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K'u-tou | | Name : | K'u-tou | | Synonyms : | Fenugreekseeds
Hu-lu-ba(Chinese name)
Hu-lu-pa(Chinese name)
K'u-tou(Chinese name)
Methi(Sanskrit name)
| | Parts Used : | Seeds | | Habitat : | Cultivated | | Description : | A native to southeastern Europe and west Asia, used for forage andformerly in medicine and having seeds used in cooking. Needs fullsun and rich soil.
Fenugreek is an annual plant widely cultivated for both medicinaland culinary uses. A long taproot sends up a round stem with few branches.The leaves are trifoliate, on hairy petioles, with obovate leaflets.In June or July, axillary, sessile, yellowish flowers appear. Thefruit is a 16-seeded, compressed, malodorous legume. These are small,pale, reddish-brown seeds with small pods. | | Constituents : | Biotin, choline, inositol, iron, lecithin, mucilage, volatile oils,PABA, phosphates, protein, trigoneline, trimethylamine, and vitaminsA, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, and D. Rich in phosphates, lecithin,nucleo-albumin, iron, vitamins A and D (similar in composition tocod liver oil).
Seeds: expectorant, demulcent, emollient, fegrifuge, carminitive,nutritive, tonic, mucilaginous, restorative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic,stimulant
Aerial parts: antispasmodic | | Uses : | Used for allergies, coughs,colds, flu,inflammations,fevers, dyspepsia,tonic, emphysema, flatulence,headaches, toothache,migraines, menstrualcramps, intestinal inflammation,cystitis, hydrocele of thetesticle, pellegra, stomach ulcers,lungs, bronchitis, dropsy,mucous membranes, and tea for sorethroat gargle.
Acts as a bulk laxative.Reduces fever, lowers cholesterol,and lubricates the intestines. Good for the eyes.
Seeds of this annual herb are used in pickling brines and marinades,as well as folk cures ranging from regulating insulin in diabetesto rickets. It was an ingredient in tonic medicines (including LydiaPinkham's) in the nineteenth century.
Large amounts of the decoction are given to strengthen those sufferingfrom tuberculosis or recoveringfrom an illness. Sometimes thought of as an aphrodisiac. Makes poulticeof pulverized seeds for goutypains, neuralgia, scrofula, rickets, anemia,debility, sciatica, swollenglands, wounds,furuncles, abscesses,(grind the seed, mix it with charcoal, and make it into a thick pastefor boils, abscesses, wounds, sores), tumors, dandruff,sores, and skin irritation.
The pulverized seeds may be taken as a tonic for osteomyelitis orscrofula (tubercular adenitis; secondary involvement of the cervicallymph nodes).
Mostly used in tea, fenugreek seeds can be sprouted like bean sproutsand used as a vegetable or a salad. The oil of fenugreek has a mapleflavor and can be used for a true maple flavoring in cookies and syrups.Seed smells like celery but has a more bitter taste. Ground seed'sprimary use is as an ingredient in curries. | | Dosage : | Boil some fenugreek seed in 8 oz. warm water. Make a thick paste.Apply the resulting hot mash to boils, abscesses, irritations, etc.This will soften the spot and draw the pus to the surface, enablingdischarge of it.
Decoction: use 2 tsp. seed with 1 cup cold water; let standfor 5 hours. Then heat and boil for 1 minute. Take 2 or 3 cups perday. Improve the taste with peppermint oil, lemon extract, honey,or sugar.
For flatulence: for stomach or intestinal gas, sprinkle powderedfenugreek over food or drink a tea (1 tsp. seeds to 1 cup boilingwater, steep 15 minutes, strain) with meals.
Gargle: mix 1 tbsp. of pulverized seeds in 8 oz. of boilingwater. Steep for 10 minutes, strain. Gargle 3 times daily (every 3to 4 hours) to relieve sore throat. | | Safety : | A uterine stimulant; should be avoided during pregnancy. The aerialparts may be used during labor.
Insulin-dependent diabetics should seek professional medical advicebefore using fenugreek as a hypoglycemic. | | Myths : | Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal plants, dating back to theancient Egyptians and Hippocrates. The botanical name (foenum-graecum)means 'Greek hay.'
In ancient Egypt, fenugreek was used to ease childbirth and to increasemilk flow. Today, it is still taken by Egyptian women for menstrualpain and as hilba tea to ease stomach problems of tourists.
Introduced into the southern provinces of China, the beans were inuse as a medicine since the time of the Tang dynasty. Usually parchedor boiled, and given with aloes, anise-seed and other substances asa tonic.
Best known in India and among the people around the MediterraneanSea, the seeds have a flavor somewhat like maple sugar and an extractis used to make artificial maple flavor. Fenugreek is an ingredientin chutneys and used in some curry blends. The roasted seeds are usedas an adulterant and as a coffee substitute.
Burkill stated, 'The seeds, after roasting, are eaten in Egypt, andin ancient Egypt were regarded as medicinal and were used in religiousrites. They contain mucilage, sugars, an alkaloid--trigonellin, whichis not poisonous--cholin and a scented compound.'
A study in India involving insulin-dependent diabetics on low dosesof insulin, pulverized fenugreek seeds were shown to reduce bloodsugar and other harmful fats. The authors of the study suggest addingfenugreek seeds to the diets of diabetics.
In recent years, fenugreek is used as a beverage. Used in Europein many veterinary preparations. | | Nutrient : | Protein, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, and D.
The aromatic oil of fenugreek is rich in iron, vitamins A and D (similarin composition to cod liver oil). | | Sold : | Seed sold in whole or powder form.
Capsules: take 1 capsule for up to 3 times daily.
Tablets: 8 to 10 per day. |
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