‘Greek hay.’ This is the meaning of the Latin name fenugreek. The name resulted from this being one of the bulk herbs that is mainly being used for animal fodder. It is also called Goat’s Horn, Bird’s Foot, and Foenugreek. Fenugreek grows wild in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe as well as India and North Africa. Both the seeds and leaves are used as a culinary spice. The seeds are a nutritional supplement.

Much like a bean plant in appearance, fenugreek grows one to two feet tall and bears white or pale yellow flowers. The thin, sword-shaped pods grow to be four to six inches long and hold ten to twenty seeds each. After four months the plant is pulled up, dried, and used.

Fenugreek is available ground from the roasted seeds, as whole and dried seeds, or as a dull yellow powder. Its value comes from its contents: lysine and L-tryptophan, alkaloids, steroidal saponins (diosgenin, tigogenin, yamogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. Fenugreek is a natural source of silicon, iron, sodium, selenium, and thiamine.

Fenugreek is great aid to digestion because it contains a non-dissolving fiber. The fiber swells in the presence of liquid, making it a great natural laxative. Other Fenugreek benefits are that it lowers a person’s blood pressure.

Fenugreek regulates blood sugar levels and is able to lower levels of harmful cholesterol. Fenugreek can slow the rate of sugars’ absorption in the body when it is taken with meals. One amino acid found in fenugreek may help to increase the production of insulin when blood sugar rises, though it is not used as a substitute for diabetic insulin. Fenugreek will sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains when applied as a poultice. Some also use it on boils, cysts, and other skin problems.

Fenugreek was used back in ancient Egypt to combat fever. Fenugreek fights infection, relieves congestion, and reduces inflammation. Fenugreek contains properties that are ideal for treating sinus problems and lung congestion. Excess mucus and phlegm are loosened and removed. Fenugreek reduces coughing and stimulates perspiration that in turn will reduce a fever. It is also beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis, and congestion.

A tea can be made by soaking a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes. A coffee is also made in India from the seeds. The leaves are used in meat curries, both fresh and dried. A spicy bread is made with fenugreek powder added to the flour.

The poultice is made by mixing two ounces of fenugreek seed powder with a quart of hot water. Then let the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. About one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day is a common dosage of the seeds to help with lowering cholesterol or treating diabetes. As a tincture, three to four ml of fenugreek is recommended three times per day. Fenugreek tea is made by soaking two ounces of seeds in about five ounces of cold water for at least three hours. Then remove the seeds and drink either hot or cold.

We’ve covered a few of the many advantages of Fenugreek. If you’d like to experience them for yourself, we encourage you to buy Fenugreek from MoreThanAlive for best price and customer service.