Fabaceae
Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Mediterranean, Western Asia, India
Also known as: Greek Hay, Methi, Trigonella, Shanbalileh
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedLeaf
Therapeutic Uses
Type 2 diabetes (blood sugar — clinical evidence), breast milk production (galactagogue — widely used), PCOS (antiandrogenic), dyslipidemia, constipation, bronchitis (expectorant), anorexia.
Herbal Actions
Hypoglycemic, galactagogue, demulcent, expectorant, antiandrogenic (mild), hepatoprotective
Active Constituents
Steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin), alkaloids (trigonelline, gentianine), mucilage (galactomannan — 45%), flavonoids (vitexin, quercetin), 4-hydroxyisoleucine
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp crushed seeds per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | For lactation: 2–3 capsules (580–610mg) 3x daily — improves supply in 24–72 hours. Sweat smells of maple syrup (normal). For diabetes: 5–50g seeds daily with meals. Soak seeds overnight to reduce bitterness. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid high doses in early pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Caution with antidiabetic drugs (additive hypoglycemia). Allergen — peanut/chickpea cross-reactivity.
Side Effects: Maple syrup body/urine odor (harmless). GI bloating, diarrhea. Allergic reactions. Hypoglycemia with diabetes medications.