Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) of the family, Fabaceae is an ancient herb known for its aromatic and medicinal virtues. This oldest cultivated medicinal plant is native to the Mediterranean countries and across Asia. Fenugreek is widely grown as a semi-arid crop in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Argentina, Spain, France, Morocco, Egypt and China. The plant is popular by its various names: fenugreek (English); methi (Hindi); alholva (Spanish); fenugrec (French); bockshorklee (German); hulba (Arabic); pazhitnik (Russian); k’u-tou (Chinese) and koroha (Japanese).
Herbal Remedies with Fenugreek
Fenugreek is aromatic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, mucilaginous, galactogogue and aphrodisiac in nature. It is high in vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B3 and contains lecithin, minerals and protein. Owing to its excellent medicinal properties, fenugreek is used in homes for the treatment of common health problems. Here are some of the time-tested and curative remedies:
- For asthma: Take a cup of fenugreek decoction with a spoonful of honey and fresh ginger juice. This formulation acts as an excellent expectorant.
- For diabetes: Prepare a mixture of powdered fenugreek seeds with guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre), vijaysar (Pterocarpus Marsupium), neem (Azadirachta indica), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and pippali (Piper longum) in equal quantities. Take two grams each of paneer doda (Tukhm-hayaat) and chirayata (Swertia chirata) and soak in 150 ml of water for 12 hours. Filter the same. Take a teaspoon of the preparation with half the solution before lunch and dinner.
- For weight loss: Soak about 10 grams of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning. Soak another 10 grams of fenugreek seeds in the morning and consume them half an hour before dinner. Fiber present in fenugreek swells in the stomach and gives the feeling of satiety.
- For heart problems: Consuming about 50 to 60 grams of fenugreek seeds daily, either with water or in diet, is said to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
- For nursing mothers: Taking about one to two grams of fenugreek twice a day is recommended to improve milk flow in lactating mothers.
- For vaginal discharge:Taking a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds powder with curd is said to be effective in treating vaginal discharge associated with yeast infections.
- For fever:Consuming about two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds with green tea or with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice, taken thrice a day, is known to treat fever.
- For abdominal pain: Mix a teaspoon of powdered fenugreek seeds in buttermilk. Drink the mixture to relieve abdominal pain due to indigestion. This remedy also works against diarrhea.
- For acid reflux:One of the effective remedies against acid reflux or heartburn is to swallow a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with juice or water before meals.
- For joint pain: Consuming a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds powder with lukewarm water gives relief from joint pain.
- For skin problems:Apply a paste of fenugreek leaves over the face overnight. This remedy helps prevent acne and blackheads.
- For anemia: Cook fenugreek leaves and have it with meals. A teaspoon of fenugreek seeds can also be taken with water.
- For eczema/ inflammations: Take a spoonful of powdered fenugreek and mix with warm water. Soak a clean piece of cloth into the mixture and apply onto the affected skin as a poultice.
- For dandruff: To remove dandruff, soak about 10 gram of fenugreek seeds overnight. Make it into a paste with mix with neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf juice. Apply this mixture over the scalp and rinse off after an hour. Another remedy is to mix about three to five grams of fenugreek seeds powder in a cup of curd and to it, mix half teaspoon of lemon (Citrus limon) juice. Apply the mixture on scalp for an hour and rinse off.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
- Deepak Acharya and Garima Sancheti, Beauty Secrets Hidden in Indian Herbs, Positive Health, issue 101, Janurary 2007
- Garima sancheti, Cure dandruff the herbal way, suite101.com, September 29, 2010
- Garima Sancheti, Outsmart diabetes with herbal remedies, suite101.com November 27, 2010
Garima Sancheti - Dr Garima Sancheti is a PhD in Radiation and Cancer Biology from Rajasthan University, India. She has written various research articles in ...
