An herb entry from the Ancient Herbs and Modern Herbs book by James K. Sayre, Copyright, 2001. All rights reserved.
Fenugreek - Trigonella foenum-graecum - family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) (Mimosaceae) (Pea Family) (Pulse Family) (Mimosa Family).
This annual plant grows to the height of about three feet. It has small
clover-like bluish-green leaves and produces small yellowish flowers in
the spring and summer. The flowers are followed by long slender pods which
contain a dozen or two triangular-shaped seeds. This is one of the truly
ancient herbs. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans as
a spice. Its leaves (Methi) are used for cooking in India as a curry flavoring.
The leaves are also traditionally used in the Middle East as a flavoring
in such dishes as stews. The seeds are used in America as a food flavoring
for baked goods, beverages and ice cream. The Food and Drug Administration
has listed Fenugreek as generally accepted as safe (GRAS) as a food additive.
Crushed Fenugreek seeds traditionally were made into a poultice for treating
wounds, skin irritations and whitlows (inflammations of fingernail and surrounding
tissue). Traditional Mediterranean area use of seeds as a remedy for intestinal
gas pains and for hay fever allergies. Modern American folk use as a remedy
for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol and inflammatory
bowel disease. Approved by German Commission E as a remedy for a poor appetite
and skin inflammation. Some modern studies have shown it to have value for
diabetics in reducing the levels of blood glucose [Murray, Pizzorno]. Also
used as an herbal tea. Seeds have been used in the Mediterranean area as
a remedy for tinnitus. Under the name Methi, Fenugreek has been traditionally
used as one of the Ayurvedic medicinal herbs. Note: avoid use of Fenugreek
during pregnancy or while nursing. Native to Europe, the Mediterranean area
and Asia. Cultivated as an herb for its leaves and seeds in North America.
End.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please feel free to Email the author at sayresayre@yahoo;com. sayresayre@yahoo.com
This web page was recently created by James Sayre.
Contact author James K. Sayre at sayresayre@yahoo.com. Author's Email: sayresayre@yahoo.com
Copyright 2003 by Bottlebrush Press. All Rights Reserved.
Web page last updated on 21 May 2003.