Parts used: seeds.
Pharmacy name: fenugreek seeds – Foenugraeci semen (formerly: Semen Foenugraeci).
Botanical description. This annual plant has a strong smell. A powerful tap root firmly fixes it in the soil, and a peduncle 60 cm high rises to the surface. Often, however, the shoots lie on the ground. The stem is rounded, branches in the apical part. The leaves are similar to clover, trifoliate. Yellow and yellow-white papilionaceous flowers are arranged singly or in pairs in the axils of the leaves. Fruits up to 10 cm long, saber-shaped, contain from 5 to 20 seeds. Blooms in May-June. Found wild from the Mediterranean to Central Asia; north of the Alps is cultivated, though not often. We can grow it everywhere. Ripe seeds should be sown in rows, at a distance of 20 cm from each other, so that individual plants develop well.
Collection and preparation. The seeds are dried for medicinal purposes. The active ingredients of fenugreek are well studied. The seeds typically contain a high content of mucous substances (20-45%), proteins (25%) and fats (within 8%), which justifies their ancient use as a general tonic. Along with this, a large number of steroidal saponins, sterols, flavonoids and a little essential oil with more than 50 components were found. The characteristic odor is due to 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furayu>nom.
Healing action and application.The application is versatile and in some respects controversial. Externally, fenugreek seeds are used like flax seeds to soften boils and carbuncles in the form of a hot compress. o Hot compress: 10 g of coarsely ground seeds are mixed with a small amount of water and boiled into a mushy mass. It is thickly smeared on a linen bandage, which is applied to the softened place. The bandage is changed 3-4 times every day. Using vinegar instead of water increases the effectiveness of the dressing. Such compresses especially help with panaritiums and phlegmons, as well as with purulent ulcers of the lower leg. Inside, fenugreek is used as a general tonic, several times a day for a tablespoon. The powder can also be recommended to stimulate intestinal motility. Effectiveness in coughing is debatable. There are many things that require careful study, for example, an anti-diabetic effect advocated by traditional medicine, the likelihood of lowering cholesterol levels, a stimulating effect on the heart, or the ability to inhibit the growth and development of bacteria. Use as a condiment. Due to the fact that the powdered seeds have a very strong smell, they increase and excite gastric activity, therefore in many places they are tried to be introduced into cooking as a spice. However, these attempts are not very successful, because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate. the likelihood of lowering cholesterol levels, a stimulating effect on the heart, or the ability to inhibit the growth and development of bacteria. Use as a condiment. Due to the fact that the powdered seeds have a very strong smell, they increase and excite gastric activity, therefore in many places they are tried to be introduced into cooking as a spice. However, these attempts are not very successful, because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate. the likelihood of lowering cholesterol levels, a stimulating effect on the heart, or the ability to inhibit the growth and development of bacteria. Use as a condiment. Due to the fact that the powdered seeds have a very strong smell, they increase and excite gastric activity, therefore in many places they are tried to be introduced into cooking as a spice. However, these attempts are not very successful, because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate. Use as a condiment. Due to the fact that the powdered seeds have a very strong smell, they increase and excite gastric activity, therefore in many places they are tried to be introduced into cooking as a spice. However, these attempts are not very successful, because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate. Use as a condiment. Due to the fact that the powdered seeds have a very strong smell, they increase and excite gastric activity, therefore in many places they are tried to be introduced into cooking as a spice. However, these attempts are not very successful, because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate. because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate. because the same mistake is always made – the spice is overdosed. To feel the taste, it must be used in very small quantities (like nutmeg). Many spice mixtures that are brought to us under the name “curry” contain fenugreek seeds. Other spices do not allow its taste to dominate.
Application in folk medicine. All of the above applications are also known to traditional medicine. In addition, the seeds are used to increase the secretion of milk and given as a tea mainly to older people with chronic cough.
- Fenugreek tea: 2 tablespoons topped with seed powder pour 1/4 liter of cold water, brew for 3 hours, quickly bring to a boil and immediately filter; drink moderately warm. Honey enhances cough action. A half-strong decoction can be used to bathe the hands and feet to reduce their sweating.
Side effects are unknown.