Botanical Overview
Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as Fenugreek, Greek Hayseed, or Bird’s Foot, is a member of the Fabaceae family. The seed and leaf are the primary parts used medicinally. The plant is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa.
Energetics
Fenugreek is considered warming in temperature and moistening in moisture qualities. It has a combination of bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes. Its energetic directionality is descending, and it is tonifying in nature, primarily influencing the qi aspect of the individual.
Primary Actions
- Antidiabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive tonic
- Galactagogue
Indications
Western
- Poor digestion
- Lack of appetite
- Mild inflammation
- Hyperglycemia
- High cholesterol
- Lactation deficiency
Syndromes
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Dyslipidemia
- Anorexia
- Inflammatory conditions
TCM
- Digestive weakness
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
Ayurveda
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Poor digestion
- Low milk production
Syndromes
- Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus)
- Sthaulya (obesity)
Unani
- Digestive disorders
- Excessive thirst
- Lactation problems
Constituents & Mechanisms
Fenugreek seeds contain important phytochemical families such as alkaloids, flavonoids, fiber, furostanol saponins, mucilage, steroids, and trigonelline, contributing to its hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive actions.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered seed 1-3 g taken 1-3 times daily
- Decoction of 2-4 g seed taken 1-2 times daily
- Tincture (1:5, 40% ethanol) 2-5 mL taken 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Fenugreek is generally safe in culinary and recommended medicinal amounts. Caution is advised during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential uterine stimulant properties. Allergy to plants in the Fabaceae family and bleeding disorders are contraindications. Fenugreek may interact with antidiabetic and anticoagulant medications, requiring monitoring for hypoglycemia or increased bleeding risk.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible traditional sources provide definitive planetary or elemental rulers for Fenugreek.
Selected References
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and its Effects on Diabetes and Lipid Metabolism – Phytotherapy Research (2003)
- Assessment report on Trigonella foenum-graecum L., semen – EMA (2017)
- Medicinal Plants of Ayurveda – K. K. Warrier et al. (1995)
- Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) – Plants For A Future (2019)