Fenugreek seed Herbal Infomation
NAME
Fenugreek seed
LATIN NAME
Trigonella fornum
ALSO KNOWN AS
Greek hay, foenugreek, fenigreek, fenugreek
ORIGIN
Native to India and southern Europe
PARTS USED
Seeds
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF FENUGREEK
Modern herbalists however are aware of the plant compound diosgenin, which is similar to oestrogen so they know Fenugreek to be useful as a natural HRT alternative, recommended to help with hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms.
They are also known to be good for wounds, boils, rashes as a compress on the skin. To be applied to a sore throat by gargling of the tincture. 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.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY OF FENUGREEK
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.
CONSTITUENTS OF FENUGREEK
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.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND
Suggested Dosage OF FENUGREEK
Herbal Powder
Take 1 to 2 grams/teaspoons of two or three times a day
Fenugreek Herbal Tincture-
Extraction Ratio 1:3,
Alcohol Vol. 25%,
Take 2 - 3ml two or three times a day,
or as recommended by a herbal practitioner.
PRECAUTIONS
Use of more than 100 grams of seeds daily can cause intestinal upset and nausea. Otherwise, fenugreek is extremely safe.
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