Fenugreek seeds

Latin name: Trigonella Foenum-GraecumGenus: butterfly flowering plantsPopular names: Filigrazie, Greek hay, cow horn clover, hour herbPlant description: A papilionaceous plant that smells very strongly spicy. The almost knee-high plant shows typical three-part clover leaves. The flowers are yellow and are single or in pairs.

The fruit grows to about 10 cm long, is sabre-shaped and up to 20 seeds are formed. Flowering time: May to JuneOrigin: The plant grows wild in the Mediterranean area and Central Asia, north of the Alps in cultures. The plant has been used medicinally since ancient times.

Medicinally used plant parts

The seeds.

Ingredients

20 to 45% vegetable mucilage, 25% proteins, about 8% fats, alkaloids, saponin.

Healing effects and use of fenugreek seeds

In the past, the seeds were also used as a tonic because of their rich ingredients. In powdered form also for the stimulation of the intestinal movement. Fenugreek seeds stimulate the blood circulation and are used for compresses for nail bed or other superficial suppurations or open legs. Envelopes are also used to soften furuncles and carbuncles.

Preparation of fenugreek seeds

Coarsely powder 100 g of seeds in a mortar, boil them with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and a little water to a pulp. This ointment-like porridge is thickly applied with a knife to a piece of fabric, quickly placed on the purulent area and lightly wrapped in a gauze bandage. The bandage is changed every 3 to 4 hours.

Powdered fenugreek seed is also said to have a stomach-strengthening and stimulating effect. That is why fenugreek seed has been tried as a spice in the kitchen. However, only very little of it may be used (similar to nutmeg) and there is a danger of overdosing. In many spice mixtures fenugreek seeds are contained, often in combination with curry, the other spices prevent the taste of the seeds from dominating.

Side effect

none known.