The Latin name Fenugreek means ‘Greek hay’ because through history it has mainly been used as animal fodder. Other names include Foenugreek, Goat’s Horn, and Bird’s Foot. Fenugreek grows wild in India, North Africa, and the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. Both the seeds and leaves are used because of their nutritional value.

Much like a bean plant in appearance, fenugreek grows one to two feet tall and bears white or pale yellow flowers. The thin, sword-shaped pods grow to be four to six inches long and hold ten to twenty seeds each. After four months the plant is pulled up, dried, and used.

Fenugreek is available ground from the roasted seeds, as whole and dried Fenugreek Seed, or as a dull yellow powder. Its value comes from its contents: lysine and L-tryptophan, alkaloids, steroidal saponins (diosgenin, tigogenin, yamogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. Fenugreek is a natural source of silicon, iron, sodium, selenium, and thiamine.

Fenugreek is great aid to digestion because it contains a non-dissolving fiber. The fiber swells in the presence of liquid, making it a great natural laxative. Fenugreek also lowers a person’s blood pressure.

Fenugreek is able to lower levels of harmful cholesterol and to regulate blood sugar levels. When taken with meals, fenugreek can slow how quickly the body absorbs sugars. One amino acid that is found in fenugreek has been reported to increase the production of insulin when blood sugar rises. This is not saying a diabetic can take fenugreek instead of insulin. A poultice of fenugreek may sooth irritated skin, relieve the pain of boils and cysts, and decrease surface aches and pains. It is also used for boils, cysts, and other complaints.

Fenugreek reduces coughing, stimulates perspiration that reduces fevers (this was even known in ancient Egypt), and is beneficial for treating bronchitis, allergies, and congestion. Fenugreek fights infection, reduces inflammation, and relieves congestion. Fenugreek contains ideal qualities for treating lung congestion and sinus problems. It also loosens and removes excessive amounts of mucus and phlegm.

A tea can be made by soaking a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes. A coffee is also made in India from the seeds. The leaves are used in meat curries, both fresh and dried. A spicy bread is made with fenugreek powder added to the flour.

The poultice is made by mixing two ounces of fenugreek seed powder with a quart of hot water. Then let the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. About one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day is a common dosage of the seeds to help with lowering cholesterol or treating diabetes. As a tincture, three to four ml of fenugreek is recommended three times per day. Fenugreek tea is made by soaking two ounces of seeds in about five ounces of cold water for at least three hours. Then remove the seeds and drink either hot or cold.

So get some Fenugreek Seed today and start experiencing the benefits!