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 little moisture to grow. The stems support numerous branches with leaves that can be described as oval in shape. The leaves are divided into groups of three: these are known as trifoliate leaves. The fruit of the fenugreek is a pod, which can be up to 20 cm long. It is these pods that contain the fenugreek seeds.

Originally from 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. Some of its medicinal virtues, such as the alleviation of suffering from burns and their healing, were already known at that time. However, in ancient times, it was mainly used to feed animals. However, the Egyptians used it to embalm their dead. Although Hippocrates and Discorides recommended fenugreek in the 5th century BC and the 1st century AD respectively, it was not until the medieval period that fenugreek entered the medical sphere. Since then, its virtues have not been disputed. Used in phytotherapy, fenugreek is also a spice that is very present in cooking, particularly in Indian gastronomy.

Parts used. 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 diseases: eczema, burns, acne. Joint and muscle pain. Used in cases of alopecia. Fenugreek oil has a reputation for making the breasts slightly bigger. But it is also nourishing and softening, for the skin as well as for the hair.

Benefits of fenugreek oil for the hair: Fenugreek oil cleanses the scalp, combats hair loss and promotes 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 about 30 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 breast: Although fenugreek oil is reputed to give volume to the breasts, it should be noted that no scientific study has been conducted on this subject. That said, you can always try it for a fortnight by applying it pure, by massaging it into the chest and bust. Forms and preparations : leaves, crushed seeds, powders, applications, poultices, oils, infusions, decoctions

Internal treatment: Fenugreek Helps fight loss of appetite and anaemia. Fortifying, useful for the production of breast milk. Management of gastrointestinal disorders: infections, digestive problems. Helps to maintain 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 stimulator, fenugreek is rich in vitamins, phosphorus and iron. The multiplicity of its medicinal properties makes this herbaceous plant a daily ally.

Use of fenugreek: It is also possible to prepare infusions and decoctions of fenugreek at home by infusing 1 teaspoon of seeds in 50 cl of hot water. The daily consumption should not exceed 3 to 5 cups. To make a cataplasm, use 50 g of fenugreek seeds and 1 l of water. The mucilaginous nature of the fibres contained in the seeds will enable you to obtain a paste to be applied to the areas concerned by the treatment. Precautions for use of fenugreek. Provided that the recommended dosage is respected, there are hardly any particular precautions. However, if in doubt, it is preferable to discuss the matter with your doctor or pharmacist.