Fenugreek is also called as methi in Hindi. It is an essential part of Indian spices and used in food not only for enhancing the taste in food but also provide some essential health benefits. The herb is used to treat cramps, bloating, indigestion, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, liver toxicity, and several other disorders.
It is an annual plant in the family (Fabaceae). It is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. Fenugreek is used as a common ingredient in dishes from the south and central Asia. Also native to southeastern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. India is a major producer. Rajasthan covers 80% of India’s output. Methi is hard by nature and a fast growing plant. It is grown on uncultivated land, hillsides, and dry grasslands. It grows in just about any type of soil but requires sunlight.
It is an annual plant, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. Flowers are white or yellowish white, axillary and have 5 petals which make up what is referred to a banner, wing, and keel. Leaves are the pinnate and trifoliate compounds leaves. Flowers produce seeds pods that are 6 inches long and resemble string beans, but methi fruits grow upright. Each pod contains 10 to 20 dull yellow, smooth, hard, and elongated seeds.
Steodial saponins- diosgenin & gitogenin from seeds; tigogenin, trigonelloside, yomogenin, tetosides, gracium A, B, C, H,I, J, K, L, M; trigofoenosides, oil, choline, triggonelline, yamogenin, gitogenin, diosgenin and neotigogens etc. Seeds are rich in vitamins- thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, b6, vitamin A, C and K. It also contains copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium.
It reduces inflammation such as in mouth ulcers, boils, bronchitis, TB, chronic cough, and kidney ailments. Fenugreek leads to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulates insulin production. It breaks the stuck energies and cool inflammation within the body. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of fenugreek fights inflammation in the body.
People suffering from stomach ailments, fenugreek can be boon. It is a natural digestive tonic, and its lubricating properties help to soothe your stomach and intestines. Thus helps to prevent constipation, stomach ulcers, gastritis, and indigestion.
Helps to lower the cholesterol level, especially bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. Fenugreek seeds have a flavonoid named naringenin that lowers the lipid levels in those with high cholesterol.
According to Ayurvedic practitioners, the seeds of fenugreek helps in the recovery of arthritis and sciatica pain. For this, taking 1 gram fenugreek powder and dry powder with a little warm water twice a day is beneficial for this.
To stay away from this disease, take 1 tsp. Of fenugreek powder with water twice daily. In addition, soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and leave for overnight. Drink its water in the morning. This reduces the serum lipid level and weight is also balanced.
Studies have shown that fiber in fenugreek can prevent cancers. The saponin and mucus in the fenugreek bind to the toxins in the food and release them from the body, thus protecting the colon's sputum membranes from cancer.
Fenugreek seeds prevent the accumulation of fat and improve lipid and glucose metabolism in weight loss.
This herb is phystestrous, which increases milk production in lactating mothers. Fenugreek can increase the milk supply of breast milk because it acts as a galactogogue.
Fenugreek seeds help to reduce the pain of menstruation as well as other symptoms related to menstruation. Fenugreek contains a substance called diozaginin which treats the same as estrogens. It helps in cutting stress, dizziness, and lack of sleep and symptoms of menopause.
Its seeds contain 25% galactomyannan. It is a kind of natural soluble fiber which is especially related to a decrease in cardiovascular disease.
Some uses of fenugreek seeds for men are in hernias, erectile dysfunction, and treatment of other diseases. Fenugreek can also increase the level of sexual arousal and testosterone.
Planet Ayurveda offers fenugreek capsules as herbal supplement free from chemicals, additives, and colors. This product is good for digestive system, diabetes, weight loss, and bronchitis. It is completely a natural product.
Dosage: 1 or 2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan is an expert Ayurveda consultant for various Ayurvedic institutes in Europe, India, and Asia. He is running an Ayurvedic healing center in Chandigarh, India and experienced doctor in Ayurvedic medicine. Websites- WWW.PLANETAYURVEDA.COM , WWW.ALWAYSAYURVEDA.COM, E-mail ID- herbalremedies123@yahoo.com (Put Attn: Dr. Vikram Chauhan in Subject line) Call : + 91-172-5214030 (For Appointments & Products)