Focus on Fenugreek

Folklore/Common Names Bird's Foot, Greek Hay, Greek Hay Seed

Parts Used Seeds, ripened and dried

Historical Reference

The Latin name of foenum-graecum, from whence we get Fenugreek, actually means Greek hay. The herb was used as feed or fodder by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks long before its medicinal properties were discovered.

Benedictine monks brought Fenugreek to Western Europe during the 9th Century.

Folklore holds Fenugreek as an aphrodisiac.

Today, Fenugreek is a modern source of imitation maple flavoring for syrups, candies and other culinary items...but not just for people! It is still used in its original purpose - to enhance the flavor and improve the quality of hays and feeds for cattle.

Medicinal Use

Caution While there are no official cautionary statements associated with Fenugreek, due to its stimulating effect on the uterus, Fenugreek should be avoided during pregnancy.

Constituents Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, mucilage (up to 30%), protein (up to 20%) Vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, minerals.

Fenugreek has been used over the centuries for everything from a laxative to an expectorant, and modern science is rapidly finding that the constituents do es/sed provide reason and supportive evidence for the vast variety of medicinal applications.

- Women will want to take note of the fact that Fenugreek is very effective in treating menstrual discomfort and increasing the flow of breast milk, as well as providing a natural source of estrogen-like properties that greatly reduce the symptoms of menopause.

- Anyone suffering from diabetes will benefit from adding Fenugreek to the diet due to its ability in assisting the regulation of blood sugar. According to James Duke's The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Fenugreek benefits those suffering from Type I diabetes, having no problem interacting with insulin; and greatly alleviates Type II diabetes. If you are a diabetic, check with your Doctor about adding Fenugreek to your daily intake on a regular basis.

- This ability to regulate and in some cases reduce blood sugars also makes Fenugreek a benefit to anyone suffering with anemia.

- Tests have shown that Fenugreek is also quite effective at lowering cholesterol levels. I highly recommend anyone suffering from high cholesterol add Fenugreek to their daily diet...and of course, let your Doctor know!

In addition to these benefits (and the benefit of being a rich nutritional source), Fenugreek may be used effectively internally in treating:

• Appetite loss
• Indigestion
• Upper Respiratory Inflammation
• Dandruff (when taken internally)
• To strengthen a weak digestive system
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