Fenugreek
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Botanical Names: Trigonella
foenum-graecum
Fenugreek is commonly found growing in Mediterranean regions of
southern Europe, and where it is used primarily as a food spice
(both the leaves and seeds are used). The seeds of the fenugreek
herb are an effective nutritional supplement, and have also been
used by herbalist for many centuries for other health benefits.
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Health Benefits
of Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds contain chemical compounds have the ability to slow
down the digestive process. Consequently, when taken with meals it is
believed that fenugreek is able to slow down the rate at which sugars
are absorbed into the body, whereby regulating blood sugar levels. Additionally,
studies indicate that the 4-hydroxyisoleucine (an amino acid) found
in fenugreek may induce or promote the production of insulin when blood
sugar levels are high.
In studies of animals and humans with both diabetes and high cholesterol
levels, fenugreek appeared to not only regulate blood sugar levels but
also lower levels of harmful cholesterol. However, in studies of those
who did not have diabetes a similar effect was not reported.
Fenugreek seeds also contain concentrated amounts of mucilage -- a substance
that causes the production of mucous. The mucilage found in fenugreek
does not disolve but rather swells when mixed with fluids. Since the
body cannot digest the mucilage from fenugreek it is believed to be
an effective laxative.
There is now additional evidence that would suggest that fenugreek may
also reduce levels of calcium oxalate, the main contibutor to the development
of painful kidney stones.
Use for external application fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and
relieve surgace aches and pains.
Dosage and Administration
Fenugreek is available as whole or ground, as capsules, powder, and
liquid tincture. Common dosing recommendations for fenugreek suggest
taking 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg three times a day. It is usually taken with
food because it has a bitter taste.
Fenugreek tea is prepared by soaking 500 mg of the seed in about 5 ounces
of cold water for at least 3 hours. The seeds are then strained out
of the liquid before drinking the tea, which can be heated or ingested
cold.
For topical use, an application is made by mixing 50,000 mg (50 grams)
of fenugreek seed powder with up to about one quart of hot water and
letting the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. A soft cloth is
then covered with the gel and applied to an aching or injured area of
skin surface.
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