Читать книгу The Healing Remedies Sourcebook: Over 1,000 Natural Remedies to Prevent and Cure Common Ailments - C. Shealy Norman - Страница 44

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM

FENUGREEK Methica

Fenugreek is another healing herb whose qualities were brought to the attention of humans by animals. Farmers noticed that sick cattle would eat fenugreek plants even when they would not eat anything else.

PROPERTIES

Antiseptic and warming. Fenugreek has expectorant qualities. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing. The soothing expectorant qualities aid in promoting menstruation, as well as easing coughs, sore throats, and digestion (encouraging flow in the body).

Part of Plant Used The seeds.

Conditions Treated Constipation, digestive disorders, bronchitis, inflamed lungs, fevers, high cholesterol, eyestrain, sore throats, wounds, boils, rashes. It stimulates the uterus, promotes water retention and weight gain, reduces blood sugar levels, and lowers cholesterol.

Form Taken As a spice, tea, massage oil, inhalant, poultice, or plaster.

Used with Other Herbs? Peppermint, lemon, anise.

HOW TO USE

 Fenugreek reduces kapha and vátha, and increases pitta.

 Fenugreek helps asthma and sinus problems by reducing mucus.

 The seeds can be eaten by nursing mothers to increase milk production.

 A fenugreek poultice can be used to treat boils and rashes.

 Gargling a fenugreek decoction will soothe sore throats.

CAUTION

 Fenugreek seeds may cause water retention and weight gain. Because of its use as a uterine stimulant, fenugreek should not be taken by pregnant women. Do not give fenugreek to children under two.