Fenugreek commonly known as Methi in Hindi,Menthe in Kannada,primarily used as a spice,it is also used to treat a variety of diseases.Latin name of Fenugreek is Trigonella foenum-graecum and belongs to the family Leguminaseae.In Sanskrit it is called as Methika.
Fenugreek seeds contain protein,vitamin C,niacin and potassium.Active ingredients are alkaloids,lysine and L.tryptophan.
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| Fenugreek seeds |
Medicinal uses and Home remedies of Fenugreek.
- Daily intake of seeds in any form of food preferably raw,helps for balancing cholesterol.
- To lower blood sugar level in type 2 Diabetes ,take 1tsp seed powder daily in buttermilk twice daily before food.
- For skin problems like boils,burns,eczema apply the paste of fenugreek seed over the affected area.
- Daily intake of fenugreek is useful in gastritis and acid reflux.Because of containing mucilage,it helps to sooth gastro- intestinal inflammation by coating the lining if the stomach and intestine.
- To reduce the effect of fever,it should be taken with honey and lemon juice.According to Ayurveda it has got cooling property and it subsides vitiated Pitta and nourishes the body.
- Because of containing hormone precursors, it helps to increase milk production in lactating woman.
- Due to its oestrogen like properties, it is useful to reduce hot flushes and mood fluctuations during menopause and thought to be helpful for painful PMS.
- It is also useful in reproductive disorders,to induce labour, to reduce menstrual pain.
- As the seed has husk and it absorbs more water,resulting in bulkier stool it is useful in diarrhoea when given with butter milk.
- It is also useful in premature ejaculation and to increase the sexual desire.
- Grinding the seeds into fine powder ,one can mix it with warm water and it gives soothing relief for sore throat.
- For dandruff and hair fall ,soak seeds over night,grind it to a paste [add coconut milk-This gives better result], apply on the scalp and hair,leave for 20 minutes and rinse.It tones the hair,gives it a silky feel and shine.
