Methi: Fenugreek
Fenugreek Leaves and Stem
Fenugreek Seeds
DO NOT consume when pregnant, but excellent in post-pregnancy recovery
Benefits discussed in Ayurveda:
Fenugreek has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Reduced inflammation in muscles, nerves and joints and treats the root cause of such inflammations.
Strengthen bones and slows down the progress of arthritis, reduces arthritis pain
A prime medicine for Diabetes. It is hypoglycemic, helps lower sugar levels and rejuvenates pancreas.
Fenugreek seeds are alkaline and long used in Ayurveda to maintain Cholesterol and Cellular health
Fenugreek seeds are high in dietary fiber and excellent to reduce constipation, especially when constipation occurs with gassiness, bloating with dry stools.
Fenugreek is a potent tonic for Kidney and Lever.
Fenugreek is a medicine for obesity, especially, Vaat -Kapha based obesity, where the body has a smaller frame and is yet obese
Consumption of Fenugreek seeds is excellent to treat dryness of skin.
Fenugreek enhances lactation for new mothers and helps women recover after pregnancy. NOTE: Use sparingly while still pregnant and completely avoid usage in early pregnancy.
Products with Fenugreek
Ayurvedic Analysis
Rasa (Taste): Bitter, Vipaka (Taste after Digestion): Pungent, Virya (Potency): Hot, Dosha Effect: Pacifies Kapha and Vaat, Increases Pitta
Discussion:
Effect on Kapha:
When Kapha dosha increases (due to food, lifestyle, changes in environment) and crosses a certain threshold, it starts to ooze out of its mola-sthan (original seat) and starts to mix with body fluids: Rasa (plasma) and Rakta (blood). These fluids circulate through our the body and spread kapha, which due to its blocking nature start to prevent absorption of sugar (amongst other things) -this lead to Prameha (Diabetes). Due to Fenugreek’s heating, rough, pungent, bitter qualities, it is able to effectively reduce Kapha dosha and is therefore effective in treatment for Prameha.
Effect on Vaat:
Most inflammation that manifests in bones, muscles, nerves occurs due to excess Vata in the body. This is why such symptoms are often observed along with other Vaat symptoms such as
Cold extremities (hand and feet)
Disturbed sleep
Gas and constipation
Anxiety
And a sense of ungroundedness
As Fenugreek is excellent at controlling excess Vaat it is effective in dealing with most of the above mentioned Vaat symptoms. Additionally, any disease that is not in the GI tract has occurred due to Dosha having left their mula-stahan (original seat) - Vaat derangement is always a factor and so Fenugreek is essential in almost all diseases that are not related to GI.
Effect on Pitta:
Fenugreek increases Pitta dosha
Fenugreek has a “Pitta type Sara (mobile) guna (property)” which is directed, unlike “Vaat type” sara guna which has no particular direction. Due to this property of directed movement, it is excellent to relieve constipation and related conditions of bloating and gas.
Caution: If one starts experiencing excessive heat, skin break-outs, odor in stools or in gas after consuming Fenugreek, it means that there is too much Pitta in the body. In such cases it is best to cut back or totally stop the consumption of Fenugreek for sometime.