Fenugreek

The first recorded use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus dated to 1500 B.C. Fenugreek seed is commonly used in cooking, mostly in Indian dishes and particularly in curries.
Latin names are: Trigonella foenum-graecum
The dried seeds are ground and taken by mouth or used to form a paste that is applied to the skin.
Fenugreek is well known for its tonic, invigorating and anti-anaemic effects and has been much used traditionally in anaemia and convalescence and in cases of low energy levels. Fenugreek is also a cardiotonic as it affects endocrine and nervous systems due to its ability to increase tonicity of the heart; fenugreek is depurative as it affects liver and detoxification systems due to its ability to cleanse and purify the system, particularly the blood, by promoting the excretion and removal of waste material; fenugreek is febrifugal as it's helpful in lowering fever, so much so that it has been compared in this respect to quinine; fenugreek is an expectorant and affects immune system and reactivity due to its ability to facilitate the removal of the secretions of the broncho-pulmonary mucous membrane and cause expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract; fenugreek is a neuromuscular stimulant, helping to reinforce the bone structure and muscular tissues; fenugreek has anti-fatigue properties and affects endocrine system and hormone function as well as nervous system and nerve function due to its ability to prevent and relieve fatigue; fenugreek is anti-hypertensive and affects both the endocrine system and the nervous system due to its ability to prevent and treat high blood pressure; fenugreek is anti-inflammatory and affects immune system and reactivity due to its ability to counteract inflammation; fenugreek is it's anti-oxidant and therefore helps to prevent cell damage due to free radicals; fenugreek is anti-hyperglycemic and affects endocrine system and hormone function due to its ability to reduce or control high blood sugar, and this anti-hyperglycemic action acts as a treatment in some cases of acne, where an excess of sugars in the follicles causes growth of pathogenic germs; fenugreek is vulnerary and affects immune system and reactivity due to its ability to heal and treat wounds, fenugreek is haemopoietic or blood forming and therefore helps the formation of blood cells; it's anti-spasmodic and affects nervous system and nerve function due to its ability to prevent or relieve spasms of muscles; and fenugreek is an emmenagogue and affects the endocrine system and hormone function due to its ability to promote or regulate the flow of menstrual fluid.
Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution when taking fenugreek during pregnancy.