subject: Medicinal Values Of Fenugreek Seeds [print this page] Fenugreek seeds are among the popular spices widely used in cuisines. The strong pungent and appetizing seeds are well-recognized for their medicinal virtues. Since years, it is used to cure digestive problems and to increase milk secretion in nursing mothers. Botanically, the fenugreek is a small annual leguminous herb belonging to the family of fabaceae. Some of the common names of fenugreek are greek hay, mehti, bird's foot, greek clover etc.
Fenugreek has plenty of health benefits. These seeds are beneficial for the skin, relieve pain and aids swelling. It is power-packed with good number of protein, vitamin, minerals and phytonutrients. It is a rich source of protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. The seeds also contain alkaloid trigonelline and choline, essential oil and saponin.
The seeds are rich in soluble dietary fiber. Soaking the seeds in water makes their outer coat soft and mucilaginous. 100 g of seeds provide 24.6 g or over 65% of dietary fiber.
Fenugreek seeds are beneficial at the time of indigestion and also for the treatment of flatulence and sluggish liver. The seeds are also good for the cure of problems like colic, flatulence, dysentery, diarrhea and dyspepsia.
Fenugreek seeds are also excellent source of iron. Thus, it is effectively treats anemia; a condition where a low level of haemoglobin occurs. It is also used to heal mouth ulcer. A drink of the leaves is used as a gargle for persistent ulcers. Fenugreek seeds are also used for treating leucorrhoea.
The seeds are also found beneficial for diabetes. According to several studies, it has been found that fenugreek seeds contain an amino acid which helps to reduce insulin resistance and decreases blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Fenugreek is helpful for the removal of dandruff. Soak two tablespoon of fenugreek throughout the night, make the paste of it in the morning. Apply the paste onto the scalp, keep it for an hour and wash it. Try this trick every day for dandruff free hair.
Tea made with fenugreek seed is treats fever. Fenugreek seeds when soaked in water become slightly mucilaginous hence tea made from fenugreek seeds has the power to dissolve sticky substance like mucus.
The seeds are also used for the treatment of several types of skin infection. Tea made up of fenugreek seeds is also good for bad breath and body odor. Unpleasant odors occur due to the accumulation of hardened mucus and other toxins in the nasal and oral passages, the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, blood and vagina. Fenugreek tea taken regularly helps to remove these accumulations from these spots where mouthwash and soap can never penetrate. It can also be used to control cholesterol.
A paste made of fresh leaves if applied on the face every night before going to bed and washed with warm water, prevents one from getting pimples, blackheads, and dryness of the face and early appearance of wrinkles. Fenugreek seeds contain phytochemicals, saponins which have an effect on the production of sex hormones and may help the body to maintain normal testosterone levels.
