Morphology : It is a plant native to India and South Europe.It is an aromatic annual , 30-60cm n height, erect, slightly branched with tapering roots.The leaves are alternate , trifoliate,lanceolate and leaflets are shortly stalked blunt oblong.Flowers are whitish sessile, solitary in the axils of the leaves . The fruit pods are erect when young then bend downward with 10- 20 seeds per pod.   The seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular. Some are oblong, some rhombic, other virtually cubic, with a side of about 3mm (1/8").  A deep furrow all but splits them in two. 

They are available whole and dried , or as a dull yellow powder, ground from the roasted seeds.

General description :

Fenugreek, also known as Greek Hay, is an amazing herb that is readily available in our kitchen. Many of us swear by the tasty methi paranthas in the breakfast and can even vouch for its taste, but still are ignorant of its medicinal properties and health benefits . The truth is that this powerful herb’s properties have an endless range and can cure a number of ailments, apart from serving as a beauty product to expert to medicinal connoisseur.

The bright yellow and fragrant seeds are vata and kapha pacifying and can stimulate pitta. Methika is bitter, light, unctuous and heating in property.

Chemical composition:

Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tisuues.

Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids, including trigonelline, gentianine and carpine compounds. the seeds also contain fibre, 4-hydroyisoleucine and fenugreekine, a component that may have hypoglycemic activity. The mechanism is thought to delay gastric emptying, slow carbohydrate absorption and inhibit glucose transport.

Fenugreek may also increase the number of insulin receptors in red blood cells and improve glucose utilization in peripheral tissues, thus demonstrating potential anti-diabetec effects both on the pancreas and other sites. The amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine, contained in the seeds, may also directly stimulate insulin secretion.

Medicinal Properties : Methika is Pungent in  both Taste and Post Digestive effect .It possesses light and unctous attributes . It augments the appetite , relieves fever , alleviates swelling and reduces body fats but vitiates Pitta. Fenugreek seeds and leaves are anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, carminative, demulcent, deobstruent, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, hypoglycaemic, laxative, parasiticide, restorative and uterine tonic, and useful in burning sensation.

Medicinal uses:

Helps treat Diabetes & Reduce Cholesterol : It has been proven to be an excellent remedy for reducing level of bad Cholesterol levels from our body. It is also used to reduce blood glucose levels in the blood.

Aids Digestion : It purifies blood and helps in flushing out the harmful toxins. It helps in dissolving excess mucus, thereby making the digestive organ refreshed and clean. Also fenugreek seeds are useful in improving memory power too.

Prevent hair loss : The Fenugreek seeds being high source of Protein are very useful in hairfall ,so it helps in  treating baldness, thinning of hair and hair fall. It also has Lecithin , a natural emollient which helps in strengthening and moisturisation of hair. It also keeps the dandruff away and keeps the hair free of lices.

Helps In Losing Weight : The fiber in fenugreek fills the stomach, even when consumed in a little amount. Soak a few fenugreek seeds in water and chew them in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Antidote For Skin Problems : Fenugreek seeds prove to be an excellent beauty product. They help prevent wrinkles, blackheads, pimples, dryness and rashes.

Good For Beauty & Health : Fenugreek helps attain hormonal balance in women and therefore, helps in enlargement of breasts. It helps increase the lactation in breast feeding women.

Prevents Dandruff & Strengthens Hair : Not only does fenugreek help prevent hair loss, but also keeps the dandruff away. It also keeps the hair lice free.

Contraindication:

Drug and Food Interactions:
Do not take Fenugreek without consulting  your doctor first if you are taking  Blood thinning medicine , if you are Hypertensive or if you have Haemorrhagic disorders .

Uses as home remedy: 

1. Its Laddu preparation,  is widely used in female after her delivery. It helps in curing  her indigestion, loss of appetite and arthritis during postpartum. 

2. It is also useful in a postpartum female to increases the breast milk.

3. In obstruction of the urine, its seeds are taken along with jaggery or water.

4.For digestive conditions a decoction of seeds can help to alleviate retention of gas causing colic. The combination of Methika, Shunti and Jaggery with warm water can be taken for Low back pain.

5.A Poultice made of powdered seeds is applied on the affected part to get relief from painful joints.

Summary:

This plant has been mentioned in early literature as a hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory agent. Its effect as an oral hypoglycemic has been evaluated. In rats trigonelline counteracts the hyperglycemic effect of cortisone given 2 hours before or simultaneously. Antiulcer property has been studied in rats. Hypocholesterolemic effects, and anti-inflammatory effects have been observed. The ether extract of the seeds had an effect on inflammation induced in rats by cotton - pellet insertion, or formalin or carrageenin exposure, comparable to that of salicylates.