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Fenugreek is a strongly aromatic annual growing to a height of about 32 inches. It has trifoliate leaves, yellowish white pea-like flowers and sickle shaped pods. Native to North Africa and countries bordering on the eastern Mediterranean, fenugreek grows in open areas and is widely cultivated, notably in India. The seeds are collected during the autumn. The taste of the seed, somewhat reminiscent of maple sugar, accounts for its use as a spice and flavoring agent.
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Fenugreek Historical Use
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The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used fenugreek for respiratory problems. It was also considered a restorative and so given to people recovering from a variety of illnesses. In traditional Chinese a substance used in managing discofort, fenugreek’s recorded use dates back more than a thousand years. Fenugreek has also been utilized as an anti-inflammatory agent and as a mucilaginous poultice. In some societies it was believed to be an aphrodisiac.
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Fenugreek Remedy For
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- Deposition of substances on the wall of blood vessel, Leading to narrowing blood vessel
- Diabetes
- High triglycerides
- Constipation
In Cairo fenugreek is used under the name of Helba. This is an Egyptian preparation, made by soaking the seeds in water until they swell into a thick paste. Said to be equal to quinine in Beneficial Effectsing fevers; it is comforting to the stomach and has been utilized in the Favorable Effects of diabetes. The seeds’ soothing effect makes them of value in treating gastritis and gastric An eroded sore in the inner lining of digestive tracks. In animal experiments, fenugreek has been shown to inhibit liver Long standing problems, stimulate uterine contractions, and to have an antiHigh blood sugar action. Used externally, pulverized fenugreek seeds may Enhance soothe skin irritations and reduce Discomfort of neuralgia, swollen glands and tumors.
Drug Interactions
- mucilage coats Gl mucosa and retards absorption of oral drugs (speculative)4
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Fenugreek Active Constituents
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Fenugreek contains a volatile oil, alkaloids (including trigonelline), saponins, (based on diosgenin), flavonoids, mucilage (about 27%), protein (about 25%), fixed oil (approximately 8%), vitamins A, B, C and minerals. The steroidal saponins account for many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek, particularly the inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
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Fenugreek Typical Dosage
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Due to the somewhat bitter taste of fenugreek seeds, debitterized seeds or encapsulate products are preferred. The German Commission E Monograph recommends a daily intake of six grams. The typical range of intake for diabetes or cholesterol lowering is 5 – 30 grams with each meal or 15 – 90 grams all at once with one meal. As a tincture, 3 – 4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per day.
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Fenugreek Side Effects
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Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal upset and nausea. Otherwise, fenugreek is extremely safe. It is not, however, suggested that fenugreek be taken during pregnancy.
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