Also Known As
Greek hay, foenugreek, fenigreek, fenugreek
Native to India and southern Europe
Traditional Use and Health Benefits
Modern herbalists are aware of the plant compound diosgenin, this is similar to oestrogen making Fenugreek useful as a natural HRT alternative. It is recommended to help with hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms.
Fenugreek is also known to be good for wounds, boils and rashes when used as a compress on the skin. It can sooth a sore throat by gargling the tincture and is also indicated for coughs and bronchitis and menstrual discomfort.
Interestingly a doctor called James A Duke observed that fenugreek had high levels of diosgenin and recommended taking this herb for non surgical breast enhancements.
Suggested Dosage OF FENUGREEK
Take 1 to 2 grams/teaspoons of two or three times a day
Fenugreek Herbal Tincture-
Take 2 - 3ml two or three times a day,
or as recommended by a herbal practitioner.
Folklore and History
Fenugreek seeds have been used for 1000's of years and are documented as being used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for fevers, respiratory and intestinal complaints, as well as wound healing and abscesses. Indian women have long since used Fenugreek to stimulate milk production, and they are used in Ayurveda for arthritis, bronchitis and digestive upsets. They were documented as used by Benedictine monks for again wounds, fevers, digestive upsets and respiratory conditions. In North Africa they were known traditionally to be of use for menstrual complaints and symptoms of the menopause.
Fenugreek seeds contain polysaccharide galactomannan, saponins, disosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin and neotigogens. Other bioactive constituents include mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids such as choline and trigonelline.
Use of more than 100 grams of seeds daily can cause intestinal upset and nausea. Otherwise, fenugreek is extremely safe.