Herbal Supplements

The seeds are aromatic, carminative, tonic, demulcent, mucilaginous, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, alterative, anthelmintic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, digestive, emollient, febrifuge, hypoglycemic, mucolytic, nutritive, phytoestrogenic, restorative, stimulant and mild diuretic. Fenugreek is prescribed to treat anorexia, but its bulking effects can also aid dieting by making the stomach feel full. Being a mild diuretic it is effective in reducing weight. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens and removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is also a recommended remedy for all manner of gynaecological problems, including infection of the uterus and inflammation of the vagina and vulva. Also useful in leucorrhoea, painful menstruation, pain in the back and for minimising the symptoms of menopause. Lowers fever and detoxifies the body.

Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek is also used in colic, flatulence, gastritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, dyspepsia with loss of appetite, chronic cough, bronchitis, dropsy, upper respiratory catarrh, fever and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Also used to induce childbirth and to increase breast-milk flow in nursing mothers, for which it is perfectly safe, and also has a reputation of stimulating development of the breasts. One of its constituent, diosgenin, is employed to make synthetic estrogen, and it is believed to be the activity of this constituent that encourages the growth of the breast tissue. Normalises a women’s system after delivery.

The seeds are high in dietary fibre, which may be the main reason for its ability to help lower blood sugar levels in diabetes. In 2001 diabetes researchers in Jaipur, India noted that fenugreek lowers blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, reducing resistance to insulin and removing excess triglycerides in the blood. The fibre and saponins are known to lower elevated cholesterol and blood lipids, including in those with diabetes, while its hormonal qualities are reported to combat loss of virility in men, according to several controlled studies. Generally, fenugreek does not lower HDL (Good Cholesterol). An Indian research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2002 showed the seeds’ anti-ulcer properties.

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