Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | August, 2012

You entered Bird’s Foot, the more common name is...

Fenugreek has been used to treat menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It has also been used for inducing childbirth.  Today, it is more commonly used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. It is also applied to the skin to treat inflammation. may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.<br />
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A June 2011 study at the Australian Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine found that men aged 25 to 52 who took a Fenugreek extract twice daily for six weeks scored 25% higher on tests gaging libido levels than those who took a placebo.<br />
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Fenugreek seeds are used as a medicinal in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the name Hu Lu Ba, where they are considered to warm and tone kidneys, disperse cold and alleviate pain. Main indications are hernia, pain in the groin. They are used raw or toasted. In India about 2 to 3g of raw Fenugreek seeds are swallowed early in the morning with warm water, before brushing the teeth and before drinking tea or coffee.  This is said to have a therapeutic and healing effect on joint pains, without any side effects.<br />
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Fenugreek has three culinary uses: as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), as a spice (seeds), and as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and micro greens).<br />

Fenugreek

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Trigonella foenum-graecum)


Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae. Its stems are erect, long and tender. The soft leaves are three-lobed, triangular in appearance, toothed and light green in color. Blooming period occurs during summer. Flowers are yellow-white, occurring singly or in pairs at the leaf axils. Fruit is a curved seed-pod, with ten to twenty flat and hard, yellowish-brown seeds. They are angular- rhomboid, oblong or even cubic, and have a deep furrow dividing them into two unequal lobes.



Common Names:

Greek Hay, Foenugreek, Fenigreek, Bird’s Foot, Hilba, Trigonella, Cow’s Horn, Goat’s Horn


Fenugreek

Uses:

Fenugreek has been used to treat menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It has also been used for inducing childbirth. Today, it is more commonly used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. It is also applied to the skin to treat inflammation. may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

A June 2011 study at the Australian Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine found that men aged 25 to 52 who took a Fenugreek extract twice daily for six weeks scored 25% higher on tests gaging libido levels than those who took a placebo.

Fenugreek seeds are used as a medicinal in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the name Hu Lu Ba, where they are considered to warm and tone kidneys, disperse cold and alleviate pain. Main indications are hernia, pain in the groin. They are used raw or toasted. In India about 2 to 3g of raw Fenugreek seeds are swallowed early in the morning with warm water, before brushing the teeth and before drinking tea or coffee. This is said to have a therapeutic and healing effect on joint pains, without any side effects.

Fenugreek has three culinary uses: as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), as a spice (seeds), and as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and micro greens).



Applications:

Tea:
Drink 1 cup first thing in the morning.

Capsule:
Follow label directions.

Eating:
Leaves and seeds add flavor to your dishes as well as health benefits, so use them often.


Warnings:

The plant should not be used during pregnancy or when being treated for hypoglycemia.  Also may cause gas, bloating and/or diarrhea.

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.