Fenugreek – Uses and Home remedies
Fenugreek, most popularly known as Methi is an Indian herb, the stems, leaves and twigs of which are used for cooking, medications and for nutritional value. The leaves and seeds of the plant in particular, are of high medicinal and nutritional value.
Botanical name- Trigonella foenum greacum Linn
Family- Fabaceae
Nutritional content of fenugreek:
Seeds are rich in vitamins – thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, B6, vitamins A, C and K. It also has Copper, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Manganese, and Magnesium.
Part used- Seeds, whole plant
Fenugreek benefits as per Ayurveda:
Fenugreek is useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc. It also has Kaphahara property which makes it useful in productive cough, chest congestion, asthma and bronchitis. It improves digestive power and used globally as a galactagogue.
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How to use fenugreek for increased milk production in lactating mothers?
a) Fenugreek porridge
Ingredients
Fenugreek – Quarter cup, sorted, washed and soaked for 1 hour
Organic red rice – 1 cup
Coconut milk – 1 cup
Jaggery liquid – 2 cups
Cumin powder – 1 tsp
Salt – A pinch
Method
Clean the fenugreek seeds and soak it in water for one hour. Sort, wash and soak the rice for one hour. Drain the water and combine the two. In an earthen pot pour 3 cups of water. Boil the rice and fenugreek well. Add a little water if required. Once well-cooked, add the jaggery liquid.
Once it boils well, lower the flame and add the coconut milk. Add the cumin powder and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Remove from flame. Serve warm.
b) Fenugreek dessert (Methi Halwa)
Ingredients
Fenugreek-100 g
Roasted Rice powder-2 Tablespoon
Turmeric powder-1 tsp
Cumin seeds-1tsp
Mustard seeds-1tsp
Coconut Milk/ Whole Milk – 3 cups
Salt-one pinch
Jaggery -450 g
Method of preparation
Soak the fenugreek for at least 4 hours, then wash properly and pressure cook till done by adding enough water (6 whistles). When the pressure settles down, open the cooker and allow it to cool. Coarsely grind the cooked fenugreek in a blender and keep aside.
Boil 2 cups of water and add jaggery into it, when the jaggery completely dissolves in water turn off the gas and allow it to cool and strain afterwards.
Grind mustard seeds, cumin seeds and turmeric together by adding a small portion of water. Now take a deep bottomed pan and add all the ingredients along with 3-4 cups of coconut milk/whole milk. Add one pinch of salt too. Mix all these well and cook in medium flame for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cook until you get a thick consistency and the dessert leaves the sides of the pan. When cooled, cut into desired shapes.
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How to consume Fenugreek in Diabetes?
The seeds of Fenugreek are beneficial for diabetic patients too. When regularly given in varying doses, they reduce reactive hyperglycemia in diabetics. Apart from reducing glucose levels, the triglycerides and serum cholesterol levels can also be significantly reduced by use of Fenugreek.
5 grams once or twice a day of seed or seed powder is useful in diabetes. Either the seeds can be chewed or swallowed or it can be made into paste with water, rolled into a form of diabetes. The seeds can be soaked in water overnight for easy consumption.
Fenugreek in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Fenugreek can help in balancing the Kapha dosha in the body and therefore is beneficial in upper respiratory tract infections.
A tablespoon of powdered fenugreek seeds can be mixed in a cup of warm water, simmered for ten minutes and strained. This can be used for gargling, which provides relief from sore throat. Also, one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds when boiled in 300ml of water and reduced to half, and when the mixture is drunk regularly for ten days, it provides relief from sinusitis.
Fenugreek for digestive disorders
Due to the cooling and soothing effects of Fenugreek seeds, they are considered beneficial for digestive disorders like bloating, gastritis etc.
A teaspoon of fenugreek powder or seeds is added to a cup of fatless buttermilk along with a pinch of asafetida. This can be consumed at night, after food to relieve gastritis and bloating. Also, the laxative property of fenugreek helps to prevent constipation.
In addition to above mentioned uses Fenugreek can be used for hair fall and dandruff, skin rashes and has a soothing effect on inflammation and burning sensation.
This magic spice needs to be used on a daily basis due to its high medicinal properties. Fenugreek combines well with other spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel and dried ginger. It is used in many ayurvedic classical combinations as well. This culinary herb can provide healing from your kitchen itself.
