Introduction To Fenugreek

Getting Familiar With Fenugreek

What is fenugreek? This oddly named plant is a semi-arid crop that is used both as an herb (its leaves) and spice (its seed, which are more popularly known as “methi”). It thrives in several countries, including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh Egypt, France, China, and India, which is the biggest Fenugreek-producing country in the world.

As a healing herb, for instance, fenugreek leaves when boiled and consumed as tea are said to cure the common cold and relieve arthritic pains, although this is not based on concrete scientific research. In India, it is said that not many people have arthritis, and it is believed that that is because Indians often and frequently consume fenugreek. They said that drinking a cup of tea using fenugreek leaves could relieve the discomfort of arthritis.

In India too, people swallow raw fenugreek seeds, about 2 to 3 grams, with warm water, supposedly to heal body pains. It is believed to be most effective when taken early in the morning before brushing one’s teeth or drinking coffee. Before going to sleep in the evening, a few fenugreek seeds may again be taken with warm water to fight constipation, due to the seed’s high dietary fiber content.

The small stony fenugreek seed is cube-like or oblong in shape and yellow to amber in color. They contain protein, vitamin C, potassium, niacin, and diosgenin.

Meanwhile, in China, fenugreek seeds, referred to as “Hu Lu Ba”, are believed to cleanse the kidney, disperse cold, and soothe different kinds of pain, specifically hernia or groin pains. They are taken raw or toasted. It is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs by Chinese medicine men.

The most popular medicinal purpose of fenugreek is as a galactogogue or milk-producing agent for lactating mothers. Studies have proven that fenugreek can increase breast milk production by as much as 900%. Fenugreek capsules are produced and sold in health food stores primarily as a supplement for the production of breast milk. Some commercially-produced fenugreek capsules also claim to combat diabetes for its supposed ability to reduce serum glucose and improve glucose tolerance.

Fenugreek is sought-after also for its culinary purpose and rich, spicy flavor. The seeds are used to make curry powder, pickles, and pastes. Although the plant itself is bitter in taste, its leaves and seeds are used to produce flavoring for maple syrups. It tastes like cumin when toasted. Generally, this popular Indian crop has a powerful, aromatic and bittersweet taste, which is a well-loved combination of flavors in South Asia. Indians also love roasted ground fenugreek seed coffee.

The Many Interesting And Helpful Uses Of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is used for a great many things, and we will go into more depth on that later. For now, though, here’s a short list of the things you can use it for:

1. Fenugreek is used as a digestive aid. After suffering from diarrhea, patients claim that eating fenugreek seeds or drinking fenugreek tea helps in restoring the digestive system to its normal function.
2. Raw fenugreek seeds with warm water can be taken to produce relief from constipation.
3. Fenugreek has been observed to control blood sugar levels. When used, people suffering from diabetes have observed improvement in glucose tolerance and a decrease in the severity of diabetic symptoms and the need for insulin.
4. Test studies have been conducted to prove that fenugreek does decrease cholesterol levels in people, although all prior scientific tests have been inconclusive thus far.
5. It is also used for the relief of any discomfort or pain from too much coughing, sore throat, and ulcers, and even treat skin irritations.
6. Recently, it is also said that the detoxifying effects of fenugreek to the intestines can counter anorexia.
7. It is a popular ingredient for making delicious Mediterranean curry. Known for their aromatic, powerful and bittersweet flavor, fenugreek seeds are crushed and mixed with other spices such as cumin, coriander seed, and chili, to make curry paste and used for any kind of meat. Fenugreek is more commonly used with chicken meat, as it goes very well with poultry.
8. And perhaps most popular among the many uses of fenugreek, both using its leaves and seeds, is when taken as herbal tea. Fenugreek tea is both medicinal and good to the taste. It is very aromatic and flavorful either as cold or hot tea. Fenugreek seeds are typically steeped for a long time, about 3 hours at least, to make it most nutritious and savory.

The Many Benefits And Few Side Effects Of Fenugreek

There are very few known side effects of fenugreek, which is why consuming this herb is encouraged with only a few warnings.

The seeds of the herb are very nutritious. They contain protein, vitamin C, potassium, niacin, and diosgenin. Diosgenin is a compound that is similar to the female hormone, estrogen, which is why the herb is known to enlarge the breast in size and increase libido. Fenugreek also contains alkaloids, lysine, saponins and L-tryptophan.

While it is used to lower cholesterol and blood sugar and cure skin inflammation, heartburn acid reflux, and fever, it is more widely accepted to detoxify the kidney and intestines and used to help lactating mothers produce breast milk.

Taken as tea or a food supplement capsule, fenugreek is known to increase breast milk production by 500 to 900 percent after only 24 hours of taking the herb. Although the scientific community is still not sure how fenugreek is doing this, lactating women who have little milk are recommended to take fenugreek seed capsules, at least 500 milligrams, 3 times a day.

Other supposed benefits of this herb include healing of gastric inflammation, digestive disorders, tuberculosis, bronchial problems, painful menstruation, gout, arthritis, and skin diseases. It may be taken to aid weight loss and, ironically, also fight anorexia. In China, traditional medicine men still use it to treat kidney problems, backaches, hernia, painful testicles and edema of the legs.

Compared to its many uses and benefits, the known side effects of fenugreek are minimal and include diarrhea and nausea when taken in excess. A hundred grams of fenugreek a day is enough. And since fenugreek induces labor, pregnant women should not take this. People with asthma, allergies or diabetes should also avoid taking too much fenugreek. At any rate, people should first consult a physician before taking herbal supplements.

Fenugreek For Special Ailments

Using Fenugreek For Weight Loss

Fenugreek is also becoming popular as a bodybuilding and breast enhancement supplement. So far, fenugreek for weight loss is the least-known function of this over-achieving herb, and that is precisely why we have seen fit to discuss it.

In these times when so much attention is given to the body, everybody wants to lose weight. At the same time, everybody is having a difficult time doing it. This is when several herbal supplements are employed. There are so many of them, and fenugreek has entered into the mix.

The tiny fenugreek seeds are found to have a good amount of fiber, and this is considered good for people who want to cut down on the calories. After all, when that much fiber is ingested, the stomach swells and so the person gets a feeling of fullness and satiety, making him or her not want to eat any fatty foods.

This is how to prepare the seeds: soak at least 10 grams of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and let it stay overnight. Early the next day, chew the seeds with water before eating anything else. Soak some more in the morning, and likewise chew the seeds 30 minutes before having dinner. The idea is to lose appetite but not lose important nutrition, since the seeds are very nutritious and, in fact, medicinal.

As in any kind of human endeavor, herbal supplements cannot work alone. To effectively lose weight, a person should at the same time watch what he or she is eating. A healthy and balanced meal is essential. This includes cereals, grains, pulses, beans, vegetables and fruits. Adding organic sources of probiotics, preferably from kefir, would also help. Weight watchers must never starve themselves and risk their health. One must also avoid eating fatty and oily foods, junk foods, processed foods, sweets and alcohol, as well as unhealthy habits as smoking and lack of sleep. Weight-watchers need to drink plenty of water to satisfy thirst, which is often mistaken as hunger. Often, a glass of water could satisfy a need that is often filled up with food.

Finally, to aid the effects of fenugreek for weight loss, one must regularly exercise. It is very helpful to jog or simply walk for at least 15 minutes a day until you can do more than 30 minutes. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Choose any kind of exercise that is enjoyable and may be done on a regular basis. Some sample activities are swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis or brisk walking.

Fenugreek to Improve Production of Breast Milk

Fenugreek is a widely accepted medicinal and nutritional herb. It is produced and commonly used in South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, Sri Lank and Pakistan, as well as in some European countries. It is believed to help cure skin inflammation, gastric and intestinal problems, menstrual pains, testicular pains, kidney problems, gout and arthritis, as well as increase libido and improve sexual performance. The most notable use of this herb, however, is as a galactogogue or milk-producing agent for nursing mothers. Below is a suggested fenugreek dosage for lactating mothers.

Take 2 to 4 fenugreek capsules (580-610 mg) three times a day for a total of 6 to 12 capsules. If you prefer powder or seeds (methi), take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day mixed with a little water or juice. When taken as tea, one cup twice or three times a day is very helpful, or as otherwise instructed on the package.

When taken properly, a it can result in improvements as early as 24 hours from taking it for the first time. Unlike fenugreek’s other therapeutic uses, this particular benefit of the herb is scientifically documented. In the research community, it is already widely accepted that this herb does help produce more breast milk by 500 to 900%. For some, the effect could come after 72 hours or longer. Although there are no known side effects of prolonged use, doctors suggest to stop taking the herb once the flow of milk has normalized. According to Kathleen Huggins, a registered nurse and certified lactation and breastfeeding consultant, “Most mothers have found that the herb can be discontinued once milk production is stimulated to an appropriate level. Adequate production is usually maintained as long as sufficient breast stimulation and emptying continues.”

In some cases, when a dosage below 6 capsules a day is not enough, the mother should progressively increase dosage until her sweat and urine begin to smell like maple syrup. It also helps to drink plenty of water or juice with the herb.

For now, the medicinal uses of fenugreek remain largely born of tradition, which is why there should be more published fenugreek recipes than dosages should you try searching for dosage prescriptions online. The only well-received fenugreek dosage by modern medical experts is that of breast milk production, so it may be considered the most reliable one.

Use Fenugreek for High Blood Pressure

Fenugreek has been widely used since ancient times. It comes by other names such as methi, fen, Goat’s Horn, Greek Hay and Bird’s Foot, and Trigonella Foenum-graecum. It grows in countries with a mild Mediterranean climate, most especially in India, which is the biggest producer of the herb. In India, China, and Egypt, fenugreek has been known to be medicinal through the years. Recently, people have tested the efficacy of fenugreek for high blood pressure and they have not been disappointed.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition in which blood is causing too much tension on the artery. The normal blood pressure is between 120/80 to 139/89. Once it reaches 140/90, the person is experiencing hypertension. Hypertension is not about going through a lot of emotional stress. That is just one possible and common cause. Other factors include too high a salt intake, obesity, heredity, lack of regular exercise, too much alcohol or coffee, and kidney failure. Today, it is estimated that 73 million people in the United States alone have high blood pressure. People beyond 50 years old are in more danger of getting hypertension.

Symptoms of hypertension are dizziness, palpitations, frequent urination, heart pain, nervous tension, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing. Persistent hypertension or high blood pressure that goes unchecked often leads to stroke, myocardial infarction, arterial aneurysm, chronic kidney failure, and heart failure, which all lead to one fateful end.

The best cure to high blood pressure is a lifestyle change, which includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, and medication. This is where fenugreek comes in. This herb has been used and accepted by many people to treat hypertension, among many other diseases. When treating hypertension, patients should boil a cup of water with fresh fenugreek leaves. Sip this drink every morning to lower high blood pressure. For some, this may sound too easy and too good to be true. However, so many people through so many periods of history have benefitted this way.

Today, fenugreek and most herbal medicines are never without critics since there is not much scientific data yet that supports their efficacy. For fenugreek, most studies have been done on small animals, not yet on humans. The good thing about fenugreek is that it is cheap and safe. In other words, there is nothing to lose in trying it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) names fenugreek in its list of safe herbal medicines, which should provide some assurance for those who wish to try an alternative remedy for their ailments.

Meanwhile, people who are not suffering from hypertension may still benefit from this herb for a number of other things. Fenugreek has been found through the years to detoxify the kidney and intestines. It is used to treat cold, asthma, fever, bronchitis, ulcer, and arthritis, to name a few. It may also be eaten as spice or garnish, or drunk as tea. It is the leading recipe in making aromatic curry powders and pastes.

Whether fenugreek truly cures high blood pressure or not is not fully determined just yet. What is certain for now is that thousands have considered fenugreek for high blood pressure and so far they are not complaining. In fact, the herb is now widely commercialized around the world as an herbal supplement against hypertension.

Consider Fenugreek for Diabetes Control

Few things are more debilitating overtime than diabetes. When the pancreas does not function correctly and glucose levels fall, the patient develops vision problems, circulation problems, and ultimately heart problems. Soon his kidney and nerves will be damaged, and eventually, the patient dies if blood sugar levels are not checked and properly managed. The disease can eventually lead to heart disease, which in turn leads to heart palpitations, hypertension, and heart attacks. There is no cure for diabetes. The only way to address it is to control sugar levels, and many people these days have discovered that fenugreek for diabetes control works when it comes to that.

Fenugreek seeds are said to increase the ability of the red blood cells to receive insulin and peripheral tissues to utilize glucose, and therefore perform anti-diabetes functions. The protein, amino acid 4- hydroxyisoleucine, contained in the seeds, may also directly stimulate insulin secretion.

So far, diabetics who have tried to prove the efficacy of fenugreek have not been disappointed. They confess to a significant decrease in their blood sugar levels and regularly take 500 mg of the herb twice a day. However, studies that proved fenugreek’s ability to control blood sugar have used only small animals as subjects. The herb is gaining much attention, though, and it is hoped that more studies will be made on its effects on people. Traditionally, fenugreek has other applications and alleged cures.

The use of fenugreek for diabetes control may not receive strict approval from western medical practitioners for now, but there are already thousands of diabetic patients who are benefitting from this herb. It is cheap and accessible. It is available at several health food stores, Indian or Asian food stores and groceries as a spice.

Secret Revealed: Fenugreek for Breast Enlargement

We have already discussed fenugreek’s value as a galactagogue: now we go to something related, which is its efficacy in breast enlargement.

How this herb could possibly make breasts larger is simple. The breasts grow in puberty when the female body begins to produce estrogen to develop new tissues in that part of the body. The female hormone determines a breast’s shape and size. The fewer hormones produced, the smaller and less developed the breasts become. Fenugreek contains diosgenin compounds, which are similar to estrogen and which produces prolactin. As more estrogen-like compounds enter the female body, new tissues develop thereby enhancing and enlarging the breasts. This is also why fenugreek is popular and widely recommended as a galactagogue or breast milk-inducing agent.

Fenugreek is a “tasty, maple-flavored herb that helps control blood sugar in people with diabetes and fenugreek sprouts may enlarge women’s breasts,” said James Duke, Ph.D. and author of the book “The Green Pharmacy”. He continued, “It was noted in a study that after eating several fair-portions of fenugreek sprouts over the course of several days, that the test subject’s breasts seem somewhat larger. This was called a mastogenic effect.”

This may be too good to be true. One of the best ways of verifying this interesting potential is hearing those who have tried it. One satisfied user confessed, “I have experimented enough by now to come to the conclusion that fenugreek does indeed cause breast fullness at least for me…. Now ladies, you won’t wake up and find yourself a busty C if you were an A, but you will notice a fullness.” Another woman, this time from Texas, USA said, “I’m happy to say, it has enlarged my breasts from 34C to38DD. I take Fenugreek pills (2 pills twice daily) and I mix 2 caplets with lotion and massage into my breasts twice daily. My breasts are very firm.”

In an online forum on breast enlargement herbs, a survey revealed that more women use fenugreek than any other herb. The five most-used herbs to enlarge breasts are fenugreek (47 votes), saw palmetto (36), fennel (33), borage (22) and wild yam (21).

Women may take fenugreek capsules, extracts or supplements to see if they really work. Another way of doing it is to crush a few grams of organic fenugreek seeds and mix with oil to create an emollient. Massage the breasts with this. Some believe that using fenugreek for breast enlargement will work better when coupled with proper nutrition and weight-lifting.

Why You Should Use Fenugreek for Hair Growth

Not many people enjoy the fact that they are balding. There are things that may not be explained by science and one them is why is it not fashionable or socially acceptable being bald or balding. Are you one of these people who are suffering from hair loss? Thousands of dollars have been spent in medications and treatments in the hopes of growing back hair. Have you spent that much money or close to it? Has nothing worked despite your efforts? Well, then, it is time to try using fenugreek for hair growth.

Today, fenugreek seeds have been found to contain protein and nicotinic acid, as well as other important nutrients such as niacin, potassium and phosphorous among others. It is the protein and nicotinic acid that is thought to help fight balding. Protein rebuilds and strengthens the hair shaft. Even without the mention of fenugreek, medical doctors recommend a protein-balanced diet to avoid hair loss and stimulate the growth of more hair. What western doctors don’t realize yet is that fenugreek has enough protein to restore hair-growing ability.

The herb is also found to contain lecithin, which is a natural emollient that moisturizes and strengthens hair. This substance is in fact found in hair care products to give hair luster, health, length, and shine.

If you are suffering from hair loss and would love to try a cure that is safe and cheap, fenugreek is for you. You can buy the herb from health food stores and Asian stores. Get a bunch of fenugreek seeds and soak them in virgin coconut oil. Allow to settle overnight. In the morning, mix your self-made hair growth tonic, removing the seeds. Apply the coconut oil to your scalp and massage for 5 to 10 minutes. Expect to see early results in just 3 days.

Forms Of Fenugreek And Their Benefits

Fenugreek As A Product

Fenugreek Leaves Exposed

The leaves of the herb are useful too. Although it is the seeds that are widely popular worldwide, fenugreek leaves are very helpful and flavorful themselves. The tiny leaves are found to contain potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin K. As a vegetable, they are flavorful and comparable to spinach. Many recipes turn more savory, aromatic and powerful when garnished with fenugreek leaves. They may be taken fresh or dried. They are slightly bitter when fresh and become more bitter when dried, but not anywhere near the bitter gourd.

Fresh leaves are mixed in stir-fries and curries, and used as greens and flavoring to make any recipe more interesting. On the other hand, the dried leaves are typically boiled to make teas, baked to make spicy breads, or sprinkled on any dish as desired.

Also, they are the main ingredient in making a nutritious fenugreek salad bowl. Here is how you can make one yourself. Wash and dry 150 grams of leaves, then chop into pieces. Mix with chopped tomato, chopped onion, chopped green chili, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Mix and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve in a bowl and enjoy your nutritious and flavorful vegetable salad.

Just like the seeds, fenugreek leaves are medicinal. They are used traditionally in many South Asian countries to treat allergies, bronchitis, intestinal problems, emphysema, headache, lung infection, mucous congestion, and skin irritations, as well as control the levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. Although there are yet no scientific studies to support such claims, a number of users confess the medicinal benefits to be true and better than western medicines. A number of interesting medicinal and scientific studies are now focused on the potential and alleged medicinal benefits of the leaves, as well as the seeds and the entire plant.

As part of the fenugreek herb-plant, the leaves are considered safe and edible for everyone, except for pregnant women. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) names the plant in its list of herbs that are generally considered safe for consumption.

Fenugreek As Supplements

Helpful Fenugreek Herbal Supplements

Of course, you needn’t buy the raw herb to get the benefits, strictly speaking. Today, fenugreek herbal supplements are widely sold online and in health stores all over the United States for a number of medicinal and nutritional purposes.

Before fenugreek herbal supplements were popularized by their modern manufacturers, fenugreek seeds were regularly eaten raw and roasted or steeped to make tea. With the supplement, consumption becomes much easier or simpler for people on the go or those who dislike the taste (although this is rare).

Today, the fenugreek plant is believed to perform the following: detoxify the intestines and serve as digestive aid; serve as treatment for boils, cysts, gout and other complaints when applied on the affected area using a piece of cloth that has been dipped in warm water with fenugreek seeds; lower and maintain blood pressure; control blood sugar level, making it very helpful for diabetics; treat sinus and lung congestion by effectively loosening and removing excess mucus and phlegm; relieve congestion, fight infection, and reduce inflammation; treat allergies, bronchitis and congestion; and promote the production breast milk for lactating mothers, which is the most popular and widely accepted benefit of fenugreek thus far. Furthermore, research studies have found that the herb is rich in selenium, iron, protein, potassium, niacin, silicon, vitamin C, sodium and thiamine.

It is because of these many uses and benefits that more and more people consider taking fenugreek herbal supplements. They are sold online and in many health centers and drug stores in the country as dietary, breast-milk inducing, breast enlargement, and body building supplements. They may come in tablets or capsules.

Fenugreek capsules are packaged in bottles of 100 to 300 capsules as herbal supplements that may be used against diabetes, anemia, sinusitis, menstrual disorder, intestinal disorders, fever, arthritis, tuberculosis, and lactating in nursing mothers.

Reasons To Take Fenugreek Oil Extracts

There are also fenugreek oil extracts. Fenugreek herb and its oil extracts are now widely accepted as being among the top herbal supplements for 5 very important reasons.

1. Fenugreek has healed and cured thousands of users around the world for centuries. It is the oldest recorded herbal medicine, having been used by ancient Egyptians and later on by Greeks, Romans, Indians and the Chinese. It has continued to be used in these countries primarily because people feel safe when using it since the herb has no major side effects. It is used as food and therefore safe for ingesting.

Minor side effects include diarrhea and stomach discomforts, which are natural effects as it detoxifies the intestines. Also, pregnant mothers should avoid taking it since it could induce premature labor. Fenugreek aids in labor to avoid difficult childbirth.

2. Fenugreek affects one’s sexuality, primarily for women. The herb was found to contain diosgenine, a compound that produces artificial estrogen, and as a result, enlarges female breasts and enhances breast milk production. Because of this, fenugreek has quickly taken over breast pumps as the leading intervention in producing breast milk for lactating mothers.

According to Kathleen Huggins, an expert in breastfeeding and in caring for lactating mothers, “Fenugreek is a potent stimulator of breastmilk production. In fact, its use was associated with increases in milk production of as much as 900% […]. Nearly all of the mothers who take fenugreek report an increase in milk production, generally within 24 to 72 hours after starting to take the herb.”

A satisfied fenugreek user confessed, “I failed to keep up with pumping every 2 to 3 hours. I noticed my milk supply started to drop […]. After taking Fenugreek for a few days and disciplining myself to pump every 2-3 hours my milk supply not only came back, but increased more than what it originally used to be. My freezer is filled with breast milk.”‘

For the males, fenugreek is said to boost testosterone, which is why it is now a leading body building supplement.

For the couples, the herb is widely regarded as an aphrodisiac. It improves libido, cures premature ejaculation, and relieves menstrual and testicular pains.

3. Fenugreek has been found to provide cure for a number of illnesses, which include intestinal pains, diarrhea, coughing, sore throat, ulcers, skin irritations, boils, burns, abscesses, eczema, gout, arthritis, and a few more. Most notably, fenugreek is now known to also control cholesterol level and lover sugar levels in blood. A number of fenugreek supplements using fenugreek oil extracts are now being marketed for diabetic patients, and so far they have been performing satisfactorily.

In addition it to its medicinal uses, this herb has been found to have no major side effects, but minor ones such as nausea and diarrhea.

4. Fenugreek oil extracts may be used as food. Fenugreek is so savory and aromatic that it is used in preparing curry pastes and powders.

5. Finally, fenugreek herb, and fenugreek oil extracts are cheap and easily available groceries and health food stores.

The Inexpensive Yet Very Powerful Powdered Fenugreek

Perhaps the most practical and economic way of marketing fenugreek is as powdered fenugreek. It is conveniently sold in grocery stores and in health food stores as a spice, and may be used as medicine and food.

It’s actually one of the oldest processed forms of the herb. Traditional herbalists in India and China thought of grinding the hard fenugreek seeds to be used for several cures long ago. The seeds are easy to grind after being roasted or dried. The powder has been used through the centuries to treat many a complaint quickly, as it is easy to carry around and keep fresh (it is a form of preservation, after all) than the raw herb.

A pound of fenugreek powder is the equivalent to about 1000 fenugreek capsules. Also, as a powder, it may be used in several applications. First, it acts as an emollient. Mixed and defused in water or oil, fenugreek as an emollient may be applied externally to treat skin inflammation, boils, and eczema, as well as give relief for ulcer and gout pains.

Taken orally, fenugreek powder steeped in warm water becomes a nutritious and tasty herbal tea. If taking it as an herbal drink, the modern user benefits from all the supposed medicinal and therapeutic uses of fenugreek, which the ancient users have also enjoyed and benefitted.

As a breast enlarger, powdered fenugreek may be mixed with oil and massaged directly on the breast, if one does not wish to consume the powder orally.

Finally, fenugreek powder is perfect for cooking. Indian dishes are known for their powerful aromatic flavor and that is largely due to fenugreek. The powdered seeds are perfect for making curry powders and pastes. To create traditional Indian curry, fenugreek seeds are crushed and ground, and mixed with turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper corn, cardamom, whole cloves, fennel pepper, black mustard seeds, garlic, cinnamon stick, onion, and dried chili. Every variety of food in India becomes special, savory and mouthwatering when prepared in curry or simply sprinkled with ground fenugreek seeds.

Top Ways of Using Organic Fenugreek Seeds

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from using the seeds if you prefer them. Fenugreek seeds are used in three ways. One, they may be taken raw or roasted, which is how most people in India do it. They regularly take 2-3 grams of the seeds early in the morning with warm water to heal body pains. They may also be crushed and sprinkled on their dishes.

Second, they may be steeped in a cup of water, cooled, mashed and placed on clean cloth for a number of uses. The piece of cloth may be heated and placed as plaster on engorged or inflamed breasts, or mixed with oil and be used as emollient to heal skin allergies, sores, boils, eczema and other skin irritations.

Third, they may be steeped for at least 3 hours and taken as tea three times a day. Fenugreek tea is actually the weakest form of the herb but the longer the seeds are steeped, the more the tea becomes powerful. Fenugreek tea is flavorful as it is nutritional. One may add honey or sugar to sweeten.

The seeds may be sprouted as food too. In fact, fenugreek sprouts are sold in health food stores, specialty stores, and groceries. If, however, there are no sprouted seeds on sale, organic fenugreek seeds may be bought, rinsed, placed in a sprouter, and be placed beside a window or table. After a few days, the seeds will sprout and may be consumed as vegetable or greens.

The Tasty Cure-It-All Fenugreek Herbal Tea

Chinese and Ayuverdic herbalists have used both the plant’s leaves and seeds to produce fenugreek tea too. Typically, the seeds are steeped for a very long time in warm water, for at least 3 hours, to sap all the nutrients. The longer it is steeped, the better and more nutritious it becomes. Today, fenugreek herbal tea, as well as capsules, tablets and supplements, are sold commercially in tea bags.

While the tea is commonly sold as an herbal supplement, one of its most popular uses is as a galactagogue. It is believed and scientifically proven to help produce breast milk. According to a study conducted by Kathleen Huggins, as many as 1,200 lactating mothers have taken the tea and most of them have stopped other interventions because fenugreek worked.

The tea can be used to treat skin issues by applying a piece of cloth soaked in it to the ailing spot, and can be taken orally in order to relieve acid reflux. If being taken orally, there are generally no issues with combining it with other mild herbs or flavorings to improve effect or taste.

How To Get And How To Use Fenugreek

Where to Buy Fenugreek Now

Now you may be asking, “Where can I buy fenugreek? Where can I get fenugreek?”

The answer to where to purchase or buy fenugreek is the same place you would typically find Asian spices. Try a nearby grocery (spice or greens section), health food store, or Asian store. You may also order fenugreek online if buying fenugreek over the counter may be more difficult than you thought.

The herbal supplement is also commercialized as a breast enlargement and bodybuilding agent, so look in those sections when shopping for supplement products. Again, look online if you have nowhere near you that sells herbal supplements. The most common sites are Buy Fenugreek.com and, of course, Amazon Online.

While the herb may not be sold in the mainstream market yet, it is not very difficult to find. The Internet makes it easy to buy fenugreek if you cannot find a retail store near you. Buying fenugreek is not really a problem these days. It is cheap, affordable and easy to find.

Simple Yet Savory Sample Fenugreek Recipes

We can close this with a few notes on using the herb for cooking. This is one of the best ways to take it, after all, if you are really committed to long-term use: not only do yo get the benefits of the herb but you also get to sample a wide range of recipes and flavors.

Both seeds and leaves are used for culinary purposes. Most dishes involving fenugreek seeds are spicy and curry flavored. While fenugreek leaves are more popularly used for herbal concoctions, it’s the seeds, also known as methi, that make it into the chef’s kitchen. Basically, methi adds power, aroma, spice and bittersweet flavor to a dish.

A sample recipe that is especially popular among methi lovers is the Chicken with Fenugreek and Tomatoes, an Indian delicacy often well-received even by those new to the Indian palate’s preferences. This is how it is done.

Cut 8 oz of boneless chicken into cubes. Mix ground sesame seeds, tamarind, chili, salt, ground coriander, cumin, ginger, garlic and sugar to create a spicy paste. Then, mix methi with some onions and deep fry for about a minute in a wok over moderate heat, together with curry leaves.

After a minute of stirring, add tomatoes and the spicy paste. Mix and stir for a few moments before throwing in the chicken. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes. Put in some fenugreek leaves before you lower the heat. Cover and stir occasionally. After 10 minutes, stir in the chili and a tablespoon of coriander and cook for 2 more minutes. Serve the dish while hot, and you will be sure to savor the unmistakable flavor of fenugreek.

Dishes that make use of fenugreek or methi, like Chicken with Fenugreek and Tomatoes, are always spicy and strong. It is a common ingredient for cooking anything with curry. To create a fenugreek-based curry paste, simply mix the following spices together in more or less equal parts (although the amounts are really up to your taste) and bake for 30 minutes: turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, ginger powder, black pepper corn, cardamom, whole cloves, fennel pepper, black mustard seeds, nutmeg, garlic powder, cinnamon stick, onion powder, dried chili and, of course, fenugreek seeds or methi. After baking, grind all spices on a mortar, and there you have it: your very own fenugreek curry powder.

That’s how you do it. But even more than that, perhaps the most popular of all fenugreek recipes is still fenugreek tea, both for its taste and nutritional benefit. Follow these simple steps in making your very own fenugreek tea.

Crush a tablespoonful of fenugreek seeds and dunk them into freshly boiled water. Let it stay for about 3 hours. The longer you steep the seeds, the more nutritious your tea becomes. Strain the liquid and drink as hot or cold bittersweet methi tea. That’s how simply it is done, but the benefits are amazing. Methi is rich in vitamins and minerals and very helpful for lactating mothers since it helps produce breast milk. The tea is also used to increase a couple’s sexual performance, so they say. This wonder tea is also said to detoxify one’s intestines and kidneys, and reduce the risk of heart attacks. However, pregnant women should stay away from it since it is said to induce labor.

There are tons of easy-to-make fenugreek recipes on the Internet and on Mediterranean or Asia cookbooks. Try making one your own and getting a dose of tasty, curry-licious, wildly nutritional methi in your soon-to-be-super-healthy body!