|
|
Fenugreek: a Spoonful of Aphrodisiac
Fenugreek is a plant that has been used for centuries by the
Mediterranean peoples to naturally increase the female
sex-drive. It triggers the release of sexual
hormones and
estrogen which will leave you fantasizing about your partner all day long.
The scientists at the Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine
in Brisbane, suggested a compound called saponins that is found in Fenugreek
that could boost
testosterone production. Fenugreek has estrogen-like effects on the body,
which may increase women's sex drive and pleasure. Due to its estrogen-like
properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase
libido and lessen the effect of
hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of
menopause and
PMS.
The seeds are the edible part and contain:
- Choline, an amino acid
- Diosgenin, compound that has properties similar to estrogen.
- Essential oils
- Inositol, a type of alcohol
- The minerals iron and phosphorus
- Lectithin, a substance with antioxidant properties
- Mucilage, a gelatinous substance that help make Fenugreek an effective
poultice
- Trimethylanine, an amino acid
- Vitamins A, B (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B, B6 (pyridoxine), B12, and
D
- The chemical trigonelline
There are other traditional uses of Fenugreek:
-
Reduces fever when taken with lemon and honey. Simply consume one to two
teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea
(such as green tea) with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice.
-
Lubricates intestines and serves as a bulk laxative
-
Helps eliminate mucus, which is good for
asthma, sinus problems, and other lung disorders
-
Aids in milk production of nursing mothers. Fenugreek is a plant that
is found in many bust enhancement products and it is often prescribed to
nursing women to increase milk production. Not only will fenugreek make your
breasts larger and suppler. Research has even shown that milk production can
increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this
herb.
-
May help eliminate or minimize vaginal dryness
-
Suppress appetite. A
study published in the December 2009 issue of "European Journal of
Clinical Pharmacology" showed that fenugreek seed extract, when administered
in a daily dose of 1,176 mg for 6 weeks, evoked a spontaneous decrease in
fat consumption and total caloric intake among 12 healthy male subjects.
Six months later another study published in the same journal demonstrated
similar results in 39 overweight test subjects. Interestingly, intake of
carbohydrates and
proteins was unaffected by fenugreek, and test subjects did not report
any change in their overall appetite scores.
-
Reduces blood cholesterol levels
-
Remedy to Ease Child Birth for
Pregnant Women. Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be
helpful to induce
childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for
inducing labor after consulting with their doctor.
-
Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice. That means it is wrapped in
cloth, warmed and applied directly to the skin to treat local pain and
swelling (inflammation), muscle pain, pain and swelling of lymph nodes
(lymphadenitis), pain in the toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and eczema.
How to Consume?
 Soak
a teaspoon of seeds overnight and eat it first thing in the morning on an empty
stomach. Gulp it down its too bitter to chew, but if u can chew it then go for
it!
Also, its used very sparingly in some indian recipes. I know its used in making
kadi, then a dish with pumpkin and in some south indian
recipes as a seasoning. Indian stores also carry methi (fenugreek) leaves.
Sprouted fenugreek can also be enjoyed by adding it to your
salad and sautéed vegetables. Place your fenugreek seed into a fine mesh
colander covered with cheesecloth. Rinse the seeds under cool, running water and
place them in a wide-mouthed glass jar. Cover the fenugreek with water and let
them soak for 8 to 12 hours. Rinse and drain the fenugreek and transfer it back
to the jar. Do not cover them with water. Place a light, breathable cloth on top
of the jar and leave it in a cool, semi-lit location. Rinse and drain your
sprouts every 8 to 12 hours for 3 days, or until they display 1/4-inch roots.
Taste the sprouts each time you rinse to help you decide how you like them best,
as the flavor will change over time. Rinse and drain the fenugreek. Place your
sprouts in the refrigerator, where they should keep for 3 to 4 weeks. 3 tbsp. of
fenugreek will yield up to 2 cups of sprouts.
Discontinue use of Fenugreek in case of:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Dated 23 May 2012
Related Links
|
|
|
|
|
