Petro M, West L, Cassidy M, Lightfoot F, Vahouny G. Interactions of alfalfa plant and sprout

alfalfa

Safe, non chemical treatments - powerful immune support

• every 1-4 hrs
  • Energizing Soy Protein  3 TBS in 10 ounces purified water
  • Performance 1 teas (electrolyte balance)
  • Alfalfa 10
  • Garlic 1-5
  • Defend & Resist  1-4 (Echinachea & Zinc)
  • Sustainable Vitamin C 1 (till loose stools, then 1 a day) 
  • Nutriferon 1
  • nasal irrigation 
• Dr. Wolfson recommends:
• • Co-Q10 10 mg twice daily; 50-100 mg twice daily during illness
  • Probiotics with FOS 4 billion organisms/day; 4 billion organisms three times/day during illness
  • Vitamin A 10,000-15,000 IU/day (or 25,000 IU mixed carotenoids); 100,000 IU/day during shortterm illness*
  • Vitamin C 1 g/day; up to 10 g/day during illness
  • Vitamin E 200-400 IU/day; 800 IU during illness
  • Zinc 15 mg/day; 100 mg/day during illness, lozenges for sore throats

*Pregnant women and people with liver conditions should always consult their health care provider before supplementing with vitamin A.

Chemical treatments

• antipyretics, antihistamines, cough preparations, decongestants, antibiotics (for bacterial infections not virus)

Side effects of medications

• insomnia, hyper-excitability, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, blood sugar fluctuations, heart palpitations, death
• cold meds linked to stroke

Causes

• COLD: virus.
• BACTERIAL INFECTION: lowered immunity and stress.

Transmitted by

• breathing and sneezing
• direct mucous membrane contact with virus from contaminated hands, skin, eyes, nose or other surfaces (even furniture)
• psychological stress can increase the risk and severity of viral infections

Statistics - annual  (from National Institute for Health / Center for  Disease control)

• FLU: 10,000 to 30,000 diabetics die from complications
• FLU: 108,000,000 cases of flu are reported in US
• FLU: 75 million work days are lost due to flu
• COLD: 22 million school days are lost to common cold

Symptoms

• COLD  rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, throat clearing, postnasal drip, cough, nasal obstruction, sore throat, cough, pharyngitis, laryngitis, headach, malaise, fever, ear & sinus problems.
• INFLUENZA same as cold puls tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, chills, fever, headach, muscular aches/pains, malaise, fatigue, lack of appetite

 more about cold / flu

 mild excercise helps mice overcome flu

There are 2 types of allergic reactions… 

• IMMEDIATE REACTION - IgE:  This occurs within minutes after exposure.  Most common allergens are: dander, shellfish, nuts, bee stings, mold & pollen.

• DELAYED REACTION - IgG: Appearing 24-72 hours after exposure, they’re difficult to discover. Most commonly from dairy, cigarette smoke, wheat, eggs & chemicals (in food, air, hygiene / cleaning products, clothing & water).  This type of allergen has long term affects on the body.

more…

Many find relief from allergies without bad side effects…. more

Really?

Each allergy stricken individual should concider the negative side effects of medication.  Often times, the side effects are worse than the original symptoms.   Here are some examples.

• ANTIHISAMINES:  insomnia, drowsiness, tremors, nervousness, irritability, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision
• DECONGESTANTS:  restlessness, irritability, insomnia
• STEROIDAL INHALANTS: glucocorticoid residue may supress immune defenses in mouth & throat, causing thrush due to yeast overgrowth, swallowed inhalant residues may be absorbed into bloodstream causing the same complications that occur when steroid drugs are taken orally
• ALLERGY SHOTS: Dilluted allergens are shot into the bloodstream in hopes that the body will ‘learn’ to accept them  and stop producing antibodies in response to their presence.
• SURGERY: A cutting instrument is thrust up the nasal cavities to remove excess bone, tissue and mucosal buildup.

Many find relief from allergies without bad side effects…. more

Why do people get allergies?

• low immune system.  See detox.
• candida.  They can eat microscopic holes in the intesinal wall and cause foods to ‘leak’ into the bloodstream… more

• food allergy causes…

Many find relief from allergies without bad side effects…. more