Alhova
Scientific Name: Fenugreek
Other Names: Bird's Foot, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Hu Lu Ba, Methi, Trigonella, Trigonella foenum-graecum
Should I take it?
Fenugreek is native to the Mediterranean areas of Europe and to India, where its leaves are sometimes cooked as a vegetable. Fenugreek leaves are also used for animal feed. An annual that grows to about 2 feet in height, fenugreek produces small white flowers in late summer. After the flowers die, the plants develop large pods that contain up to 20 irregularly shaped yellow seeds. Fresh seeds are used as flavoring or occasionally, they may be sprouted and eaten as a salad green. Dried fenugreek seeds are often ground for a curry spice. They may also be boiled to produce a yellow dye, roasted as a coffee substitute, or used to flavor drinks, foods, and tobacco. After the seeds are harvested, the plants--which collect nitrogen--are chopped and used as fertilizer in some parts of the world.
Fenugreek seeds are also used in medicine. If they are taken orally, their somewhat bitter taste may be lessened by toasting them. To be applied topically, the seeds are ground into a powder, which is then soaked in hot water to form a thick gel.
Dosage and Administration
No more than 6,000 mg (6 grams) of fenugreek should be taken by mouth per day.
Commercially, fenugreek is available as whole or ground seed and also as capsules, bulk powder, and a liquid tincture. Common dosing recommendations for fenugreek suggest taking 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg (one gram to 2 grams) three times a day. It is usually taken with food because it has a bitter taste.
Fenugreek tea is prepared by soaking 500 mg of the seeds in about 5 ounces of cold water for at least 3 hours. The seeds are then strained out of the liquid before drinking the tea, which can be heated or ingested cold.
For topical use, a poultice is made by mixing 50,000 mg (50 grams) of powdered fenugreek seed with up to about one quart of hot water and letting the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. A soft cloth is then covered with the gel and applied to an aching or injured area of skin surface.
Summary
In addition to food uses as a flavoring, oral fenugreek seed has medical use as an effective laxative. Thought to lower blood levels of both sugar and cholesterol, fenugreek may also help to prevent kidney stones and colon cancer. Fenugreek can be applied topically to relieve skin irritations.
Risks
Because it may cause a miscarriage by making the uterus contract, fenugreek should be avoided by women who are pregnant. It also passes into breast milk, so fenugreek is not recommended for women who are breast-feeding. Individuals who are allergic to similar plants, such as peanuts, should also avoid fenugreek.
Side Effects
Most side effects reported with fenugreek are relatively minor ones such as gas or diarrhea. If it is taken in large amounts, for long periods, or with antidiabetic medications, however, it may make blood sugar levels too low. Fenugreek taken by breast-feeding mothers or given to very young children can mimic the symptoms of a very serious disease known as Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD).
Interactions
Potentially, fenugreek could increase the effectiveness of drugs and herbs that lower blood sugar or decrease blood clotting. On the other hand, it may block the effectiveness of other drugs that are taken by mouth. To minimize possible interference, fenugreek should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after other drugs are taken.
Last Revised October 11, 2007
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Should I take it? 
