Fenugreek

What is Fenugreek? 

An annual legume that has been used traditionally to add flavor to curry and soup, fenugreek is also one of the oldest known medicinal plants. Legend has it that the Romans imported this crop from Greece. At that time it was called ‘Greek Hay’ and was mainly used as cattle food. The place of its origin is still embedded in its biological name – Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Benefits of Fenugreek 

Fenugreek is considered to be a native of the Middle East and is also widely used in India and the Far East. Here, it has been long used as a nourishing dietary herb. Fenugreek has a typically strong flavor and odor and is used raw or roasted to give flavor to artificial preparations. Some constituents also impart a strong odor and are therefore used in the fragrance industry.

Fenugreek is an excellent expectorant and has been used as a popular remedy for sore throats and colds. The medicinal properties of the plant seem to be concentrated in the seeds. The seeds are high in mucilage. Because of its soothing effect on the skin, fenugreek is used as an emulsifier in drugs. In traditional medicine, the seeds of fenugreek are ground coarsely and soaked in water. This tonic tea is used to ease coughing. Gargling with this water is also supposed to ease the discomfort associated with sore throats.

Fenugreek also seemed to have a beneficial effect on high levels of sugar in the blood. In some parts of the world, people eat the leaves of the plant as it seems to reduce the deposit of sugar and other fats in the blood.

Use of Fenugreek

Fenugreek helps digestion. This is because the seeds contain chemicals that activate the enzymes that help the body digest protein. Since it has a beneficial effect on the stomach, it is also used to relieve indigestion and flatulence. Because it aids in digestion, it is also used as an appetizer.

In the ancient days, fenugreek has been used to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from fever, colic, dysentery and cough to edema, tuberculosis, leg ulcers, gout and even blindness. Some people even believe that fenugreek has certain aphrodisiac properties.

Fenugreek seeds contain diosgenin. This steroid activates the production of certain other steroids that are typically produced by the woman’s body when she is pregnant. Drinking tea made of Fenugreek seeds is supposed to increase the flow of milk in lactating mothers.

The seeds make a mushy poultice that is also useful against ulcers, inflammation, swollen glands, bruises and sciatica. Soaking the seeds overnight in water and grinding this into a paste is supposed to yield an excellent hair conditioner that not only cleans the scalp but also keeps infection at bay.