Trigonella Foenum Graecum

TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM

Trigonella Foenum Graecum is commonly known as fenugreek. In Hindi it is known as methi and the Sanskrit name is methika.

Fenugreek has been used in food items as a flavouring agent since ancient times. The leaves and the seeds are known for their medicinal value. In countries like Greece, Egypt, Rome and Italy fenugreek is given a special place in the traditional medical system.

Fenugreek plant is indigenous to Eastern Europe and is grown widely in Turkey, southern France, China, India and Africa.

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED

Seeds and leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM

It is an annual, erect, robust aromatic herb which grows up to a height of 60 cm. it has compound leaves around 5 cm in length, with long pedicles. The leaflets are obovate, around 2.5 cm long and the margins are slightly toothed. Flowers are seen in pairs or single, axillary and yellow in colour. Fruits of the plant are leguminous pods around 5-8 cm long, with a persistent beak, narrow and enclose 10-20 golden yellow seeds which have a typical savory aroma.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM

The herb has various relieving powers. Some of them are as follows:

• Fenugreek is a herb which is bitter to taste and increases lactation, soothes tissues which are irritated, stimulates uterus, reduces fever, blood sugar, improves digestion, improves relieving capacity and works as an expectorant, diuretic, laxative, anti-tumour and anti-parasitic effects.
• The sprouts of fenugreek are useful in promoting hair growth in men.

Internal use

Fenugreek relieves diabetes, poor digestion, tuberculosis, gastric inflammation and digestive disorders.

• It works effectively in painful menstruation, in improving lactation in nursing mothers.
• Men related problems like painful testicles, premature ejaculation and loss of libido are relieved with the help of fenugreek.
• Fenugreek is mostly used for weight reduction, poor appetite and anorexia.
• It is used in Chinese medicine to relieve kidney related pain such as back ache.
• Hernia and edema of legs is also relieved with fenugreek.
• In Indian traditional medical system, Ayurveda, it is used as an aphrodisiac, for rejuvenation, bronchial and digestive complaints, arthritis and gout.
• Fresh fenugreek leaves are cooked as a curry and the dried leaves are used for flavouring the dishes.
• Fenugreek seeds are roasted and powdered to sue in curry powders, stews, pickles and fried foods.
• The sprouts of the seeds are used in salads.

External use

• Fenugreek is used for relieving ulcers, eczema, boils and cellulite.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

The seeds are rich sources of lipids, mucilage, protein, and protease inhibitors. Several steroid saponins, minute amounts of alkaloid and steroidal peptide and furostanol glycosides are also seen in the plant.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

This herb acts as a reliever for many ailments. Some of these are:

• Cholesterol: It is a proven fact that by consuming fenugreek cholesterol can be balanced. Around 2 ounces can be taken every day.
• Diabetes: Fenugreek is effective in relieving Type 2 diabetes. Consumption of around 500 mg fenugreek every day will yield the desired results.
• Skin inflammation: Fenugreek is very effective in relieving burns, boils, abscesses, gout and eczema. Fenugreek powder should be made into a paste with water and a cloth should be soaked into this paste. The soaked cloth can be applied on the affected area of the skin as a poultice.
• Heartburn and Acid reflux: Seeds of fenugreek contain mucilage which help is soothing gastrointestinal inflammation. It coats the lining of the intestine and stomach. Hence it works effectively against acid reflux and heartburn. Around 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds can be swallowed along with water before meal.
• Fever: This herb is useful for reducing fever. The seeds should be consumed along with honey and lemon.
• Breast enlargement: Fenugreek balances female hormones. It should be consumed up to 3g every day.
• Child Birth problems: Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and is helpful in inducing childbirth. But pregnant women should use this remedy only after consulting the doctor.
• Lactation: Fenugreek influences milk production in nursing mothers.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS IN USING TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM

Usage of fenugreek seeds usually does not give any side effects. But only prescribed dosage should be taken. Pregnant women should not use fenugreek. And people undergoing management for hypoglycemia also should avoid fenugreek. It is advisable to consult a registered medical practitioner before consuming any herb or herbal supplement.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM

Planet Ayurveda recognizes the relieving properties of this herb and is using it in the following product: