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Methi in Hindi and Vendhiam in Tamil
The chemical in fenugreek minimises symptoms of menopause, relieves constipation, controls diabetes, reduces cholesterol, soothes sore throat pain and coughs, eases minor indigestion and relieves diarrhoea.
From ancient times through the late 19th century, fenugreek has played a major role in herbal healing. In India, the herb was incorporated into everyday cooking and used extensively in pickles. India's traditional Ayurvedic physicians prescribed it to nursing mothers to increase their milk.
The ancient Greeks fed this herb to horses and cattle. The Romans then started using it, calling it 'Greek hay'. (In Latin, 'Greek hay' is foenum-graecum, and that evolved into 'fenugreek'.) As fenugreek spread around the ancient Mediterranean, physicians learnt that the seeds of methi, like many seeds, contain a gummy substance called mucilage.
Mixed with water, mucilage expands and becomes a gelatinous soother for irritated tissues. Because its mucilage expands in the gut, it also adds bulk to the stool. As a result, it can help treat constipation and diarrhoea. Several studies have shown that fenugreek reduces cholesterol. Some studies have also shown that fenugreek helps control Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes.
Fenugreek is considered safe. It is recommended that you have methi in the powdered form first thing in the morning. It can also be sprouted and eaten raw.
But several of the conditions that methi helps, for instance diabetes, elevated cholesterol and menopausal symptoms, require professional care. If you wish to use this herb in addition to standard therapies, consult your physician.
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