Fenugreek a miracle spice

Fenugreek (methi in Hindi) has played a major role in herbal healing since ancient times.  In India fenugreek is used both in the form of leaves as a vegetable casserole and as a spice in the form of seeds. Kasoori Methi is sold as dry leaves that are used for flavoring. 

In earlier Greece, fenugreek plant leaves were mixed with animal forage to cure the sick horses and cattle. As fenugreek spread around the Mediterranean, ancient physicians learned that fenugreek seeds contained great deal of mucilage.  When mixed with water, mucilage becomes gelatinous thus soothing inflamed and irritated tissues.  Hippocrates and many ancient Greek and Roman physicians recommended the herb to treat fevers and respiratory and intestinal complaints.

Ancient Chinese healers also used fenugreek to treat fevers, hernia, gallbladder problems, muscle aches and impotence.

In India fenugreek is part of curry spice blend.  Ayurvedic physicians used fenugreek for treating arthritis, bronchitis and digestive upsets.  Concoction made of fenugreek seeds and water helps women in menstrual cramps.  One study showed Indian lactating mothers ate these seeds to increase milk production.

Arab women ate the roasted seeds to gain weight and attain beautiful skin.

Some of fenugreek’s traditional uses have been supported by modern science. Studies show that fenugreek reduces cholesterol.  For that, one can take two ounces of fenugreek seeds with warm water every morning before brushing teeth and in 24 weeks it will start showing the result.

It is believed that fenugreek helps in Type-2 diabetes.  Take fenugreek seeds twice a day every day and it will lower the blood sugar level.

Fenugreek seeds have dietary fibre.  Take a teaspoon of seeds with warm water before sleeping and it will help in case of constipation and some other stomach problems.

Fenugreek seeds are swallowed raw early in the morning with warm water to have healing effect on joint pains.

Fenugreek’s soothing mucilage may help relieve sore throat and cough.  For that boil a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and gargle for throat ailments.

Fenugreek belongs to the Fabaceae family and other members of this family are lima beans.  Its botanical name is Trigonella foenum-graecum.  Seeds and leaves of the plant are used as healing herb.