Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds and Leaves

1. The seeds and leaves of methi (fenugreek) are readily available and widely used in Indian kitchen. They have a strong aroma and a bitter taste. But when used in small quantities they impart flavour to your food. It is commonly used in curries, vegetable dishes, dals and not to forget the mouth watering methi paratha.Methi contains protein, fibre, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, iron and alkaloids. It also contains a compound diosgenin which has oes .....

What is Fenugreek

2. Fenugreek belongs to the plant family .....

Increase breast milk production

3. Fenugreek ranks high among the .....

Induce and ease child birth

4. Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pain. But heres a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth. .....

Ease womens health problems

5. Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in yo .....

Breast Enlargement

6. Want to enlarge your breasts? Include fenugreek in your regular diet. The oestrogen like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women. .....

Reduce cholesterol

7. According to studies fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL). .....

Reduce cardiovascular risk

8. Fenugreek seed has cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of galactomannan. It lowers the risk of heart attack. It is also an excellent source of potassium which counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure. .....

Control diabetes

9. Fenugreek is beneficial for people with diabetes. Galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into blood. Fenugreek also contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin. .....

Aid digestion

10. Fenugreek helps flush out harmful toxins. It relieves indigestion and helps treat constipation. .....

Cure acid reflux or heartburn

11. One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and sooth irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous. .....

Remedy for fever and sore throat

12. Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat. .....

Prevent colon cancer

13. The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers. .....

Lose weight by suppressing appetite

14. Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite. .....

Cure for skin inflammation and scars

15. Apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste for effective treatment of skin problems like burns, boils, eczema, etc. Fenugreek seeds also help in getting rid of scars. .....

Beauty product

16. Fenugreek can be an excellent ingredient for your home made beauty product. Fenugreek can be used in face packs to help prevent blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. Washing your face with water boiled with fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves for twenty minutes on your face can work wonders for your skin. .....

Solution to hair problems

17. Using fenugreek as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes yourhair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall. What more? Fenugreek is also great to keep the dandruff away. .....

Fenugreek Nutrition

18. Fenugreek seeds and leaves are strongly aromatic and flavorful. Seeds are bitter in taste but lose their bitterness if roasted slightly. They are rich invitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C, and are a storehouse of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Fenugreek leaves are a rich source of vitamin K as well. .....

Protects from Cancer

19. The fibers in fenugreek help prevent certain cancers. For example, researchers at Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, found that fenugreek has estrogenic effects and could be a possible alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Other studies have shown that saponins and mucilage in fenugreek bind to toxins in the food and flush them out, thus protecting the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers. .....

Maintains healthy Testosterone Levels

20. Positive effect of fenugreek on physiological aspects of male libido and also found that it may assist to maintain normal healthy testosterone levels. The study recruited 60 healthy males aged between 25 and 52, without erectile dysfunction and randomized to 2 tablets per day of 600mg Testofen (Fenugreek extract and mineral formulation) or placebo for 6 weeks. The researchers found that Testofen significantly increased sexual arousal and orgasm i .....

Herbal Tea

22. Herbal tea made with fenugreek, lemon and honey (check below for recipe) is traditionally used as remedy for fevers. .....

Hair growth

23. Fenugreek seeds or methi contain proteins and nicotinic acid which are a great source for hair growth. It contains large amounts of lecithin which makes our hair healthy and strong, and hydrates the hair. It helps to reduce the dryness of the hair, cures dandruff, conditions the hair, keeps the scalp cool and treats a variety of scalp issues. It is highly effective against hair fall and provides strength from the roots. .....

Fenugreek Side Effects

24. In large doses, fenugreek may cause birth defects because of its teratogenic potential. It would be prudent to avoid fenugreek supplementation during pregnancy. Fenugreek seeds can cause internal bleeding. .....

Skin irritation

25. Skin irritation and allergy has also been reported with fenugreek. Severe allergy symptoms include chest pain, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. .....

Dandruff

26. There are various treatments and procedures to treat dandruff and one of the most basic and an effective cure is using methi seeds. It is also effective against a dry scalp and dermatitis. You can Take 2 tablespoons of methi seeds and soak them in water overnight. By morning the seeds will soften. Now ground them into a fine paste. Apply the paste on your scalp and leave it for half an hour. .....

Conditioning

27. Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, an emulsifying substance. When soaked in water, the seeds produce a slippery substance which endows your hair with shine. This quality makes methi seeds for hair conditioning an optimal choice. Other natural conditioners like curd and oil do not give the slippery effect to the hair as methi does. The mucilage of fenugreek replicates that slippery effect. .....

Cure for Skin Inflammation

29. It is an herbal cure for skin inflammation. It can treat boils, abscesses, eczema, muscle pain, burns and gout among other problems. It can relieve local inflammatory pain and swelling when used as a poultice. .....

Cure for acne or blackheads and wrinkles

30. Add honey to the paste suggested above and apply this as a face mask on your skin to treat acne. This can effectively treat cystic acne as well. It can be useful against blackheads and wrinkles as well. It draws out toxins accumulated underneath the epidermis and tones the outer layers of the skin. Thus, both ingestion and external application of this is useful to help you get that desired glow on your skin. .....

Fenugreek seeds for Health

31. Fenugreek has a long history of treating several health problems. Read on to know the amazing health benefits that methi seeds offer. .....

Fenugreek Leaves Benefits

32. For using it as a mouth freshener, dry these leaves in a shade place and grind them into fine powder. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice in a vessel and put the dried powder in it. Next, heat the pot for a couple of minutes before use. Finally, allow it to cool down. Once the mixture has dried up, you can use it for different purposes. .....

Bowel problems

33. This leaf is highly beneficial for treating poor liver functions and dyspepsia. It is also helpful in treating gastric problems and other intestinal issues. It is also used for curing dysentery and diarrhea. These leaves are also used in the powdered form for treating GI issues, as well as allergies or congestion of the upper respiratory zone. .....

Heart problems and blood lipids

34. This herb, fenugreek, has a strong balancing effect on blood lipid levels and lowers the hazards of atherosclerosis. In case of diabetes, it has substantiated an outstanding ability to reduce LDL levels, triglycerides and cholesterol. .....

Reduce blemishes

35. This herb is highly beneficial in reducing skin marks and blemishes. If there are some stubborn marks or spots on your face, consider using something natural like fenugreek leaves. Mix a spoon of fenugreek seed powder with a few drops of water; blend it continuously till its smooth in texture. .....

History

36. It is believed fenugreek was brought into cultivation in the Near East. While Zohary and Hopf are uncertain which wild strain of the genus Trigonella gave rise to domesticated fenugreek, charred fenugreek seeds have been recovered from Tell Halal, Iraq, (carbon dated to 4000 BC) and Bronze Age levels of Lachish and desiccated seeds from the tomb of Tutankhamen.[2] Cato the Elder lists fenugreek with clover and vetch as crops grown to feed cattle. .....

Production

37. Major fenugreek producing countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey and Morocco. The largest producer is India, where the major producing states areRajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab. Rajasthan accounts for over 80% of India's output. .....

Cuisine

38. Fenugreek is used as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice (seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). Sotolon is the chemical responsible for fenugreek's distinctive sweet smell.Cuboid shaped, yellow to amber colored fenugreek seeds are frequently encountered in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, used both whole and powdered in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes, daals, and spice mixes such as panch phoron a .....

Medicinal Benefits of Fenugreek

39. Methi also helps in reducing inflammation. This makes it a useful medicinal herb for relieving joint pain. Fenugreek is often wrapped in a cloth and used as a poultice. Just warm it up and apply directly on the pain and swelling. It may also offer cardiovascular health benefits by reducing hypertension as well. It is also useful in atherosclerosis, a heart condition that involves hardening of arteries. .....

Antioxidant properties

40. Its antioxidant properties and laxative nature makes it quite useful in preventing cancers, especially of the colon. It may also prevent other cancers such as breast cancer, leukemia, and liver cancer. .....

Delicious Methi Recipes

41. Methi Paratha is a very popular dish eaten in the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly eaten as breakfast and is quite filling. It is a flat bread made with whole wheat flour and fenugreek leaves, which is fried in vegetable oil and butter. Besan or gram flour may also be added to the flat bread to give a different taste and texture. Watch the video on the side and make your own methi paratha. .....

Methi in Your Regular Diet

42. It is time to include this healthy food in your diet. You can also use the leaves and seeds for enhancing the beauty of your hair and skin. The herb can also be used as a supplement for treating disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and digestive disorders. .....

Reducing inflammation

43. Methi also helps in reducing inflammation. This makes it a useful medicinal herb for relieving joint pain. Fenugreek is often wrapped in a cloth and used as a poultice. Just warm it up and apply directly on the pain and swelling. .....

Helpful in lowering blood sugar

44. A few studies have found that methi seeds are quite helpful in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. It appears that this herb slows down the breakdown and absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulates insulin production. .....

Vitamins

45. Methi seeds contain vitamins A, B6, and C. It also contains iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The fenugreek seeds also contain dietary fiber and protein. About 100gms of methi seeds contain around 323 calories and zero fat. .....

Alternate Names

46. Fenugreek is also known as Methya (in Marathi), menthya (in Kannada), Vendayam (in Tamil), Menthulu (in Telugu), Uluva (in Malayalam) , Uluhaal ( in Sinhalese), Methi ( (In Oriya,Bangla, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi). In Persian it is Shanbal .....

How to Prepare Fenugreek Leaves

47. The fresh leaves undoubtedly have lots of mud and debris in them. Hence cleaning is v essential. Before that, chop off the roots of the leaves.Pick the leaves of the stem. Very tender stems can be left in.Wash very well in cold water. It might take time but you dont want mud in your food. Its worth it though. Chop it lightly and coarsely. You can now use this in varied recipes. .....

Substitutes for Fenugreek

48. Dried leaves, either whole or ground are a good substitute for fresh. Replace with half the qty of fresh. If both are not available the one closest would be celery leaves since it also has a slight bitter taste similar to Fenugreek. You can also use chopped watercress leaves. For the seeds, substitute 1 tsp fenugreek seeds with 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds. .....

How and Where to Buy Fenugreek

49. Fenugreek is often available in capsules, seed, and powder form at many health food stores. Fenugreek seeds can also often be found at Indian/Pakistani grocery stores. You may also be able to find Fenugreek herbal tea bags. .....

Fenugreek Leaves Nutrition

50. Fenugreek or methi leaves are very rich in vitamins and minerals and they get easily absorbed by the body. Some major ingredients include calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and dietary fiber in its naturally occurring form as in other vegetables. The availability of vitamin K is as good as spinach. The protein rich fenugreek leaves can be treated as a wonder herb. .....

Fenugreek Seeds Nutrition

51. Fenugreek or methi seeds are also very rich in dietary fiber and can provide about 65% of daily value requirements in about 100gms of seeds and mainly comprises of NSP or .....

Fenugreek powder

52. Herbal tea made out of fenugreek powder is very good in bringing down the temperature during high fevers. .....

Treatment of wrinkles

53. Fenugreek is very good in the treatment of wrinkles and lines and for improved complexion. Use it with boiled milk. .....

Restrictions in fenugreek usage

54. You can extract all the benefits when fenugreek is used in moderation. By virtue of its bitter and peculiar taste it not very easy to consume in large quantities. Fenugreeks have similar allergic reaction as that of peanuts because it is in the same group of peanuts. Feeling of nausea is one of the most common reactions with fenugreek. When you use it on skin, first test it for skin irritations or rashes. Pregnant women are discouraged from its u .....

Remedy to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women

55. Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after consulting with their doctor. .....

Good source of iron

56. It is a very good source of iron. That is why fenugreek, both its seeds and leaves are considered medicinal for curing anemia. In fact, even if you follow standard medicine, patients with low hemoglobin count are usually put on a diet of fenugreek and other vegetables like spinach and lettuce. .....

Green leafy vegetables

57. Fenugreek leaves are basically a kind of green leafy vegetables unless you dry them for storage (kasuri methi). So they will give you all the goodness associated with green vegetables. The fresh leaves of the Methi plant have a slightly bitter under taste and can be cooked just like we cook spinach. .....

Rich source of vitamin K

59. Fenugreek could give competition to Spinach as a rich source of vitamin K. Commonly spinach is the traditional answer to all your vitamin K needs but fenugreek has almost as much or more of this vital nutrient. .....

Good source of roughage

60. It is a very good source of roughage because is basically comprised of leaves. It will fulfill your body's fibre requirements abundantly. Traditionally methi or fenugreek is supposed to be very beneficial to people who have a persistent problem of constipation. This is because they supply the missing 'bulk' to your faeces and thus make bowel movements smooth. .....

Protein and nicotinic acid

61. Enugreek is also a great source of protein and nicotinic acid. These nutrients lend benefits of fenugreek that are specific to hair. It foster hair growth and is good for the general health and shine of hair. .....

Sources

62. Fenugreek seeds and extract comes from the plant Trigonella foenum graecum L and has been used historically for various uses such as antispasmodic, appetite stimulant, high cholesterol, wounds, blood cleanser, and expectorant effects. It is derived from both Ayurveda (mostly) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (to a lesser degree) and unlike most traditional medicines it also appears to be a condiment. .....

Absorption

63. Fenugreek as a whole can attenuate the absorption of carbohydrates by acting as an alpha amylase and maltase inhibitor (starch and maltose digestive enzymes, respectively). .....

Mechanisms

64. It has been noted that the steroidal saponins per se do not possess significant influence on glucose metabolism and that de gumming Fenugreek (removing soluble fibers) reduces the ability of Fenugreek to attenuate post prandial blood glucose spikes. .....

Pancreas

65. A protective effect on pancreatic beta cells has been noted with fenugreek seed ingestion in diabetic rats which has been noted with the isolated steroidal saponin content. .....

Interventions

66. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, 1,500mg/kg of fenugreek seeds daily for 21 days was associated with a 58% reduction in blood glucose levels (still 116% higher than true control) with no significant influence on insulin.Reduction in blood glucose have also been noted in Alloxan induced diabetic rats (2 8g/kg of the seeds). .....

Fat Metabolism and Obesity

67. One study using fenugreek at 2,500mg twice a day for 3 months noted no changes to blood sugars or blood lipids in healthy individuals, but a reduction in blood sugar in persons with Type II diabetes and a reduction in blood lipid parameters (cholesterol and triglycerides) in persons with both Coronary Artery Disease and diabetes.This suggests that fenugreek has the ability to lower blood lipids, but it works vicariously though fixing problems in .....

Skeletal Muscle Mass and Performance

68. When administered at 900mg and in conjunction with 3.5g Creatine monohydrate, fenugreek+creatine appears to be as effective at increasing lean body mass and strength over 8 weeks as creatine alongside 70g dextrose. A few problems with this latter study include no true control group (comparative study), the Fenugreek group weighting less and pressing more at baseline (possibly poor randomization), and funding from Indus Biotech. .....

Thyroid Hormones

69. In rats given exogenous thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) in order to induce high blood sugar, 220mg/kg of the seeds of Fenugreek was able to suppress the rise in blood glucose and the rise of thyroid hormones; the potency of which being comparable to 500mg/kg Allium sativum and 10mg/kg propyl thiouracil (known anti thyroid as active control). .....

Liver

70. Fenugreek has been noted to protect against oxidative liver pathology at 5% of male rat feed against Aluminum Chloride toxicity.Fenugreek appears to be recommended for Alcohol related complications according to its traditional usage, similar to such herbs as Pueraria lobata and Hovenia dulcis. .....

Eyes

71. An alcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds at 2,000mg/kg daily in alloxan induced diabetic rats was able to reduce diabetes induced cataract formation, although to a lesser protective effect when compared to Pterocarpus marsupium bark at 1,000mg/kg. .....

Sexuality and Pregnancy

72. Fenugreek may also enhance male libido when ingested at 600mg a day (Testofen brand name, 50% Fenusides) in two divided doses for 6 weeks.The primary measurement was the self reported score on the Derogatis interview for sexual functioning self report (DISF SR) and there was a reported global improvement as well as significant improvements on the subscales of satisfaction with orgasm and sexual desire; this study was not affiliated with the produ .....

Loose Motions

73. Fenugreek has been known to cause loose motions in some mothers and breastfeeding babies and it is usually advised to stop consumption whilst symptoms persist. Loose motions or diarrhea can be easily passed on from mother to baby via means of breast milk which could result in severe dehydration for the breastfeeding child. .....

Hypoglycemia

74. Fenugreek seeds side effects is that it may cause hypoglycemia in some mothers. Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that involves drastically lowered blood sugar levels hence inadequate glucose supply to the brain and can cause serious symptoms such as seizures, permanent brain damage and even death. .....

Bitter in taste

75. The fresh fenugreek leaves are bitter in taste and are recognized as a powerful herb. The herb grows about 2 feet in height and has slender stems and the tripartite, serrated leaves appear in light green color. To boost the flavor of the dish, you can add fenugreek leaves to any kind of cooking which includes dal, vegetable, rice, or atta (chapathi flour). The methi parathaand methi dal are popular dishes of the north Indian cuisine. .....

Natural remedy

76. Fenugreek leaves as part of the fenugreek plant is used as an herb and by its lf has a natural remedy. Fenugreek leaves are used both dried and fresh in many different regional cuisines. It is said that the fenugreek leaves have various medical properties. .....

Meat preparations and vegetables

77. Fresh fenugreek leaves are widely used in meat preparations and with other vegetables, stir fries, curries and salads. The dried leaves are used in teas, baked into breads, or sprinkled as a garnish on nearly any savory dish. It is commonly called as the kasturi methi and enhances the taste of the dish. Fresh green have a high content of minerals and necessary supplements for a low amount of calories. .....

Enriched with minerals like Potassium

78. Fenugreek leaves are enriched with minerals like Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. One hundred grams of fenugreek leaves comprise only 49 calories. The leaves have good dietary fiber and are enriched with Vitamin C. The Vitamin K from fenugreek greens are comparable to spinach. .....

Fenugreek oil

79. Fenugreek oil is a waxy liquid pressed or distilled from the seeds of the trigonella foenum gracecum plant. Used for centuries across Asia and in the Mediterranean area, this essential oil is rich in phytic acid, saponins, and trigonelline. These nutrients, along with antioxidants, endow this oil with the power to fight viruses, cancer tumors, and free radicals which lead to aging. .....

kill microorganisms

80. This essential oil can kill microorganisms, stimulate circulation, and reduce swelling; these qualities have led to many people using fenugreek oil in home remedies foracne, boils, and numbness. Taken internally, fenugreek can lower hypertension and cholesterol, making it a tonic for the heart. It can also be used as a diuretic to relieve water retention. In addition, the oil has a reputation of soothing the nervous system and stopping muscle spa .....

Pure and concentrated form

81. Fenugreek oil is often sold in oil blends which use carrier oils like olive oil and sesame oil to dilute it; occasionally, other essential oils like cinnamon oil are added. Users typically apply the oil mixture with an eye dropper. The standard dosage is five to seven drops delivered sublingually. For convenience, undiluted fenugreek oil is also sold in capsules containing daily doses of 500 mg to 1,200 mg. Some tea drinkers pierce the capsules t .....

Flavoring for fake maple syrup

82. Fenugreek is used as a flavoring for fake maple syrup, which seems kind of odd because it doesn't taste anything like maple syrup. But, when you roast it, it smells a little bit like it apparently and while it isn't sweet, it can lend a tiny bit of flavor to sugar so that it tastes like maple. .....

Dosing

83. Studies investigating the use of fenugreek in diabetes and cholesterol lowering have used 5 g/day of seeds or 1 g of a hydroalcoholic extract. .....

Interactions

84. The effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin may be potentiated. Patients taking anticoagulants should consult their health care provider before taking fenugreek; dosage adjustments may be necessary. .....

Adverse Reactions

85. Dyspepsia and mild abdominal distention have been reported in studies using large doses of the seeds. Culinary quantities are essentially devoid of adverse effects; however, a case of hypersensitivity to fenugreek in curry powder has been reported. .....

FENUGREEK AND ITS BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

86. The dried seeds of fenugreek are used as a spice while the leaves are used as a vegetable in the Indian culinary arts. Fenugreek seeds is a rich source of protein, fibre and omega 3 fatty acids while the leaves are sources of beta carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. India is one of the major producers and exporters of fenugreek. .....

HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECTS

87. Since fenugreek is a rich source of soluble fiber, several experiments were performed in animals to assess its effects on lipids and blood glucose. The gel forming characters of fenugreek fiber reduces gastric emptying, glucose absorption and the insulin response. In a majority of patients, a mild improvement in clinical symptoms. .....

High in potassium and low in sodium

88. Fenugreek is high in potassium and low in sodium. Therefore, the powdered seeds can keep our blood pressure under control and regulate our heart rate efficiently. .....

Reduce the oiliness of our skin

89. When used in face pack or face mask, fenugreek powder can reduce the oiliness of our skin and make it free from acne. .....

Homemade facial scrub

90. Fenugreek powder can be used as a great homemade facial scrub. Its regular use can lead to a naturally glowing skin by removing dead cells and diminishing blackheads. .....

Wounds and Infections

91. Fenugreek has shown antibacterial properties in laboratory experiments, but no clinical trials have showed its efficacy in treating infection. More research is needed before fenugreek is recommended as an antibacterial agent. .....

RESEARCH

92. Experiments conducted on animals have demonstrated that fenugreek has the aptitude to slow down development of liver cancer and, at the same time, promote contractions of the uterus. .....

CONSTITUENTS

93. Chemical analysis of fenugreek has revealed that it encloses mucilage, saponins, vitamins A, B and C, alkaloids (including gentianine and trigonelline), protein and minerals. .....

CAPSULES

94. Capsules enclosing powdered fenugreek seed are recommended to facilitate in regulating metabolism of glucose in treating onset of diabetes or in the later stage of the ailment. .....

POULTICE

95. A poultice is prepared by making a paste of the powdered herb with water and is applied externally to heal boils and treat cellulitis (accumulation of excessive fat in the thighs and buttocks). .....

TINCTURE

96. The tincture prepared with fenugreek aerial parts is taken for treating disorders of the reproductive system as well as medical conditions concerning the kidney, especially when qi (energy) depletes. To treat diabetes, fenugreek tincture is recommended along with other hypoglycemic herbs. .....

DECOCTION

97. The decoction prepared from the aerial parts of the fenugreek herb is taken in the form of a warming drink to ease stomach upsets and menstrual pains. If nursing mothers take this decoction, it helps to enhance the flow of their breast milk. You may add a small amount of fennel to fenugreek to hide its bitter flavour. .....

INFUSION

98. The infusion prepared with fenugreek is taken for alleviating menstrual and labor pains as well as to provide relief from abdominal cramps. Besides using dry fenugreek seeds, the infusion may also be prepared with sprouted seeds of the herb. .....

Rich resource of several saponins

99. Fenugreek seeds have rich content of polysaccharide galactomannan. In addition, fenugreek seeds are also a rich resource of several saponins, including yamogenin, diosgenin, tigogenin, gitogenin and neotigogens. Additionally, fenugreek encloses also bioactive elements, such volatile oils and choline. .....