It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs held in high regard by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The seeds smell a little like celery but have a mild bitter/sour taste and are often used in curries.

Studies have shown fenugreek seeds help to stabilize blood sugar levels, very useful when you are trying to change to a healthy diet. This helps reduce cravings for certain foods enouraging you to make better food choices. A very important aspect in reducing pain and inflammation.

It helps lung congestion aiding in bringing up mucus, this is why opera singers use to use it to clear phlegm.

Clears lymph, eases muscle spasm, period pains, stomach cramps and heavy legs. Also, good for all sorts of cramps such as period pains or digestive cramps.

The other interesting thing about this herb is that it helps with stagnation in the lower half of the body. Many women have this problem. All in all an excellent herb for moving the lymph, and stabilizing the blood sugar levels. Anything that helps move the lymph helps to detox the body and in turn improves the function of the organs which will help arthritis. The more you can get the bodies systems moving like increasing the circulation or in this case the lymph will encourage less inflammation and therefore less aches and pains.

Decoction (Tea)

5 teaspoons of the seeds in 4 cups of cold water, bring to a boil, immediately turn off the heat, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Divide into three doses for the day.

If you don’t like the taste of fenugreek, then try sprouting the seeds. Sprouting the seeds improves their flavour. Or the seeds can be soaked overnight, water drained and used in cooking.

Pregnant Caution

Do not use in therapeutic doses if you are pregnant. A little in cooking occasionally is fine, but not the dose described above.