Health Benefits of Fenugreek

Scientific name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Parts used: Seeds and Leaves

Origins & Properties

Fenugreek is believed to have been brought into cultivation in the Near East.

Charred fenugreek seeds, carbon-dated to 4000 BC, have been recovered from Tell Halal, Iraq, and Bronze Age levels of Lachish and desiccated seeds from the tomb of Tutankhamen. The largest fenugreek-producing country is India.

Fenugreek is an annual herb with light green leaves and small white flowers. Its seeds have a somewhat bitter taste, similar to celery, maple syrup, or burnt sugar, and are often used to make medicine. However, fenugreek has a far more pleasant taste when cooked.

Common Uses

Fenugreek is used as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice (seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and micro-greens).

In traditional medicine, the fenugreek is thought to promote digestion, induce labor, and reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, although the evidence for these effects is lacking.

Benefits

Digestion: May help with numerous digestive problems
Anti-inflammatory: Helps with inflammation within the body
Men’s health: Used to treat hernias, erectile dysfunction, and other male problems, such as baldness
Improves breastfeed milk supply: Helps breastfeeding women who may experience low milk supply
Heartburn: Neutralizes acidity and reduce secretion in the first instance of a heartburn