Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) powder bulk 

Family

Fabaceae (Legume Family)

Etymology

The genus name Trigonella derives from the Greek trigonon, "triangle," in reference to the three-sided corolla of the flower. The species name, foenumgraecum, is Latin for "Greek hay," in reference to the fact that fenugreek was once used to scent inferior grades of hay.       

Range of Appearance

Fenugreek, an annual native to western Asia and the Middle East, grows to about 1 to 2 feet in height and resembles a large clover. The flowers are trifoliate and toothed; the flowers, which grow in the leaf axils, have a yellow-violet corolla. The brownish seeds are contained in long, narrow, sickle-shaped pods. Each seed is oblong, with a deep furrow dividing it into two unequal lobes.

Fenugreek thrives in dry, fertile soil. To grow, sow the seeds thickly in the spring in an area that receives full sun. Avoid cold, wet soil or the seeds will rot before germinating. Green Manures: Cultivating these plants and then turning under the crop will help fix nitrogen in the soil.

Parts Used

Seed (but in Ayurvedic medicine, the entire plant)

Physiological Effects

Alterative, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, demulcent, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, hypoglycemic, mucolytic, nutritive, phytoestrogenic, restorative, stimulant, vulnerary, yang tonic

Medicinal Uses

Fenugreek has long been used in Egyptian, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine. It contains six compounds that help stabilize blood sugar levels. It increases levels of the "good" cholesterol HDL (highdensity lipoprotein), reduces blood glucose levels, warms the kidneys, lubricates the intestines, nourishes the glands, and stimulates the production of digestive secretions.

It is used in the treatment of anorexia, bronchitis, catarrh, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dyspepsia, erectile dysfunction, fever, flatulence, debility, diabetes, gout, hernia, high cholesterol, kidney chi deficiency, menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps, neuralgia, pain, premature ejaculation, sciatica, scrofula, sore throat, swollen glands, tuberculosis, and vaginal dryness. Topically, fenugreek can be used as a compress to treat abscesses, boils, burns, cellulitis, and swollen glands. It makes a fine gargle for sore throat, douche for leukorrhea, eyewash for inflamed eyes, and compress for chapped hands, and it also can be used as a facial wash.    

Culinary Uses

Fenugreek seeds can be sprouted as a salad green. They have a flavor somewhere between that of bitter celery, burnt sugar, and maple syrup, and they combine well in tea with a bit of cinnamon bark or a spoonful of honey. The roasted seeds can be brewed as a coffee substitute. The fresh leaves of the plant are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Other Uses

None reported.

Constituents

Beta-carotene, B-complex vitamins (especially niacin and choline), vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, lysine, tryptophan, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lecithin, carbohydrates (galactomannans), steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin), alkaloids (trigonelline, carpaine, gentianine), glycosides, flavonoids (apigenin, quercitin, luteolin), coumarin, mucilage, protein, fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, oleic)

Contraindications

Avoid fenugreek seed during pregnancy, as it can be a uterine stimulant. Although fenugreek can be used to lower blood sugar levels, diabetics should use it for this purpose only with guidance from a qualified health-care practitioner.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/