Fenugreek

[Guest guest]

I have used Fenugreek for 17 years now. As you read, you will understand why. This was sent to some friends, so I left out the credits. But the info is excellent. Blessings, Joy

I found out about fenugreek from "The Ultimate Healing System", by Lepore, ND. I tried to scan, it for you all, but no dice. I had some problems last week with my computer arrangements and now my scanner won't work. So, I am giving you a brief synopsis from the book and more that I found from the internet. :-)

Fenugreek, to me, is a wonder herb. Contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, cholines, D, Lecithin, Iron, Trigonelling and Trimethylamine. Seeds are a strong, mucilaginous antiseptic and kills infection of any kind in the lungs. Trigonelling and Cholines are Antiseptic agents.

Fenugreek can soften & dissolve hardened masses of accumulated mucus and can expel mucus and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. It can expel waste from toxins in the body through the lymphatic system, such as bad cholesterol. Is an antiviral, from the B3, which destroys parasites and is useful in Smallpox. The oil is an excellent insect repellant.

It is taken when needed.

Hope this helps. Blessings, Joy

Parts used

The seeds as well as the fresh leaves are used.

Properties

Fenugreek is a bitter herb that increases milk-flow, stimulates the uterus, soothes irritated tissues, lowers fever, reduces blood sugar, improves digestion, promotes healing, and has laxative, expectorant, diuretic, anti-parasitic and anti-tumor effects.

Fenugreek sprouts are also used to promote hair growth, especially in men.

The seeds are rich in mucilage (glactomannans), lipids, protein, protease inhibitors. Various steroid saponins are present (aglycone), furostanol glycosides, small amounts of alkaloid and steroidal peptide.

Therapeutic uses

Internal use

Fenugreek is used internally for a variety of problems, such as to treat diabetes in adults (late-onset diabetes), poor digestion, gastric inflammation, digestive disorders and tuberculosis. It is also used for painful menstruation, labor pains and insufficient lactation. Men on the other hand benefit from it for loss of libido, painful testicles and premature ejaculation. It is often used for weight loss, anorexia and for poor appetite. In Chinese medicine it is used for kidney related pain - such as back ache, as well as premature ejaculation, loss of libido, painful testicles, hernia, painful menstruation and edema of the legs. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for rejuvenation and as an aphrodisiac, as well as for digestive and bronchial complaints, gout and arthritis. Fresh Fenugreek leaves are cooked as a vegetable curry and are also dried and used to flavor vegetable dishes. The seeds are roasted and ground for use in curry powder, pickles, stews and fried foods. The seed sprouts are also eaten as a salad.

External use

It is used externally for skin inflammations, ulcers, boils, eczema and cellulite.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use

None noted.

Safety precautions and warnings

Not to be used in therapeutic amounts by pregnant women or during hypoglycemic treatment.

Fenugreek Herbal Remedies

Fenugreek got a mention from Dr. Atkins (of Atkins Diet fame) in his book, “Dr Atkins Vita-nutrient Solution”. He hits on the most important use of Fenugreek, as a blood sugar regulator for sufferers of Type I and Type II Diabetes.

This is only part of the story though – Fenugreek has been used by herbologists to treat conditions as varied as indigestion, delayed labor and the common cold.

And Fenugreek's history traces back into Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, not to mention ancient Egyptian remedies.

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is a small plant native to the Middle East. It has a long history of use, with some medicinal recipes dating back 4,000 years, and seeds being discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Medicinal Uses for Fenugreek

Fenugreek acts in the stomach by reducing the amount of sugar that our bodies are able to absorb from food. This is extremely important for sufferers of Diabetes, who must regulate their blood sugar at all times. Of course, Fenugreek is not a substitute for a doctor-recommended treatment, but may sometimes be of assistance.

Fenugreek has also shown promise in reducing cholesterol. This is also of particular use for Diabetics, as they tend to have elevated cholesterol levels. Tests on non-Diabetic patients have not yet found the same results though.

New mothers in India often take Fenugreek to promote breast milk supply. Indeed, mothers have been taking in for centuries throughout Asia, Eastern Europe and North Africa. It has also been used to hasten labor (so pregnant mothers should be careful to avoid it) and to promote a healthy menstrual cycle.

As you might expect, by reducing the sugar absorption in your stomach Fenugreek can also help dieters to lose weight. It effectively allows the carbs to wash straight through your system without entering the bloodstream. As such, dieters should not combine it with a very low carb diet.

Other Uses for Fenugreek

If you’ve ever eaten an Indian meal and noticed a maple syrup (or curry) aroma coming from your sweat, then you’ve eaten Fenugreek. Popular in Eastern cuisine, both the seeds and leaves are used as flavoring in many spicy dishes. Also in India, Fenugreek is mixed with yogurt to make an effective hair conditioner!

In ancient Egypt, Fenugreek was used somewhat differently. Its seeds were prized as a main ingredient in embalming fluid, whereas its aroma was highly valued for producing incense.

Fenugreek has acquired quite a reputation in the Orient as an aphrodisiac. The leaves can be made into an infusion, or roasted as a coffee substitute, then drunk. If drunk as a tea it can also aid with congestion by loosening phlegm.

How Do You Take Fenugreek?

Either brew a tea from the Fenugreek leaves, or buy it in the powdered form from your local pharmacy. Fenugreek normally comes in pills or capsules.

Fenugreek is a relatively safe substance to take, but minor side effects like diarrhea, flatulence and mild weight loss have been reported. Due its role in promoting menstruation, pregnant women especially should avoid taking Fenugreek. Patients should, of course, always consult their doctor before beginning a herbal treatment course.

History and uses : A prized healing herb in ancient Egypt, India, Greece and Rome, fenugreek has at times been prescribed for tuberculosis, bronchitis, sore throats, diabetes, anemia, rickets and waning sexual desire. It has also been used as an expectorant, a laxative and a fever fighter. While it is no longer considered a cure-all , fenugreek is known today for having some effective medicinal properties. The secret lies in the seeds, which contain mucilage, a slimy substance that soothes and protects sore or inflamed tissues. Poultices, ointments and lotions containing fenugreek are recommended for treating skin irritations and wounds, while a tonic brewed from the seeds is said to ease stomach ailments. However, fenugreek has a pungent odor that lasts for days. Plant Parts & Active Compounds : Seed.Mucilage (up to 40%), oil.

Fenugreek herbal capsules are 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. In the East, beverages are made from the seed to ease stomach trouble. The chemical make-up is curiously similar to cod liver oil, for which a decoction of the seed is sometimes used as a substitute. Many other properties are ascribed to it in India and the East and not surprisingly include aphrodisiac.

Fenugreek seed is a common spice used to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion and assimilation. It has been used traditionally to stimulate lactation in women, and also in domestic animals; to ease bronchitis and chronic cough; to reduce fever; and to treat mouth ulcers. Fenugreek tea is also used to help relieve atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Fenugreek seeds are used as a poultice for inflammation, boils, sores, and wounds. Fenugreek has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of WARM.