Fenugreek is believed to originate from India and Northern Africa, and in the Indian Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia its use is known as an aphrodisiac and a cure for digestive and respiratory conditions related to phlegm

Fenugreek or Fenugreek Greens

Did you know that Fenugreek, called Menthya in Kannada, Methi in Hindi, had the dubious claim in Rome, in an old wives tale, that roasted fenugreek seeds were consumed by harem women to increase buxomness?

Did you know that Fenugreek is believed to originate from India and Northern Africa, and in the Indian Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia its use is known as an aphrodisiac and a cure for digestive and respiratory conditions related to phlegm?

Did you know that Czech girls wore tiny bunches of fenugreek around their necks due its quality as a good deodorant which was extremely useful when sanitary conditions were poor and baths very rare?

Fenugreek, known by its Latin name Trigonella foenum-graecum, is an annual (as it germinates flowers, sets seed and dies in one season) plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae.

Its suffix ‘foenum-gracesum’ was given as an epithet by the Romans as it was a very common Greek Plant. It was also called ‘ox horn’ or ‘goat horns’ because of the two seed pods projecting in opposite directions that look like ox or goat horns. It has a strange claim in Rome, in an old wives tales, that roasted fenugreek seeds were consumed by harem women to increase buxomnes. It is also known as Fenugreek Greens (menthya soppu in Kannada). It is mainly grown for its leaves and seeds.  

Fenugreek's historical usage is very ancient, traced to Egypt, Rome, eastern Europe, Ethiopia, and India. It is cultivated extensively in all regions of India and in Mediterranean countries. It was cultivated in ancient Asyyria during the 7th century BC. Early medical records in ancient Egypt (about 1500 BC) reports its use in helping with childbirth and increasing breast milk production, and it is still used to relieve menstrual cramps. Ayurvedic texts mention its use as an aphrodisiac and to cure digestive and respiratory conditions related to phlegm. 

Fenugreek thrives in areas with fertile, well-drained soil that provide plenty of sunlight. It does not tolerate frost. People cultivate fenugreek as a source of food. India, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the biggest producers of fenugreek in the world. In India, a major producer of fenugreek, over 80% of India's output is from Rajasthan.

In India, Fenugreek leaf or greens, the most popular leafy vegetable used for its versatile qualities, is labelled by many vernacular names such as: Methi in Hindi; menthya (ಮೆಂತ್ಯೆ) and menthya soppu (ಮೆಂತೆ ಸೊಪ್ಪು) in Kannada; Uluva in Malayalam; Vendayam in Tamil; menthiguti in Assamese; menthulu is Telugu; and Bahuparni, Gandhaphala in Sanskrit. It is called as Greek-clover in English, 'menthe verte' in French, and Hebrew name 'tiltan'.

Fenugreek plant is seen growing in areas such as field verges, uncultivated ground, dry grasslands, also exclusively as a cultivated plant for its leaves and seeds. It prefers a well-drained loamy soil in full sun. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. The plant grows as an erect stem, reaching 2 to 3 feet in height. The leaves are alternate, compound, trifoliolate, 7-12 cm long, light green in colour. Flowers lemon-yellow or purplish blue in colour contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). blooms during the summer, 110 to 120 days after planting. Harvest of ripe pods takes place 30 to 35 days after flowering. The fruits occur as straight or sickle-like pods of 2-10 cm, green-olive or brownish in colour with each fruit containing 10-20 seeds. The plant is propogated through seeds and cuttings; seeds are pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then sown in situ. It has the distinctive maple syrup smell due the presence of Sotolon the chemical in it. 

The leaves and cuboid-shaped, yellow- to amber-coloured seeds of Fenugreek plant are widely used in Indian cuisine. Seeds are used in both whole and powdered in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes, dal, and spice mixes such as 'panch phoron' and sambar powder. The seeds are often roasted to reduce inherent bitterness and to enhance flavour. It is used as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice (seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). Menthya is said to be a great natural hair conditioner; a fistful of menthya seeds soaked overnight, grinded to a smooth paste the morning, and applyed to the hair.

In the USDA Nutrient Data Base fenugreek greens has been acknowledged as an excellent sources of iron. Other minerals present in fenugreek greens in large percentage are calcium and Magnesisum, β-carotene and several vitamins. It is also rich in Vitaminc C and Vitamin A. They are also rich in anitoxidants and deity fibre. Its regular consumption in some form alleviates indigestion and constipation, and also stimulates spleen and liver function. It enhances the metabolism in the body and rescues fat deposits. It is also used as an astringent and laxative. Also good for hair growth. Its water soluble fibres helps in prevent heart diseases as also diabetes and heart stroke. It enhances breast milk in lacating mothers. Relieves inflammation in the body. Powders may also be used as a topical medication or dressing for skin wounds or eczema. 

Fenugreek is also used as flavoring agent for industrially manufactured vanilla, maple syrup and rum. Fenugreek is still used as animal fodder in some parts of Europe and Africa. It is now marketted widely in the form of herbal supplements.

However, use of Fenugreek is not devoid of risks. It is said that its use is likely not safe for use during pregnancy as it may have abortifacient effects. Its use could cause allergic conditions in some people including those with peanut allergies or chickpea allergies. 

Thus, the historical background of Fenugreek is as one of the oldest known medicinal plant that has been documented in ancient religious scriptures, herbal publications, travel records, and anecdotes dating back in human history.

- Narasipur Char 

Fenugreek seeds ,or Methi and leaves health benefits

Methi or fenugreek seeds and leaves form an important ingredient in Indian households. It is used in almost every Indian preparation be it dal, paratha or curry. But what you might not know is that methi or fenugreek is a rich reservoir of medicinal properties that imparts many health benefits. Here are 15 reasons why you should include methi in your diet more often.

1 Lowers blood cholesterol

According to studies fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL). They are known to be rich source of steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. Here’s how to reduce cholesterol levels naturally.

2 Reduces risk of heart disease

Due to the presence of galactomannan, fenugreek plays a key role in maintain your heart health. It also contains high amount of potassium that counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure. Read about yoga for healthy heart.

3 Controls blood sugar levels

Diabetic must include methi (either in the form of seeds or leaves) in their diet. Because galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into blood. It also contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin. Here’s why methi ladoo is good for diabetics and how to prepare it.

4 Aids digestion

As fenugreek is rich in fibre and antioxidants, it helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and thus, aids digestion. In some cases, fenugreek tea is used to relieve indigestion and stomach pain. You can even drink fenugreek decoction early in the morning to deal with constipation.

5 Helps counter acid reflux or heartburn

One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.

6 Helps you lose weight

Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite and aiding your weight loss goals.

7 Remedy for fever and sore throat

Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat. Here are 5 foods to relieve sore throat.

8 Increases breast milk production in lactating women

Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers. Here are 10 foods that can increase breast milk supply in mothers. 

9 Induces and eases child birth

Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It also reduces labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you at risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.

10 Helps reduce menstrual discomfort

Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption. Here are more ways to reduce your menstrual discomfort.

11 Helps slightly increase breast size

The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women. You may also like to read about 10 ways to get better breasts.

12 Helps prevent colon cancer

The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancer. Here is a detailed information on cancer.

13 Helps soothe skin inflammation and reduces scars

While Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, fenugreek also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that aid in the treatment of various skin problems like burns, boils and eczema. The seeds are known to help in getting rid of scars. All you need to do is apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste to fight skin inflammation.

14 Helps treat skin problems

Fenugreek or methi can be used in face packs to help prevent blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. Washing your face with water boiled with fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves for twenty minutes on your face can work wonders for your skin. Read more about methi can help treat beauty problems.

15 Can help resolve hair problems

Using fenugreek as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes your hair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall. What more? Fenugreek is also great to keep the dandruff away. Also read how you can use methi or fenugreek for better health. Here’s a complete guide.

Dr Sandeep Jadhav Kallwa Thane India