FENUGREEK
(Trigonella foenum-graecum)


Fenugreek (pronounced /ˈfɛnjʉˌɡriːk/; Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant in the family Fabaceae. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed, often called methi).
--The name fenugreek or foenum-graecum is from Latin for "Greek hay". The plant's similarity to wild clover has likely spawned its Swedish name: "bockhornsklöver" as well as the German: "Bockshornklee", both literally meaning: "ram's horn clover".

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Dried fenugreek seed

---Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of the polysaccharide galactomannan. They are also a source of saponins such as diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogens. Other bioactive constituents of fenugreek include mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids such as choline and trigonelline.
---In India, fenugreek seeds are mixed with yogurt which is used as hair conditioner. It is also one of the ingredients of khakhra, a type of bread.
---Fenugreek seeds are thought to be a galactagogue that is often used to increase milk supply in lactating women
---In India the roasted ground seeds are infused for a coffee substitute or adulterant. A tea can be made by infusing teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes.


Part used:seeds
Properties: demulcent, emollient, expectorant, aphrodisiac, astringent, galactagogue, and tonic.
What it affects: stomach, lungs, intestines and reproductine organs.


Preparation and amount.
Infusion: steep 5-15 min and drink 1 cup during the day you can prepare hot or cold.
Decoction: simmer 5-15 min and take 6 0z 3 x a day.
Tincture:30-60 drops 3 x a day
Fluid extract: drink 1/2-1 tsp 3 x a day
Powder: take 2-10 #0 capsules (10-60 grains) 3 x a day


Purposes:
Internally, Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal plants, dating back to Hippocrates and the ancient Egyptians. It is usedful for all mucous conditions of the lungs. Large amount of the decoction are given to strengthen those suffering from tuberculosis or recovering from an illness. It is also good for fever, bronchitis, stomach, ulcers, diabetes, gout, asthma, emphysema, hay fever, heartburn, hoarseness, migraines, neuralgia, sciatica, and gas. By reducing mucus, it helps asthma and sinus problems. Promotes lactation in nursing mothers. Helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Good for the eyes.


Externally, fenugreek is used for boils, carbuncles, abscesses, sore throat, dry skin conditions. The tea is excellent for sore throats (drink and gargle). Make a poultice of pulverized seeds and place over wounds, fistulas, tumors, sores, areas of gouty pains, swollen glands, and skin irritations.


Note: The taste can be improved by mixing it with peppermint oil, lemon extract, or honey.


Plant description:

An erect hairy annual of the bean family, reaching 30-60 cm (1-2 ft.). The long slender stems bear tripartite, toothed, grey-green obovate leaves, 20-25 mm (3/4-1 in) long. 


The root is a mass of fingery structures. The sissile axillary flowers are white or pale yellow. 


The thin, sword-shaped pods are 10-15 cm (4-6 in), with a curved beak-like tip, each carrying 10-20 seeds. The plant radiates a spicy odour which persists on the hands after touching.


 Wild and cultivated varieties exist. Mild Mediterranean climates are most suitable. Plants mature in about four months. The whole plant is uprooted and allowed to dry. The seeds are threshed out and further dried.

Fenugreek is the small stony seeds from the pod of a bean-like plant. The seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular. Some are oblong, some rhombic, other virtually cubic, with a side of about 3mm (1/8”). 


A deep furrow all but splits them in two. They are available whole and dried , or as a dull yellow powder, ground from the roasted seeds.