Description :
Fenugreek is a herbaceous annual plant with three-lobed, clover-like leaves, that is native to the Mediterranean region, Ukraine, India, and China. Fenugreek has a lovely aroma similar to clover and vanilla. It bears tiny, yellow or white blossoms in the late summer. Once the flowers are spent, long, thin seed pods appear. These pods contain at least 10 yellowish seeds. The seeds taste faintly like maple syrup. According to Chinese Medicine, the seeds can be taken internally to slow carbohydrate digestion and absorption and help to lower blood sugar. In Chinese Medicine it is also commonly made into a poultice and applied to skin abrasions, they believe Fenugreek has powerful soothing qualities.
History and Folklore:
Fenugreek dates back to around 4,000 BC. The name is derived from the Latin name, Trigonella foenum graecum, meaning Greek hay. It refers to the Greek tradition of amending inferior livestock hay with fenugreek. Fenugreek has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. It was even used by ancient Egyptians to embalm the dead. Fenugreek is an official member herb in the Chinese pharmacopia.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest Fenugreek by picking the bean-like pods in the fall as the plants are beginning to die off. Remove the seeds from the pods and dry them in the sun. Harvest leaves for cooking by taking some leaves from the top of the plant. This helps encourage new growth and allows for another harvest when new leaves are ready.
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Extended use doses can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Nutritive, digestive, galactagogue, demulcent, emollient, secretolytic, expectorant
Other Names:
Greek hay, Greek clover, alholva
Ingredients: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Asher –