Fenugreek is one of my favourite herbs

It is inexpensive, easily accessible and has some fantastic medicinal properties

When I see my jar of fenugreek seeds in the cupboard, I know I have an effective treatment for many common conditions

It is not the most pleasant tasting brew, so I’ll offer a few suggestions for making it more palatable
I don’t mind the taste and can drink it straight by the cupful

Fenugreek’s properties include

• demulcent (soothing and protecting inflamed internal mucous membrane)
• nutritive
• carminative (helps relax and support the digestive system)
• emollient (soothing to the skin when used externally)
• expectorant (removal of excess mucous from the respiratory system)
• tonic
• galactagogue (increases flow and quality of breast milk).

Fenugreek helps to soothe inflamed conditions of the digestive system for example ulcers, colitis, and diverticulitis

Fenugreek helps to eliminate mucous conditions caused by diets high in dairy products and processed foods

It is soothing to the respiratory system, helping to relieve bronchitis, and irritable coughs

Fenugreek can be used as a poultice and applied to festering wounds, sores, pimples and boils

Grind seeds adding enough clean water to make a paste
Apply to skin condition, allow it to dry and then wash off
Use as required

Recent studies show that fenugreek is effective in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics, whilst also having the ability to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels

One to two cups of fenugreek tea daily can also increase breast milk in lactating mothers

To make a tea, add one to two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds per cup of water
Add the seeds to boiling water and allow to steep for 15 minutes
Both the tea and the seeds can be ingested
If you can’t tolerate the seeds just drink the tea
Drink two cups per day

For a stronger brew, add seeds to boiling water and then simmer for 5 minutes
Drink one cup per day

Liquorice, fennel or aniseed can be added to flavour the tea and honey to sweeten

Using herbs to improve the state of your health and treat existing conditions is practising self help