Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Billy-goat Clover Camel Grass Common Fenugrec Fenugreek Greek Hayseed Hu-lu-ba Hu-lu-pa K'u-tou Methi Trigonella Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Research Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions Applications Collection and harvesting

Fenugreek consists of the dried ripe seeds of a small, southern European herb known technically as Trigonella  foenum-graecum L., a member of the family Fabaceae. It is variously referred to as trigonella or as Greek hayseed. The seeds contain up to 40 percent of a mucilage causing them to be used in various poultices and ointments intended for external application. Fenugreek has also been administered internally for stomach ailments, again due to its soothing mucilaginous properties. Small animal studies have revealed a number of potential therapeutic applications of the seed. These include its use in treating baldness, cancer, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, inflammations, microbial and fungal infections, and stomach ulcers. Needless to say, fenugreek's utility for any of these conditions has not been verified in human beings.

In India, fenugreek seeds have traditionally been used as a treatment for diabetes. Various studies have identified hypoglycemic activity of various fenugreek seed extracts in rabbits, rats, and dogs. The effects have been attributed to a number of components, including a defatted seed faction, nicotinic acid, coumarin, and trigonelline. Fenugreek does contain a number of steroidal sapogenins, including yamogenin and diosgenin, which could contribute to some traditional therapeutic applications for the herb. Several small, and mostly uncontrolled, human studies have shown a reduction in plasma glucose concentrations and insulin responses in non-insulin-dependent diabetics. The mechanism of action is not clearly understood. A recent study showed that fenugreek seeds significantly lowered serum cholesterol levels (14 percent reduction) in a twenty-four-week study with sixty non-insulin-dependent diabetics.

The taste of the seed, somewhat reminiscent of maple sugar, accounts for its use as a spice and a flavoring agent, especially in imitation maple syrup. Fenugreek is soothing, flavorful, and even nutritious. Although it is not a particularly potent medicament, it is quite harmless in normal use.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts, seeds.

USES

Fenugreek is often used in herbal medicine in North Africa, the Middle East, and India, being esteemed as a remedy for a wide variety of conditions. The nourishing seeds are given during convalescence and to encourage weight gain, especially in anorexia. They are also helpful in lowering fever, with some authorities comparing their ability to that of quinine. The seeds' soothing effect makes them of value in treating gastritis and gastric ulcers. They are used to induce childbirth and to increase breast-milk production. Fenugreek is also thought to be antidiabetic and to lower blood cholesterol levels. Externally, the seeds may be applied as a paste to treat abscesses, boils, ulcers, and burns, or used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge. The seeds also freshen bad breath and help restore a dulled sense of taste. In China, fenugreek is used as a pessary to treat cervical cancer.
Other medical uses - Hantavirus, High Triglycerides (TGs).
Culinary uses - Add freshly chopped young leaves to salads, vegetable bean soups, stews, and cauliflower and potato dishes. Use sparingly, as the leaves are rather bitter.
Use ground fenugreek seeds in your favorite curry dishes. Ground seeds are an essential ingredient of curry powders, oriental sauces, and spice mixtures, and halvah, the delicious Jewish sweetmeat.
Flavor pickles, chutneys, especially mango, with fenugreek seeds, either ground or whole.
Sprout the seeds to add to salads or sandwiches. Simply cover the bottom of a container with a thin layer of seeds. Rinse seeds, and leave overnight in a bowl of cold water. In the morning, put the seeds in a plastic container and place it in a warm, dark spot. Rinse the sprouts twice a day to keep them fresh. After each rinse, return the container to its warm location. You should have fresh sprouts ready for eating in about 4 days. (If you notice any fungus growing on the seeds or sprouts, discard them.)
Fenugreek seeds or extracts are used commercially to flavor pickles, baked goods, candy, condiments, chewing gum, soft drinks, gelatins, pudding, ice cream, icing, and syrups, such as maple, caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla.
In India, roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to North Africa and countries bordering the eastern Mediterranean, fenugreek grows in open areas and is widely cultivated, notably in India.
Fenugreek requires well-drained, good soil of medium texture. Tolerated pH range is 5.3 to 8.2.
Bacterial nodules on the roots take up nitrogen from the air, so this leguminous plant needs little if any nitrogen fertilizer, and actually enriches the soil with nitrogen.
Needs full sunlight, and requires watering during dry periods.
While fenugreek is easy to grow, most available cultivars need a growing season of 4 to 5 months, although some cultivars mature seeds just 3 months after sowing. It's a short-day plant, with flowering only beginning as the days shorten in late summer.
Sow seed directly in the garden in spring, as soon as the danger of frost is past.
Plant seeds 6 mm (1/4 inch) deep. Germination takes place 7 to 10 days after sowing.
Space plants 10 cm (4 inches) apart.
Sow seeds every 3 weeks for a regular supply of young plants for use in salads.
Usually pest-free, but susceptible to Cercospora leaf spot, a fungus disease.

RESEARCH

In animal experiments, fenugreek has been shown to inhibit liver cancer, stimulate uterine contractions.

CONSTITUENTS

Fenugreek contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids (inc. trigonelline and gentianine), mucilage, protein, vitamins A, B, C, minerals.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Due to the somewhat bitter taste of fenugreek seeds, debitterized seeds or encapsulated products are preferred. The typical range of intake is 5 - 30 grams with each meal or 15 - 90 grams all at once with one meal.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Because of fenugreek's estrogen content and its ability to stimulate the uterus, you should avoid this herb if you are pregnant.
Fenugreek lowers blood sugar levels, and has been used experimentally as an oral insulin substitute. If you are diabetic, you should be aware that consuming fenugreek might interfere with your insulin therapy.
As some authorities suggest that fenugreek's high mucilage content could coat the stomach and reduce absorption of prescription medications, you should limit your consumption of fenugreek if you are taking medication.

APPLICATIONS

SEEDS:

DECOCTION - Take as a warming  drink for menstrual pain, stomach upsets, and, if a nursing mother, to increase milk flow. Disguise the bitter taste with a little fennel.

TINCTURE - Take for reproductive disorders and conditions involving kidney qi (energy) weakness. Prescribed with other hypoglycemic herbs in diabetes.

CAPSULES - Prescribed to help control glucose metabolism in late - onset diabetes.

POULTICE - Make the powdered herb into a paste and apply to boils and cellulitis.

AERIAL PARTS:

INFUSION - Take for abdominal cramps, labor and menstrual pain. May also be made from sprouted seeds.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

Pick whole plants for fresh use in salads when they are about 5 cm (2 inches) high (cut off the roots).
After the seeds have matured, uproot the plants and hang to dry. When seeds are completely dry, thresh and separate them. Grind seeds if required. Store whole dried seeds or ground fenugreek powder in airtight containers.