What are the Uses and Health Benefits of Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum)?

Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum

What is Fenugreek Herb?

Fenugreek is an amazing herb that is used for medicinal purpose as well as spice in various cuisines. It is commonly known as “Methi” in India. The Latin name of this herb is Trigonella foenum graecum. Not only the seeds of this herb are used but the leaves are also equally beneficial in various health issues. This herb is commonly found in South and Central Asia.

General Description of Fenugreek herb

Fenugreek herb is an annual plant with leaves consist of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. These green leaves are 30-60cm tall contains slender beaked pods 10-15 cm long. Each pod of these leaves contain 10 to 20 small brown seeds.

What are the other names of Fenugreek?

The other name of Fenugreek herbs are:

  • English name: Fenugreek
  • Hindi name: Methi Dana
  • Kannada name: Menthya
  • Marathi name: Methya
  • Telgu name: Menthulu
  • Tamil name: Vendayam

What is the Classification of Fenugreek Herb?

The overall classification of this herb is mentioned below:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
  • Superdivision: Spermatophyta
  • Division: Magnoliophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Subclass: Rosidae
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Genus: Trigonella
  • Species: Trigonella foenum-graecum

As per Ayurveda Medicinal Properties of Fenugreek herb:

  • Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
  • Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light to digest), Snigdha (Unctuous, Oily)
  • Veerya (Potency): Ushna (Hot potency)
  • Vipaka (Taste conversion after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
  • Effects on Tridosha: It balances Kapha and Vata dosha.

What are the Chemical Composition of Fenugreek Herb?

Fenugreek herb contain chemical composition like diosgenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, trigonelloside, yomogenin, tetosides, graceunin A, B, C, H, I, J, K, L, M, trigofoenosides, choline, trigonelline, yamogenin, gitogenin, diosgenin, neotigogens, and tigogenin etc. It contains nutritional contents like thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, B6, vitamins A, C, and K, copper, calcium, selenium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.

What are the Benefits of Fenugreek Herb According to Ayurveda?

There are various health benefits of Fenugreek mentioned below:

  • Deepani: This herb improves the digestive fire.
  • Vatahara: It balances vata dosha disorders like paralysis, constipation, neuralgia, and bloating etc.
  • Kaphahara: It balances kapha disorders like asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion, and cough etc.
  • Prameha: This herb is very much effective in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and urinary tract disorders.
  • Aruchi: Beneficial in anorexia.

How Fenugreek Herb is used in Diabetes?

The presence of amino acid in this herb shows anti-diabetic properties. This property reduces high glucose levels in the blood. Fenugreek seeds contain fiber that slows down digestion and help the body in absorption of sugar and carbohydrates. Diabetic patients can take five gram of fenugreek powder twice daily with plain water. You can also use seeds of this herb. Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water. Drink this water early in the morning on empty stomach.

Is Fenugreek Herb Beneficial for Breast-Feeding Mothers?

Yes, it is very beneficial herb for breast-feeding mothers. The presence of galactogogue in this herb increases the production of breast milk. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborn baby. Lactating mother can chew one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds or its sprouts daily on empty stomach. Fenugreek tea is equally beneficial take one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds, boil it in two cups of water until it remains one cup. Strain the mixture and drink this tea once daily.

How Fenugreek Herb is used for Gastritis and Bloating?

As this herb balances Vata dosha in the body hence it is beneficial in gastritis and bloating problem. Fenugreek seeds are also effective in constipation. You can drink a glass of fenugreek seeds water soaked overnight on an empty stomach. Even these patients can use the powder of this herb for cooking purposes.

Is Fenugreek Herb Beneficial in Inflammatory Skin Conditions?

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this herb reduces inflammatory conditions of the skin. It gives effective results in itching problem. Fenugreek herb also acts as blood purifier. To the injured and inflamed skin you can make a paste of dried leaves or seeds. Apply it over affected area of the skin. Fenugreek herb relives pain, inflammation, reduces abscess, wounds, swelling, and boils.

How Fenugreek Herb is used in Obesity?

Intake of Fenugreek herb increases metabolism rate in obese people that helps to reduce extra fats in the body. So regular intake of this herb is very effective.

Is this Herb Increases Libido?

Yes, the fenugreek herb helps in boosting up testosterone levels and increases libido. Include this herb in your daily routine as it increases stamina and strength.

How Fenugreek Herb is Beneficial for Hair Growth and Dandruff?

Make a paste of sprouted seeds of fenugreek herb. Apply this paste on your hair for dandruff, thin hair, and split ends problem. For faster hair growth consume one capsule of fenugreek daily.

Which part of the Fenugreek Herb is used for Medicinal Purposes?

For medicinal purpose seeds, leaves, and whole plant is used for medicinal purpose.

What are the Indications of Fenugreek Herb?

Fenugreek herb is used in various problems mentioned below:

  • Diabetes
  • Constipation
  • Paralysis
  • Neuralgia
  • Skin diseases
  • Hair problems
  • High Cholesterol levels
  • Obesity
  • Anorexia
  • Leucorrhoea
  • Wounds
  • Abscess
  • Boils
  • Abdominal colic pain
  • Asthma
  • Cough
  • Chest congestion
  • Bronchitis
  • Lactating mother
  • Fever

What are the Dosage of Fenugreek Herb for Medicinal Purpose?

The recommended dosage of this herb is mentioned below in detail:

  • In capsules form: Take one to two capsules once or twice daily with plain water after meals.
  • Always see that Fenugreek capsules are prepared from 500 mg standardized extract of Fenugreek herb.
  • In powder form: Take three to six grams of Fenugreek powder once or twice daily with plain water after meals.

What are the Side-Effects of Fenugreek Herb?

There are many cases in which Fenugreek herb causes side-effects that are mentioned below:

  • Patients facing nasal bleeding and heavy menstrual problem should avoid this herb.
  • Fenugreek herb is not safe during pregnancy so avoid taking excess of fenugreek herb. It can be taken in very small dosage by a pregnant women.
  • Sometimes this herb acts as a laxative so the patient facing diarrhoea problem should avoid using this herb.