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See also: Article on Fenugreek
FENUGREEK
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual herb in the pea family. The aromatic dried seeds are used as a flavoring.
Fenugreek extract is used in imitation maple syrups, rum and butterscotch flavorings. It is also used in curry powders, other spice blends and pickles.
The seeds are very hard and difficult to grind, so fenugreek is always sold already ground.
Very young leaves are also used in salads, adding a nice tangy flavor. Older leaves are bitter.
Fenugreek was one of the spices used in embalming by the ancient Egyptians.
Visitor’s Question: (Oct 2004)
Q: Is fenugreek a cure for hair loss?
A: I am neither a scientist nor a medical doctor. Fenugreek is an ingredient in some of the herbal solutions being marketed for hair loss - most of these products do not work.
I believe the only products that have been scientifically tested and proven to work are Propecia and Rogaine. They have been approved for sale after being scientifically proven to work. Speak to your doctor about them - they are available by prescription, if your doctor decides it might work with your particular type of hair loss.
Note: Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Fenugreek has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
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