Trigonella foenum-graecum
FAMILY: Fabaceae
SYNONYMS: Greek hay, methi, alholva, bird’s foot, chandrika, fenigreek, Greek clover.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual plant reaching a height of slightly more than half a metre with trifoliate, bright green leaves. It blossoms during the summer season and produces beautiful small white flowers. The leaves’ fragrance slightly resembles lovage and the brownish-yellow seeds are a distinctive cuboid shape.
DISTRIBUTION: An aromatic herb native to southern Europe and Asia and one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants. It is widely grown today in the Mediterranean countries, Argentina, India, North Africa and the United States. Major commercial fenugreek-producing countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey and Morocco, although the largest producer is India. When harvested as micro-greens, fenugreek is known as ‘samudra methi’ in Mumbai.
OTHER SPECIES: The cultivated fenugreek is thought to have derived from a wild species, native to India.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Fenugreek is an ancient spice, although currently not much used in the West. While the seeds and leaves have primarily been used as a culinary spice, it was also employed in classical times as livestock feed, hence its common name, ‘Greek hay’. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever and in the embalming process. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in India and throughout Europe: it is still used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as ‘methi’. Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain diosgenin, which is a compound that has properties similar to oestrogen. For this reason, fenugreek has a long history of use as a breast enlarger and to promote the growth of new breast cells. Due to its oestrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase sexual libido and lessen the effect of the hot flushes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of the menopause and PMS. The plant can also be employed to promote lactation, induce labour and as an aphrodisiac.
In Indian and Chinese medicine, it is traditionally used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), sore throat and heartburn. Recent studies have shown that fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes; it is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits. Topically, the gelatinous texture of fenugreek seed is used for soothing eczema or other skin complaints; it is also applied as a warm poultice to relieve muscle aches and gout. Fenugreek is also nutritious as it is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A, C and D as well as iron and calcium. Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein and carbohydrates and the pressed oil is strangely similar in chemical composition to cod liver oil. It also contains choline and lecithin, both substances needed by the liver for cholesterol metabolism. Fenugreek cleanses, stimulates and helps remove waste products from the body: it stimulates the lymphatic system and aids the kidneys and liver in detoxifying the entire system. The oil contains powerful antioxidants that help slow the ageing process.
ACTIONS: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, demulcent, expectorant, laxative, nervine, stomachic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the seeds. A fixed oil is also pressed from the seeds.
CHARACTERISTICS: Pale yellow to light brown liquid with a bitter, spicy scent. It blends well with sandalwood, clove, cinnamon, cardamon and other spice oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: The essential oil is rich in phytic acid, saponins and trigonelline.
SAFETY DATA: The oil may cause skin irritation: dilute well before use. Avoid use during pregnancy, since it has the potential to induce labour.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Boils, burns, boils, eczema, hair care (dandruff and hair loss), scars, wrinkles.
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Aching limbs, arthritis, cramp, gout, high blood pressure, muscle spasm.
Digestive System: Indigestion, heartburn.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis, colds, congestion, fever, sinusitis.
Genito-Urinary System: Menstrual cramps, PMS, hot flushes and mood fluctuations.
Immune System: Helps fight infections.
Nervous System: Anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, stress, soothes the heart.
OTHER USES: Fenugreek has three culinary uses: as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), as a spice (seeds), and as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). It is a popular ingredient in the preparation of Indian pickles, vegetable dishes, daals and spice mixes. Fresh fenugreek leaves are used in some Indian curries, while the sprouted seeds and microgreens are used in salads. The leaves are also used in Persian and Ethiopian cuisine, to produce a yellow dye and as a forage plant. The oil is commonly used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industry.... fenugreek
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