Fenugreek

December 27, 2002

I dont have all the answers, sorry ...did not mean to say I did. I know fenugreek is a food and so it does not have the same over powering effect (s) as drugs from the dr so it would not stop anyone from conceiving. If a herb could have done that they would have tried that centuries ago. Maybe a few of us would not be here (he he) but fenugreek does have antibacterial properties and as such might be able to knock out low grade infections maybe. It is great for the lungs too.

I know this naturopath who swears by a herbal combination with black cohosh, fenugreek and something else for conception. I know dong quai is great for balancing the female hormones. It is the female version of that one male hormone herb that we hear so much about.

I have no idea what fenugreek would do for a guy....just has those precusors like you said, and precusors can go either way for hormones. Believe it or not all humans have all the same hormones just in different amounts. Women have testosterone and men have estrogen, but progesterone supposely can be made into either.

Sorry if I can only give a little clue for further study, but I do these emails on my breaks at work so not much time to research it all out.

Best Wishes to All, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kristie

New DSL Internet Access from SBC

January 27, 2005

Fenugreek

(Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Both a spice and medicinal herb, fenugreek has a long and respected history, dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Today, it is used to soothe stomach irritations and improve appetite. Recent studies indicate that fenugreek also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Plant Facts:

This annual herb with clover like leaves belongs to the family Leguminosae. It grows to a height of 20-24 inches. While the plant has a strong, sweetish-spicy aroma, the seeds taste slightly salty and when chewed have a mildly bitter taste.

Parts Used:

Only the fenugreek plant’s small seeds, encased in a hard shell and harvested at maturity in the fall, have a medicinal use.

Components:

The seeds contain a good proportion of mucilage and protein, as well as fatty oils, amino acids, alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids and vitamins A and B. Steroidal saponins account for the bitter taste; they are also thought to chemically resemble human sex hormones, which may be why fenugreek was once considered an aphrodisiac and why it is still used to stimulate the uterus and milk flow.

Indication:

With their emollient effects, fenugreek seeds, ground into a paste, help heal boils, abscesses, swollen lymph nodes and skin inflammations. Because of its mucilage content, fenugreek can protect the mucous membrane of the stomach and relieve gastric irritations. By the same token it soothes inflamed respiratory membranes and quiets coughs. Fenugreek is also known to be antidiabetic, lowering blood sugar, as well as cholesterol levels. Fenugreek powder makes an appetite stimulating tonic.

Extra Tip:

In contrast to many other herbs, which lose their aroma in the dried state, the idiosyncratic aroma of fenugreek seeds is magnified when they are dried. They will keep 1 year. Or more in closed containers.

Methods of Administration:

Tea infusion:

To ease infections of the respiratory tract, digestion and stomach irritations; Pour 1 cup of cold water over 1 tbsp. of pulverized fenugreek seeds; let stand for 3 hours. Bring the mixture to a boil; strain. Add honey to help soothe coughs. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times during the day.

Poultice:

For abscesses, boils and burns; Simmer 6 tbsp. of coarsely ground fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 min. until the mixture thickens. Spread the paste, as hot as you can tolerate, on a linen cloth, and lay the cloth on the affected area. Repeat 3-4 rimes daily. You can add vinegar to the mixture to heighten the healing effect.

Wine:

For digestion: Soak 2 tbsp. of fenugreek seeds in 4 cups of white wine. Let it stand 4-6 weeks. Strain. Drink one 4-oz. glass with each meal.

Caution:

Fenugreek seeds will stimulate the uterus, so do not use during pregnancy.

Before undertaking the advice contained here, you should consult with a health care professional, who can better assess your individual needs, symptoms and treatments.

~The Complete Guide to Natural Healing~

Blessings

Ani