What Part of Fenugreek Do You Use?

Fenugreek is a clover-like herb with a long, safe history as a food source and a natural medicine. Different parts of the fenugreek plant display different properties. Fenugreek seeds and leaves have a wide variety of health benefits, but their use is often restricted to digestive, breathing and lactating problems, as well as to sexual dysfunction and mild infections. Scientific research on fenugreek is lacking, so its seeds and leaves should not be considered cures for any human disease or condition. Consult with your doctor before supplementing with any fenugreek product.

Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-gracum, is a plant indigenous to regions in Asia and those bordering the Mediterranean, although it’s now also cultivated in the Americas, India and Pakistan. It was used as a food and medicine in ancient Greece, hence its name. A member of the bean family, fenugreek grows to about 2 feet in height. It blooms during early summer, producing white flowers that are tinged with purple. The flowers change into long brown pods, which contain aromatic seeds. Fenugreek seeds are the part of the plant most commonly used for medicinal reasons, although the leaves are used as well.

Fenugreek pods contain about 20 brownish-yellow seeds, which are very aromatic and flavorful. The seeds are rich in various phytochemicals, such as diosgenin, and amino acids. Diosgenin mimics the effects of the hormone estrogen, which is why fenugreek seeds are sometimes given to women to stimulate lactation, according to “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine.” Fenugreek seeds also contain choline and lysine, both amino acids, as well as compounds called mucilagins, which reduce inflammation. Fenugreek seeds are usually recommended for gastrointestinal complaints such as indigestion, heartburn, bloating and gastritis, but also sometimes for respiratory and libido problems.

The fenugreek plant also produces light-green serrated leaves, which are rich in many nutrients and are nutritionally comparable to spinach and kale, according to “Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.” Specifically, fenugreek leaves are a good source of fiber, amino acids, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins C and K. The relatively bitter leaves are eaten raw in salads and rice dishes, or they are dried and used as a culinary or medicinal herb.

Used sparingly as a culinary herb or spice, fenugreek has a long history of being safe. Furthermore, it contains many beneficial nutrients. However, supplementing with large amounts of fenugreek seeds or leaves may lead to symptoms of nausea, stomach upset and diarrhea. Pregnant women should be very cautious with fenugreek seeds because they contain compounds that can stimulate uterine contractions and induce early labor. Fenugreek seeds and leaves may also interfere with the absorption of medications. Tell your doctor if you consume large amounts of fenugreek.

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine; Simon Mills and Kerry BoneChinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica; Dan Bensky et al.Article reviewed by TimDog Last updated on: May 30, 2012

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