Fenugreek seed is a culinary spice used around the world. Get facts and information on fenugreek to help you understand what Fenugreek seeds are how it can benefit your body and improve your health.
Fenugreek is most popular in India, who also produces most of the world’s supply. It is a common ingredient in curry and is widely used by chefs to enhance their dishes.
Fenugreek History
Fenugreek is Latin and translate to “Greek hay”. The genus, Trigonella comes from another Greel work meaning “three-angled” from the points of the “crown” around a seed. Fenugreek was used in ancient Rome as an aid to male potency. In Asia, it is used in cooking as it is a base ingredent in curry powder. It is also used in perfumes, lotions, and soaps. In some countries it is used for hair tonice and helps to cure baldness. In ancient China, it was used for problems with kidneys, hernia, impotence, and other male related problems.
* Only the fruit, the seeds, are used. They are usually in a dried form that is ground or whole (Fenugreek seed extract is also available).
How to Use Fenugreek
Fenugreek is typically used in cooking, but are used in capsules when used for medical conditions. It can be found in extract form also. You can eat up to 3 1/2 0z. (100g) of the seeds in one meal without any gastrointestinal side effects. Caution: Do not eat more as this will give you TOO much fiber.
Sorethroats can be soothed by mixing a finely ground powder with cider and warm water.
Pain can be relieved by using fenugreek in a paste form. This is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent for rashes.
Most people would not like the bitter taste of Fenugreek, but it used in capsule form for remedies of boils, eczema, and furuncles. In the US, it is in imitation maple syrups. Other countries have used fenugreek seeds for diabetics by soaking the seeds in water. The addition to a diabetics daily diet was found to decrease blood sugar levels, while raising good HDL levels.
Precautions:
Using for low blood sugar, the powder is better than using whole seeds as the powder releases more of the vanadium when your food is digesting.
Do not use if pregnant or if you are allergic to chickpeas.
Fenugreek is also recognized by many other names such as: Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Greek Hay Seed, Foenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Bird’s Foot, Alholva, Chandrika, Hu Lu Ba, Methi, Medhika, Trigonella, Bockshornsame, and Methi.
*This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
