Fenugreek Seed Benefits the Digestive System and Lowers Blood Pressure

The name Fenugreek comes from the Latin meaning 'Greek hay.' This is because this herb is traditionally used as fodder for animals. It is also called Bird's Foot, Foenugreek, and Goat's Horn. Fenugreek is commonly found growing in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. For centuries it has grown wild in this region, as well as India and North Africa. People there use both the seeds and leaves as a culinary spice. The seeds of the fenugreek herb are an effective nutritional supplement and have also been used by herb lovers for many centuries because of the health benefits it provides.

Fenugreek is similar to a bean plant growing one to two feet tall, and the flowers are white or pale yellow. The thin, sword-shaped pods are four to six inches long holding ten to twenty seeds. The plant takes four months to mature. Then it is pulled up, dried, and used.

Fenugreek is available whole and dried, or as a dull yellow powder ground from the roasted seeds. If you like all the technical jargon, fenugreek contains alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium, and thiamine. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant that helps the body utilize oxygen.

Fenugreek is great for the digestive system. It contains a large amount of fiber. This type does not dissolve but swells when it comes in contact with fluids. This works it a natural laxative. Fenugreek also lowers blood pressure.

Fenugreek is able to regulate blood sugar levels and to lower levels of harmful cholesterol. When taken with meals, fenugreek can slow the rate of sugars' absorption in the body. One amino acid found in fenugreek may cause an increase in the production of insulin when blood sugar rises. However, it is used with insulin, not in place of it. A poultice of fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains. It is also used for boils, cysts, and other complaints.

Fenugreek was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation, and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion. It loosens and removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis, and congestion.

The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used in meat curries. Flour mixed with ground fenugreek makes a spicy bread. In India the roasted ground seeds are infused for a coffee substitute. A tea can be made by soaking a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes.

A common dosage for diabetes or cholesterol-lowering is up to one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day. As a tincture, 3 to 4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per day. Fenugreek tea is prepared by soaking two ounces of the seed in about 5 ounces of cold water for at least 3 hours. The seeds are then strained out of the liquid before drinking the tea, which can be heated or not. The poultice is made by mixing 2 ounces of fenugreek seed powder with up to one quart of hot water and letting the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel.

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