Fenugreek: A Powerful Herb that Seems to Have Unlimited Health Benefits (Part 2)
September 3rd, 2006 (Natural Health Food)
Early settlers brought fenugreek to North America and used it as forage and in folk medicine, where it gained a reputation as a potent menstruation promoter. Modern herbalists recommend fenugreek poultices and plasters to treat wounds, boils, and rashes. They say a warm fenugreek gargle soothes a sore throat. And they recommend the herb internally to treat coughs and bronchitis. But fenugreek is most widely used in the United States today as a source of imitation maple flavor.
Some of fenugreek’s traditional uses have been supported by modern science, but its most important potential use has only recently come to light. Below are some amazing benefits:
Cholesterol control: Studies show fenugreek reduces cholesterol in dogs. The herb has not yet been tested in humans, but this finding warrants that such studies be done.
Sore throat: Fenugreek’s soothing mucilage may help relieve sore throat pain, cough, and minor indigestion.
Women’s health: An animal experiment has lent some support to fenugreek’s action as a uterine stimulant, especially during the late stages of pregnancy. Fenugreek seeds contain a chemical similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. Estrogen encourages the body to retain water, and one side effect of the Pill is bloating. Water retention means increased weight, so perhaps those Arab women who ate fenugreek to gain weight were on the right track. It may help non-pregnant women bring on their periods, but this use has not been confirmed.
Arthritis: Belgian researchers have discovered that fenugreek has mild anti-inflammatory action, which lends some credence to its traditional use in treating wounds, arthritis, and
other inflammations.
Animal studies show fenugreek reduces blood sugar (glucose) levels. The effect has not been demonstrated in humans, and diabetics should get their doctor’s approval before trying it to see if it helps control their glucose.
Take fenugreek as a decoction to take advantage of its many potential healing benefits: to help soothe a sore throat, possibly bring on menstruation, or potentially help in the treatment of arthritis. In conjunction with regular treatment from your physician, you might also try it to lower your cholesterol or help control glucose levels. For a bitter, maple-flavored decoction, gently boil 2 teaspoons of bruised seeds per cup of water. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. To improve flavor, add sugar, honey, lemon, anise, or peppermint.