Fenugreek

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Botanical Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

Botanical Description

Trigonella foenum-graecum is an annual legume growing 30-60cm tall. Trifoliate leaves resemble clover. Small white or yellowish flowers produce long, narrow pods containing 10-20 small, hard, yellowish-brown seeds with a distinctive maple-like aroma (due to sotolone).

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Galactagogue, hypoglycemic, demulcent, nutritive, anti-inflammatory.

Traditional uses: Used for millennia in Mediterranean and Asian medicine. Primary traditional use is for nursing mothers to increase milk supply. Also used to support digestion, build strength during convalescence, and in culinary traditions.

Modern research: Multiple studies support blood sugar-lowering effects. Also researched for testosterone support and athletic performance.

Body Systems Affected

Reproductive: Premier galactagogue for nursing mothers.

Metabolic: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Digestive: Demulcent and nutritive; soothes digestive tract.

General: Nutritive tonic for weakness and convalescence.

Safety Information

Generally safe in culinary amounts.

Pregnancy: AVOID medicinal doses during pregnancy – traditional emmenagogue and uterine stimulant.

Diabetes: May lower blood sugar – monitor if diabetic.

Allergies: Cross-reaction possible with peanut and chickpea allergies.

Body odor: Heavy use causes maple-syrup body odor and urine!

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Annual. Warm-season crop.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, average soil.

Sowing: Direct sow after last frost. Soak seeds overnight before planting.

Spacing: 10-15cm apart.

Harvesting

Leaves: Harvest young leaves as needed (used as vegetable/herb).

Seeds: Harvest when pods are dry and brown.

Drying & Storage

Allow pods to dry completely on plant or finish drying after harvest. Thresh to remove seeds. Store seeds in airtight containers for up to 2 years.