Fenugreek Click to listen highlighted text! Fenugreek – From ancient times through the late 19th century, it played a major role in herbal healing but its use fell aside until recently. Modern scientific research has found that it can help reduce cholesterol levels, control diabetes and minimize the symptoms of menopause.
History of Fenugreek:
History of Fenugreek:The ancient Greeks fed this herb to horses and cattle. The Romans then started using it, too, calling it “Greek hay.”
As fenugreek spread around the ancient Mediterranean, physicians learned that its seeds, contain a substance called mucilage. Mixed with water, mucilage expands and becomes a gelatinous soother for irritated tissues.
In American folk medicine, it was considered a potent medicine to bring on menstruation and associated discomforts.
Scientists have reported that its seeds do contain the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones which are similar to estrogen. Fenugreek minimizes symptoms of menopause, relieves constipation, controls diabetes, reduces cholesterol, soothes sore throat pain and coughs, eases minor indigestion, and relieves diarrhea.
The Herb Plant:
Fenugreek is an annual that has yellow-white flowers with a strong fragrance. It blooms in May and June.
Trigonella-Foenum graeca, which grows to 1 to 2 feet, needs well drained loam.
The Flavor of Fenugreek:
- Fenugreek tastes like bitter celery with maple syrup and has been used as a maple flavoring agent.
- Fenugreek has the same odor as celery but a more bitter flavor.
- It is popular as a tisane (tea).
- It is also used in many African dishes. It constitutes one of the main ingredients of curries.
RECIPE:
An interesting beverage with the fresh or dried leaves.
1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of fresh fenugreek
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon dried
Steep 3 to 10 minutes in water that was brought to a rolling boil.
Serve with lemon or honey.
Usage:
To make a medicinal tea, gently boil two teaspoons of mashed seeds per cup of water, then simmer for ten minutes.
Drink up to three cups a day.
To improve the flavor, you can add your favorite sweetener, lemon, anise or mint.
Dosage of a decoction should be up to three cups daily, or a tincture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon up to three times daily.
Externally Fenugreek is used as a compress or in a facial steam. It cleanses oily skin, minimizing blemishes and also strengthens the scalp when used on the hair.
Precautions:
Fenugreek is considered safe however, it should not be used by pregnant women since it is considered a uterine stimulant.