Fenugreek - Trigonella Foenum-Graecum

Fenugreek - Trigonella foenum-graecumin the Fabaceae or Legume family

Parts used: Seed.

Taste/smell: Mucilaginous, bitter, maple-like taste.

Dosage: Freshly powdered herb: 1/2 -1 teaspoon per cup of cold water, let sit for a few hours and drink; decoction: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:3 dry liquid extract: 10-50 drops 1-4 times per day.

Mental picture and specific indications: The specific indication for fenugreek is cold damp swelling and stagnation in the legs. It also disperses cold and alleviates pain.

Use: (a) Demulcent, (b) Anti-inflammatory, (c) Hypolipidemic, (d) Hypoglycemic, (e) Diuretic, (f) Galactagogue, (g) Antiatherosclerotic.

It is used in gastrointestinal inflammation, coughs, colic, diarrhea in infants, cholesterol level reduction, diabetes and as an eye wash for inflamed eyes. Externally, it can be used as a poultice for inflamed, irritated skin conditions. Research has shown antifertility and antiandrogenic effects on male rats who were fed a fenugreek extract.

Contraindications: Consumption of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy has been associated with congenital malformations and birth defects. Animal research has shown a variety of reproductive and developmental toxicity as well as neural-behavioral alteration in prenatally exposed mice.  Oral drugs or herbs taken at the same time as fenugreek may have delayed absorption due to mucilage content. Since experimental research has shown fenugreek to stimulate animal uteri and due to its emmenagogue, abortifacient effects and possible birth defects, it is contraindicated in pregnancy.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.