FENUGREEK

Good Morning!

Today we are going to talk about fenugreek and it seems that currently many people are consuming it in capsules, tea or even oil. People said to be beneficial for health, as it has numerous properties. Is it really? Do you know anything about this plant, how it is used and for what?

Well, if you are curious to know I will tell you some very interesting things about it, but in this post we will stick only to the use of the seeds, its properties as a spice, since there is no availability to acquire them fresh or dehydrated here, at least that I know.

To begin with, fenugreek is a clover-like plant of the botanical family Fabaceae, which also includes alfalfa, chickpeas and peanuts.

Do not think of going "thirsty to the pot" and grinding your seeds in your teeth, because although it tastes similar to Maple, you will squirm with the intense bitterness of the seeds when raw. However, when added in the preparation of recipes, fenugreek gives a sweet taste, similar to maple syrup, reminiscent of burnt sugar.

Below, for illustration only, the extraction of maple sap that results in Maple syrup.

FENUGREEK - Trigonella foenum-graecum

It is a herbaceous and aromatic plant, where not only the grains are used, but also its dried or fresh leaves.

It has its somewhat undefined origin somewhere in Asia Minor, the Middle East or Abyssinia (territory of present-day Ethiopia). This uncertainty is due to the fact that it has been used for millennia by many civilizations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. From the East it spread, as the name suggests, to Greece.

Currently, the largest producers are: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, France, Spain, Turkey and Morocco, followed by other countries on a smaller scale.

Its seeds are pale yellow when new, becoming darker over time.

As nothing is complete without some historical information, let's know a little more about this medicinal plant, considered one of the oldest in the world, and you will understand why.

A bit of history: charred fenugreek seeds have been recovered from Halal Tell in Iraq dating back to 4,000 BC.

In Egypt, traces of its properties were found in a papyrus dated 1,550 BC, which mentions its use to treat burns and with the grains was prepared an ointment used to embalm the dead. Evidence of its use for embalming was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (better known as King Tut). Externally, it was recommended to lower the fever and beautify the skin.

In the First Century AD, a recipe was found where it mentions its use by the Romans to season wine. Even at this time, in Galilee, it was grown as a staple food, as Josephus mentions in his book, War of the Jews. It was also cultivated as a fodder plant by the Romans 200 years later.

The Arabs, advised young girls to consume it regularly in order to "flourish, emphasize" their curves. Also with the same purpose, it was used in harems with a mixture of sugar and olive oil.

According to research, fenugreek seeds have a significant amount of diosgenin (steroid sapogenin, one of the main bioactive constituents of various plants, which is one of the main precursors in the industrial production of various known synthetic steroids).

During the First Jewish-Roman War, it was used to prevent invaders from entering the city, being then mixed with boiling oil and poured over the city walls.

In Ancient Greece, intellectuals had a habit of snacking on the grains of pronounced flavor between meals, after they were grilled in barley oil.

Arabs recommend fenugreek for its action on breast milk, in addition, the Arabic name for fenugreek, Helba, comes from the term halib, which means milk. Also called yellow tea in Egypt, by the way, this country is considered the birthplace of tea made from fenugreek seeds, where it is customary to consume it throughout the day. The Egyptians love it and make a point of offering it to their guests, so they can enjoy the aromas and benefits of this unique tea which, according to them, has notes of vanilla, nuts, and even chocolate. But of course, with such, shall we say, unusual flavors, we, simple Westerners, will need extra time to get used to their taste.

It is worth remembering that although we call it tea, it is not specifically a tea, since it is not made with the leaves, but with the seeds.

Composition: phosphorus, tannins, flavonoids, nicotinic acid, steroid saponins, coumarin, protein, sulfur, calcium, antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, vitamins C, A, B2, B9 and B1, etc.

In the kitchen: versatile, fenugreek can be used whole, in powder, in infusion and decoction, and of course in addition to its dried or fresh leaves being that the leaves are considered herbs and the seeds, spices.

Little used in the West, especially here in Brazil, the seeds are always associated with other spices. In India and Egypt enter the manufacture of breads.

In Tunisia there is a traditional dish "Cos'ksi bel hèlba" or "fenugreek couscous", which is recommended to women during the breastfeeding period, at least once a week.

In Ethiopia, it enters the composition of Sambhar and can also be incorporated into bread.

This spice is also part of several masalas (mixtures) such as Colombo, some Curries (mixture of seasonings powder) and Ras el Hanout.

For the Swiss, its aromas inspire them, to flavour the cheese "Schabziger", and in Northern Italy, in Val Venosta, a traditional bread, typical of the region, made with various spices among them the fenugreek.

The Netherlands perfumes one of its gouda with fenugreek seeds and although industrialized, this soft paste acquires an unusual exotic flavor.

As a spice, we can use the whole seeds or powder, although as I have talked about in previous posts, in the seeds, the potency and durability is greater.

Therefore, if you have the seeds at home, before using them, you can toast them to concentrate all the flavors and release the essential oils and then reduce them to powder, using a processor or mortar.

In this case, the amount, to start venturing into this magical flavor is 1 coffee spoon per person or even less, this amount is enough to add a special touch to the dishes.

Another way is to soak the seeds a day or two to soften them and thus bring a nutty flavor to the dishes. The milk or water flavored with the seeds, already soft, can be used to cook rice, lentils and soups, for example.

It goes well with poultry, meat, vegetables, soups, lentils, pickles, and chutneys.

Its sprouts are also consumed as vegetables or used to flavor dishes. The dried leaves, or Kasuri Methi as it is known in India, have a bitter taste and characteristic smell.

Believe it or not, my kitchen was scented when I took the picture of the dehydrated leaves. At least for me, the smell is great.

It is still used as a flavoring agent in imitations of maple syrup or teas, or as a dietary supplement.

Taste: amber-yellow in color, fenugreek has a strong and characteristic odor, its leaves and seeds are aromatic and slightly bitter, reminiscent of vanilla. The powerful aroma of fenugreek is similar to celery, also reminiscent of Maple syrup. In the mouth it is slightly sweet, bitter and, astringent.

Medicinal properties: it acts on our health in various ways, and although many of them do not have scientific validation, and many studies are in progress, they are still widely used.

Metabolism: improves sports performance, being used in capsules form or even tea, as it increases muscle mass gain due to its high protein content: 30%.

Digestive problems: the infusion of the seeds lines the wall of the esophagus, protecting it from the side effects of drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as from spicy and acidic foods. Regular consumption of tea blocks increased acidity and eliminates stomach ulcers.

Stimulant: it has the potential to improve the perception of food flavors, stimulating appetite, contributing to weight gain in people with nutrient assimilation problems.

Antidiabetic: stimulates the production of insulin, since the trace elements contained in the drink reduce blood sugar and improve lipid metabolism.

Cholesterol reduction: due to the high amount of soluble fiber, it has a positive effect on lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Diseases of the respiratory system: quite effective, has expectorant and antipyretic effect against colds.

Skin diseases: normalizes the functioning of the liver and gallbladder, since, their malfunction affects the general condition of the skin.

Urinary system diseases: tea prevents the appearance of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system (genital and urinary tract) and helps to eliminate kidney stones.

Arteriosclerosis and hypertension: lowers the rate of cholesterol in the blood as well as blood pressure.

Colds: reduces temperature and draws moisture from the body. The intake of this tea has the power to cure colds at their first symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory: relieves inflammation of the skin, muscle and joint pain.

Hormones: the estrogen found in fenugreek can relieve symptoms related to the menstrual cycle and menopausal disorders.

Cosmetics: the mucilage contained in its seeds help the skin stay young and hydrated.

Fatigue, convalescence, weakness, physical and mental stress: it has tonic action especially when combined with acerola powder to strengthen the body. Its anabolic effect increases muscle mass and improves recovery after exercise.

This plant also acts on the body by increasing testosterone production, stimulating sexual desire, prolonging the duration of erections and improving fertility.

Fenugreek acts directly on male sexuality, eliminating accumulated fat in the body, increasing lean muscle mass and regulating blood sugar levels; and these effects stimulate testosterone production.

Let’s see below some recipes, so you can benefit from the properties of fenugreek.

Attention: the recipes have not been tested by me, so I cannot validate them. Although, according to my research, they are effective, I remind you again that even though they are natural, they can have side effects, so always consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

Recipes and tips on how to use:

Local inflammation on the skin

Bath - mix 50gr of seeds reduced to powder with 250ml of water and dilute this preparation in the bath water, if you have one, of course.

Poultices - mix 50gr of seeds reduced to powder in 1 liter of hot water. Due to the mucilaginous nature of the seeds, the result will be a paste, which will have to be quickly applied to the wounds.

Hair loss or baldness (alopecia)

Put 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in ½ liter of boiling water and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Rub the hair with this mixture after washing 2-3 times a week for 3 months.

Ayurvedic treatment for hair growth

Ingredient:

1 tablespoon fenugreek powder (better to buy the seeds and reduce them to powder).

20 cl coconut oil (or olive oil)

Mix the two ingredients.

How to use: start by gently massaging the scalp, then applying to the rest of the hair. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave for 30 min. to 1 hour. Wash your hair afterwards.

This procedure should to be done 2-3 times a week. Its use will slow down hair loss by making it grow faster in addition to leaving it fuller, shiny and silky.

Lotion against hair loss

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons fenugreek seeds

1.5 liters of water

A few drops of lavender, orange, or geranium essential oil. This ingredient is optional, although it is recommended due to the strong odor.

In a saucepan, place the fenugreek seeds, water and a few drops of essential oil on fire. As soon as it starts to boil, wait 15 min and then turn off.

Let cool for 2 to 3 hours, keeping the pan covered.

You will get a viscous liquid. Filter the seeds and put the liquid in a jar or Tupperware and refrigerate.

If you want to prepare a larger amount, you should keep it in the freezer.

The ideal would be to use fenugreek powder, but please do not purchase the powder, as it is usually not pure. You can buy the seeds and process them or use a coffee grinder.

Well, let's see how to use the lotion.

Wash your hair normally and use the lotion at the last rinse. Remember to apply the product well on the entire scalp.

In case of hair loss or brittle hair, this lotion should be used for at least three months.

The effect will be clearly noticeable from the third application

The only drawback is the powerful smell of fenugreek, but as I suggested, use essential oil to disguise. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

HELBA OR HILBA

Before preparing this drink, toast the seeds.

200ml of water for each 5gr of seed.

Boil water, add seeds, boil for another 5 min. and leave to infuse.

If you want to add other flavors, you can add lemon, honey, or even milk.

Ah! You can still put a few dates in the ready-made tea. Various flavors can be detected in this tea, depending on the taste of each one, for some, cheese flavor (should not be pleasant at all!!), others, mushroom and still others spice flavor. Anyway, when it comes to medicinal and aesthetic use, anything goes, right?

But let's keep in mind that it is a habit throughout Egypt and that for them the taste of this tea is incredible.

Weight loss: who doesn't look for it these days?

When ingesting, it will give a feeling of satiety.

3 tablespoons fenugreek

1 teaspoon cumin

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

100g grated ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 pinch black pepper

Put these ingredients in 500ml of water that should be boiled for about 5 min.

The ideal is to drink 150ml 30 to 60 min before each meal.

Some people may find it a contradiction, since I mentioned above that fenugreek stimulates weight gain and then also weight loss. What I found was this: fenugreek helps control and reduce appetite in obese or overweight individuals, and conversely, it helps increase appetite in people with anorexia or who have difficulty eating. Did it help? Hmm!! Perhaps, but the fact is that there are hundreds of records where it is both indicated for weight loss and weight gain.

Kidney stone: regular consumption will help dissolve kidney stones

5 tablespoons crushed seeds.

Place in a saucepan with 200ml of water

2 to 3 dates.

Boil for 7 min, strain and take 300ml per day in 3 doses.

Diabetes

1 tablespoon fenugreek seed

2 cups water

Put a saucepan on fire with water and fenugreek and boil until it is reduced to one cup. Drink one cup a day, for a week and stop for a week, and resume doing the same procedure.

Body and facial moisturizer

Ingredients:

20 cl fenugreek seeds

20cl olive oil

10 cl sweet almond oil

10 cl castor oil

5 to 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (for flavoring)

1 tablespoon moringa or spirulina (optional)

Heat the fenugreek seeds in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Place the seeds in a sterilized glass and add all other ingredients. Mix well and let stand for one week.

Contraindications

Since not everything in life is one hundred percent good, there are contraindications, let’s see?

Of course, we must always stick to the fact that even if it is a plant, a natural remedy, it still has side effects, since its use can be restricted or even prohibited for some people even when ingested with another type of plant or supplement. I emphasize that this does not include its use in cooking, since the amount used is minimal.

Therefore, always, always, before entering with a natural product on a daily basis, consult your doctor, even because many of the properties are still in studies and many of them, despite vast research, have not yet been validated, so caution is never too much, isn't it?

But here are some of the contraindications: the consumption of large quantities of fenugreek can cause gastrointestinal problems, usually transient, due to its high fiber content.

Its prolonged use, when used externally, can cause allergic reactions.

It is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can cause bleeding and miscarriage.

It can affect blood clotting, so it should not be used by people who are about to undergo surgical procedure or who are undergoing dental treatment.

Type I Diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent)

Any neoplasms in the mammary glands

High levels of estrogen and prolactin

Simultaneous administration of other medicines

Children under 7 years old

BENEFITS SUMMARY

• Promotes increased sputum production in respiratory diseases

• Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic

• Decreases toxins from the body, painful sensations during menstruation helping to regulate their flow and symptoms of early menopause

• Increases libido. In men, it increases potency and stimulates sexual activity.

• Eliminates the feeling of muscle pain, the accumulation of toxins in the body, ulcers, wounds, and cracks in the walls of the intestinal tract and kidney stone.

• Assists in increasing mental abilities, concentration and memory problems, premature skin aging, state of depression, rapid recovery after surgery or prolonged illness; hormonal balance of the body, increased milk during lactation, in the metabolic process in the stomach and liver.

• Strengthens the immune system and mucous membranes of the stomach

• Improves the functioning of the pancreas

Conservation: in closed glass protected from light.

Well, after all this information, who will venture to make a tea or hair lotion among other things? After all, it seems to be miraculous, if you are willing, choose one of the recipes compatible with your case and good luck!

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