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Fenugreek is used all over the world both as food and a medicinal herb. It has been consumed by thousands of users in countries like China, United States and parts of Europe over a number of years already. Fenugreek products are used both for cuisine and medicine. Produced largely in South Asia and the Mediterranean, fenugreek seeds or methi are most popularly known as galactagogues or milk-producing agents. Traditional herbalists and modern medical consultants recommend methi to mothers who produce very little breast milk. The major fenugreek-producing countries are Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India.
Fenugreek is an erect herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It can grow up to 2 feet tall. Its tiny, yellow, oblong seeds have been discovered to contain helpful vitamins and minerals such as protein, potassium, niacin, diosgenin, and vitamin C, as well as alkaloids, lysine, L-tryptophan, and steroidal saponins. Its products come in many forms, from the processed pills, extracts, and supplements, to the fresher packages of seeds, leaves, and tea bags. The most popular of the products are usually the seeds. Called “hu lu ba” in China, the seeds are eaten either raw or roasted to detoxify the kidneys and fight several body pains, most notably hernia or groin pains. In India, people regularly eat a tablespoonful of raw fenugreek seeds as house medicine to alleviate pains. They typically take it early in the morning before their morning coffee.
Other well known medicinal uses of fenugreek are to (1) manage cholesterol, (2) lower blood sugar level, and (3) cure skin inflammation, acid reflux and fever.
Some studies have determined that two ounces of methi taken every day for 24 weeks have lowered cholesterol levels in humans by a significant 14 percent. People with cholesterol problems may find it helpful to sprinkle 2 ounces of fenugreek seed into their food throughout the day or taken with water.
Other studies showed that fenugreek seeds can help cure tons of skin problems, which include boils, burns, abscesses, and eczema, as well as gout. Patients are advised to apply a piece of cloth that has been soaked in ground fenugreek seeds and warm water over the affected area.
As a cure for intestinal problems, such as acid reflux and heartburn, sprinkle a teaspoonful of ground methi on food or take the seeds with water or juice before any meal.
Finally, to cure fever, patients may take two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds three times a day with green tea, honey and lemon juice. The green tea may also be replaced by fenugreek tea made from either fenugreek leaves or seeds.
On the other hand, fenugreek as food provides an interesting aroma and bittersweet taste that makes Mediterranean and South Asian curries distinguishably flavorful. Fenugreek leaves are cooked as greens and flavoring, while both leaves and seeds may be used to make nutritious herbal tea.
Today, a number of fenugreek products are popularized and commercialized in the United States and Europe as food supplements, mostly for the following purposes: breast milk production, breast enlargement, easy childbirth during pregnancy, bodybuilding, diabetic supplement, spice and a general health drink. They are sold online and in health stores as teas and in capsule and tablet forms.
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