Fenugreek powder

Scientific name : Trigonella foenum-graecum  Common names : fenugreek, trigonella, senegrain   English name : fenugreek   Botanical classification : family Fabaceae (Fabaceae)

Botanical description of fenugreek

A herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, the fenugreek plant can reach a height of 50 cm. It thrives on calcareous soil and requires very little moisture to grow. The stems support numerous branches with oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are divided into groups of three, known as trifoliate leaves. The fruit of the fenugreek plant is a pod, varying in length up to 20 cm. These pods contain the fenugreek seeds.

Native to India and the Middle East, fenugreek or Trigonella fenugreek is a herbaceous plant that now grows all around the Mediterranean basin. Fenugreek oil is produced from its seeds, which are very rich in protein and also contain saponins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

The oldest references to fenugreek date back to the middle of the second millennium BC. By then, some of its medicinal virtues were already known, particularly its ability to soothe and heal burns. In ancient times, however, it was mainly used as animal feed. The Egyptians, however, used it to embalm their dead. Although Hippocrates and Discorides already recommended fenugreek in the 5th century BC and 1st century AD respectively, it was not until the Middle Ages that fenugreek entered the medical sphere. Since then, its virtues have never been disputed. Used in phytotherapy, fenugreek is also a very popular spice in cooking, particularly in Indian cuisine.

Parts used. The seeds and leaves are used in phytotherapy. Active ingredients. Fenugreek seeds contain a high level of mucilaginous fibres (up to 40%) as well as a much lower level of saponin steroids (3% maximum), whose qualities are linked to their surface-active role and associated with cholesterol regulation.

External treatment: Treatment of skin conditions: eczema, burns, acne. Joint and muscle pain. Used in cases of alopecia. Fenugreek oil has a reputation for slightly enlarging the breasts. But it is also nourishing and softening, for both skin and hair.

Benefits of fenugreek oil for hair: Fenugreek oil cleanses the scalp, combats hair loss and encourages hair growth. To take advantage of its benefits, you can make a hair mask (once a week) by warming the oil in your hands before applying it to the scalp with circular massages. Leave it on for around thirty minutes in a warm place, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

Benefits of fenugreek oil for the skin: This oil softens and revitalises tired skin. Used as a lotion or mask, with honey or argan oil, it will restore radiance to your face.

Benefits of fenugreek oil for the breasts: Although fenugreek oil is reputed to add volume to the breasts, no scientific studies have been conducted on this subject. That said, you can always try it for a fortnight by massaging it into the chest and bust. Forms and preparations : leaves, crushed seeds, powders, applications, poultices, oils, infusions, decoctions

Internal treatment: Fenugreek Helps combat loss of appetite and anaemia. Fortifying, useful for the production of breast milk. Management of gastrointestinal disorders: infections, digestive problems. Helps maintain balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Anti-inflammatory. Diuretic. Stimulates uterine contractions.

Cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, digestive disorders, malnutrition, anorexia, joint and muscle pain, skin diseases, infections, inflammations. Preventing certain types of cancer (especially pancreatic cancer), hypotensive and appetite stimulant, fenugreek is rich in vitamins, phosphorus and iron. Its many medicinal properties make this herbaceous plant a daily ally.

Using fenugreek: You can also prepare infusions and decoctions of fenugreek at home by infusing 1 teaspoon of seeds in 50 cl of hot water. Daily consumption should not exceed 3 to 5 cups. To make a poultice, use 50g of fenugreek seeds and 1 litre of water. The mucilaginous nature of the fibres contained in the seeds will enable you to obtain a paste to apply to the areas affected by the treatment. Precautions for use of fenugreek. Provided the recommended dosage is followed, there are hardly any special precautions. However, if in doubt, it is best to discuss the matter with your doctor or pharmacist.