MEDICINAL PLANTS

Fenugreek is an annual herbaceous plant that reaches more than 50 cm. High. It has white flowers and a fruit pod contains between 10 and 20 seeds. The whole plant gives off a characteristic odor. It breeds on farmland and Uncultivated places throughout the Peninsula and the Balearics. It is a fodder plant, very little cultivated in Europe today. Apparently it is native to Southwest Asia, where it still stands over large areas, like in much of North Africa.

FLOWERING

The grass flowers in spring. His interest lies in medicinal seeds, which are not readily available because it is a small plant in the Iberian Peninsula. In any case, the seed was collected between July and August and is dried for later save it in sealed bags and away from moisture that may damage it.

APPLICATIONS

In the seeds are abundant mucilage, carbohydrates, lipids, protein and many compounds such as lecithin and phytin phosphare. It is also rich in certain fatty acids: oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. It contains abundant iron salts, manganese, vitamins A and B and also found traces of an essential oil. As we can see, fenugreek is one of the most complete plants from the nutritional standpoint. In fact, one of its virtues is that it is a powerful restorative to reshape bodies weakened by returning the appetite and increases red blood cells. It is a plant rich in easily assimilated protein, which promotes a rapid increase in body mass in people suffering from decay. Legend has it that fenugreek is often used in some harems to "enhance" the curves of women. Thanks to the action of the mucilage, has an emollient laxative that is useful for cases of chronic constipation. It is also blamed many other virtues, such as being a good digestive tonic, mild hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, emollient, demulcent and hepatoprotective.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Boil for 15 minutes a tablespoonful of fenugreek seeds in a pint of water. The preparation should be drinking in the morning, fasting. We recommend taking it every other week.
Powder (either dust free, well encapsulated). To take account of a teaspoon (powder free) or 500 mg. (powder encapsulated) 3 times a day.
Fluid extract. One teaspoon of coffee on an empty stomach or 10-20 drops twice a day. The plant can also be applied externally as compresses, which is very useful for treating felons and boils. In pharmacies the plant is in many ways, from whole seeds, packaged in small bags-up capsules, the ground cut, in dyeing, and so on. But in no case be forgotten consult with your doctor or pharmacist about the dose and method of administration, for they are the true professionals in the field and those who can help you get the most performance out of the home remedies, safeguard addition possible toxic effects.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Legumes
HABITAT: Places uncultured
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Seeds
CASTILIAN: Alforva, albolba
CATALAN: Fenogrec
BASQUE: Allorbe
GALICIAN: Herba das alforxas, feo

USES

Laxative Moderate, Appetizer Leve, Mild inflammatory.