What Is Fenugreek Seed?

Fenugreek is a cooking spice that also has a long history of use as an herbal medicine. Often found in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian cuisine, fenugreek is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is native to the Mediterranean, Ukraine, India, and China.

Fenugreek is a member of the pea family.

How to Use Fenugreek Seed (Common Uses)

Fenugreek seed can be applied topically or taken internally as a tea, decoction, powder, capsules, or extract. It is a popular cooking spice. For medicinal and culinary purposes, it works well on its own and in combination with other herbs.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Fenugreek Seed

An excellent herb for the digestive system, fenugreek is high in mucilage, a soft type of fiber which coats the stomach, and can be especially beneficial for constipation. They help to stimulate the digestive system and can help to calm gas and bloating.

Traditional uses of fenugreek include as a digestive herb for irritation and related conditions and as a remedy for chronic lung conditions such as coughs and bronchitis.

For nursing mothers, fenugreek is a common herbal remedy to help stimulate milk production.

Fenugreek may be beneficial for helping to lower high cholesterol and blood sugar.

Additionally, fenugreek has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It is high in the amino acids lysine, tryptophan, histidine, and arginine, as well as vitamins A, B1, C, and the minerals calcium and iron.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fenugreek is considered to be bitter, sweet, pungent, and warming. It is often used to warm the kidneys and remove cold and dampness.

When applied topically, the demulcent properties of fenugreek may be beneficial for soothing skin irritations such as boils and eczema.

As a culinary herb, fenugreek seeds have been used for centuries in various ways. In India, they are an ingredient in curries, in Egypt an ingredient in breads, and in Africa fenugreek seeds may be used as a coffee substitute. Although less common, fenugreek seeds are sometimes also used as a substitute for maple syrup flavoring.

Active Constituents in Fenugreek Seed

Galactomannans, pyridine alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, lysine, tryptophan, histidine, arginine, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, calcium, iron.

Notable Facts About Fenugreek Seed

Consumption of fenugreek seed can cause some people’s urine to smell of maple syrup.

Some folklore suggests that fenugreek added to mop water when cleaning will help to bring money into the house.