Write-up by Darrell Miller
Fenugreek is a native to India and southern Europe. For centuries it has grown wild in India, the Mediterranean and North Africa where it is mostly cultivated. A restricted crop grows in France. It was employed by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever and grown in classical times as cattle fodder. Commercially, it is utilized in the preparation of mango chutneys and as a base for imitation maple syrup.
In India it is utilised medicinally, and as a yellow dyestuff. It is also an oriental cattle fodder and is planted as a soil renovator. In the West, fenugreek’s therapeutic use is now largely confined to the remedy of animals, although historically. It has been utilised in human medicine. The name derives from the Latin ‘Greek hay’ illustrating its classical use as fodder.
Fenugreek is the little stony seeds from the pod of a bean like plant. The seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular. Some are oblong, some rhombic, other practically cubic, with a side of about 3mm (1/8″). A deep furrow all but splits them in two.
Considerably investigation has been conducted in India and other countries studying the medicinal effects of fenugreek, focusing on its possible in diabetes. In wholesome and diabetic animals and humans, fenugreek lowers cholesterol, blood triglyceride levels, and blood glucose levels. Scientists are not certain how this effect happens, but propose that the fiber in fenugreek binds to glucose and cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevents it from getting absorbed by the body, or increases insulin secretion. Laboratory studies in rats show that fenugreek normalizes their blood levels of antioxidants and metabolic enzymes, but it is unclear whether this impact occurs in humans.
Many animal studies and a few clinical trials show that fenugreek can lower blood glucose levels when taken with meals. Even so, not almost sufficient analysis has been performed with fenugreek to assistance its use as a replacement for diabetes medicines.
Nearly all mothers who consume fenugreek report an boost in their milk supply within 24 to 72 hours following taking the herb. Most locate that they can quit taking the herb as soon as their level of milk production goes up as long as they make positive that both breasts are becoming totally emptied each and every two to 3 hours. Fenugreek will not increase low production when the breasts are not getting properly drained.
You can purchase fenugreek capsules containing ground seeds at most health food shops in capsule or tablet types. Even though some brands suggest that you take 1 capsule 3 times a day, this dosage is too low to adequately increase milk production. In our clinic, we advocate two or three capsules 3 times a day. You may also drink fenugreek tea, but it has an unpleasant bitter taste and is not deemed as potent as taking the herb directly.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Fenugreek is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or stop disease. Constantly consult with your professional wellness care provider just before altering any medication or adding Vitamins to medicines.