Trigonella foenum-graecum
Part Used: Dried mature seed
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an erect annual herb, growing about 2 feet high. The seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular, about 1/8 inch long, oblong, rhomboidal, with a deep furrow dividing them into two unequal lobes. They are contained, ten to twenty together, in long, narrow, sickle-like pods. They are available whole and dried, or as a dull yellow powder, ground from the roasted seeds. Fenugreek is one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs. It has a variety of uses, including increasing breastmilk production. It is a native to India and southern Europe. For centuries it has grown wild in India, the Mediterranean and North Africa, where it is mainly cultivated.
Historically, Fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It was also used for inducing childbirth. Medicinally it was used for the treatment of wounds, abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and digestive problems. Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. Fenugreek was, and re-mains, a food and a spice commonly eaten in many parts of the world. Today, it is used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk production in breast-feeding women. It is also applied to the skin to treat inflammation.
Fenugreek is a digestive aid. As an emollient it is used in poultices for boils, cysts and other complaints. Reducing the sugar level of the blood, it is used in diabetes in conjunction with insulin. It also lowers blood pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. It contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm. It is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. It contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues. It stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion.
References:
Encyclopedia of spices. http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/fenugree.html
All Natural. http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/fenugreek.shtml
Botanical.Com. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/fenugr07.html
