Fenugreek seeds can be used internally and externally.
Used internally, the seeds stimulate appetite in cases of poor appetite. According to recent clinical studies, fenugreek seeds also help with hair loss.
Fenugreek applied externally
Fenugreek seeds can further be used to make poultices, which are suitable for external treatment of local inflammation, boils and ulcers. In traditional pharmacology, on the other hand, the seeds, in combination with other plants, are considered to be a remedy for loosening mucus in the respiratory tract.
Fenugreek seeds in folk medicine.
The areas of application of fenugreek seeds in folk medicine are diverse. Due to the high mucilage content, they are used, for example, for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (catarrh), as well as for the treatment of stomach ulcers, stomach pain, type II diabetes, high blood lipid levels (hypercholesterolemia) and impotence.
Taken several times a day with some liquid, the seed powder is also considered a tonic (Roborans).
Fenugreek as a homeopathic remedy.
Homeopathically, the ripe dried seeds are used to treat metabolic disorders.
Ingredients of fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds consist to a large extent (30%) of mucilage. Furthermore, up to 3% steroid saponins, as bitter substances the trigofoenosides A-G and a little essential oil occur in the seeds. The contained amounts of the alkaloid trigonelline and the steroid peptide foenugraecin may also be among the efficacy-determining ingredients.
Indications for which fenugreek may help
These indications may be treated by the use of fenugreek.
- Loss of appetite
- Local inflammation
- Boils
- Ulcers
- Possibly hair loss
