Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum, Papilionaceae

Names: Fenugreek

Habitat: North Africa, India, cultivated worldwide.

Part Used: Seeds.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, containing 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2-furanone,
  dihydrobenzofuran, dihydroactinidiolide, muurolene, elemene,
  selinene
• Alkaloids, including trigonelline, gentianine and carpaine
• Saponins, based mainly on the sapogenins diosgenin and its isomer yamogenin, gitogenin and tigogenin
• Flavonoids, including vitexin and its glycosides and esters, isovitexin, orientin, vicenins l and 2, quercetin and luteolin
• Mucilage; mostly a galactomannan

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, tonic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, hypotensive.

Indications: Fenugreek is a herb that has an ancient history. It was rarely used in Britain during the hayday of herbal medicine due to difficulties in obtaining the spice. Since becoming easily available it has often been overlooked because herbal tradition rarely mentioned it. For a comprehensive discussion of Fenugreek you must refer to an herbal or materia medica of Ayurvedic medicine.

Its limited use in Britain demonstrates its value as a vulnerary, healing and reducing inflammation in conditions such as wounds, boils, sores, fistulas and tumors. It can be taken to help bronchitis and gargled to ease sore throats. Its bitterness explains its role in soothing disturbed digestion. It is a strong stimulator of milk production in mothers, for which it is perfectly safe, and has a reputation of stimulating development of the breasts.

Preparations & Dosage: Poultice; for external use, the seeds should be pulverized to make a poultice. Decoction: to increase milk production, gently simmer l l/2 teaspoonfuls of the seeds in a cup of water for l0 minutes. Drink a cup three times a day. To make a more pleasant drink, add l teaspoonful of Aniseed to this mixture.

Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.