How Will Fenugreek Seed Help Diabetics?

‘Greek hay.’ This is the meaning of the Latin name fenugreek. The name resulted from the herb mainly being used for animal fodder. It is also called Goat’s Horn, Bird’s Foot, and Foenugreek. Fenugreek grows wild in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe as well as India and North Africa. Both the seeds and leaves are used as a culinary spice. The seeds are a nutritional supplement.

Much like a bean plant in appearance, fenugreek grows one to two feet tall and bears white or pale yellow flowers. The thin, sword-shaped pods grow to be four to six inches long and hold ten to twenty seeds each. After four months the plant is pulled up, dried, and used.

Fenugreek is available as a dull yellow powder, as whole and dried seeds, or ground from the roasted seeds. It contains mucilaginous fiber, fenugreek contains alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, and steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin). Fenugreek is a natural source of silicon, iron, thiamine, and sodium. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium that helps the body use oxygen effectively.

Fenugreek is great for the digestive system. It contains a large amount of fiber. This type does not dissolve but swells when it comes in contact with fluids. This works it a natural laxative. Fenugreek also lowers blood pressure.

Fenugreek regulates blood sugar levels and is able to lower levels of harmful cholesterol. Fenugreek can slow the rate of sugars’ absorption in the body when it is taken with meals. One amino acid found in fenugreek may help to increase the production of insulin when blood sugar rises, though it is not used as a substitute for diabetic insulin. Fenugreek will sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains when applied as a poultice. Some also use it on boils, cysts, and other skin problems.

Fenugreek was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation, and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion. It loosens and removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis, and congestion.

The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used in meat curries. Flour mixed with ground fenugreek makes a spicy bread. In India the roasted ground seeds are infused for a coffee substitute. A tea can be made by soaking a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes.

A common dosage is up to one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day for diabetes or for cholesterol-lowering. Three to four ml of fenugreek can be taken as a tincture three times per day. Soak two ounces of the seed in about 5 ounces of cold water for at least 3 hours to make fenugreek tea. Then strain the seeds before drinking. The tea can be drunk hot or cold. The poultice is made this way: mix two ounces of fenugreek seed powder with up to one quart of hot water and let the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel.