Juicing For Health - Fenugreek
Name
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) also known as Alhova, Bird's Foot, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Hu Lu Ba, Methi and Trigonella.
Parts Used
Seeds.
Information
Fenugreek is a plant in the family Fabaceae. Fenugreek is used both as a herb and as a spice. It is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. It is frequently used in curry.
Traditionally Fenugreek was used to increase milk production in nursing mothers, as an expectorant, arthritis, catarrh, bronchitis, induce labor, improve digestion, weight gain, improve libido, as a female tonic, diabetes, coughs, high blood pressure, headaches, diarrhea, lower cholesterol, flatulence, and anaemia.
Benefits
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Diabetes
- Galactagogue
- Hypercholesterolemia and Hypertriglyceridemia
- Phytoestrogen
Research has shown fenugreek to be have anti-inflammatory properties which supports its traditional use as a treatment for sore throat, arthritis, and wound healing. Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine.
Several human intervention trials demonstrated that the antidiabetic effects of fenugreek seeds ameliorate most metabolic symptoms associated with type-1 and type-2 diabetes in both humans and relevant animal models by reducing serum glucose and improving glucose tolerance
Fenugreek seed is widely used as a galactagogue (milk producing agent) by nursing mothers to increase inadequate breast milk supply. Studies have shown that fenugreek is a potent stimulator of breastmilk production and its use was associated with increases in milk production of as much as 900%
Fenugreek seeds were shown to lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein in human patients and experimental models of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
Fenugreek seeds contain diosgenin which is a phytoestrogen compound. Phytoestrogens act as weak estrogen compounds which block the receptors so more harmful enviromental estrogens cant be absorbed. Fenugreek has been used for many years as a form of natural hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. The diosgenin in fenugreek is thought to help increase libido lessening the effects of hot flashes and hormone-induced mood fluctuations; however, fenugreek is also traditionally used to promote weight gain and stimulate breast growth.
Side Effects/Precautions
Fenugreek is generally considered safe at recommended dosages, few side effects have been reported although dizziness, diarrhea and gas may occur. Fenugreek can cause a maple syrup odor in urine and sweat.
Some have reported allergic reactions to fenugreek. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include difficulty in breathing, hives, closing of the throat, and swelling of the tongue, face, or lips. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction to fenugreek, call your doctor immediately.
Pregnant women should not take fenugreek without the approval of their obstetrics provider, because it may stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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