Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent, astringent, bitter, sweet
- Quality (Guna)
- Light, unctuous
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- VK–, P
- Key Constituents
- Saponins Diosgenin Coumarins Flavonoids Quercetin, lilyn, kaempferol Alkaloids Trigonelline, lecithin, mucilage (Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, fat, bone, nerve, reproductive
- Srotas
- Digestive, excretory, water, sweat, respiratory, reproductive, lactation
Overview
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), known as Methi in Sanskrit, is a good herbal food for convalescence and debility, particularly that of the nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Its energetics are bitter, pungent, and sweet with a heating virya and pungent vipaka, reducing Vata and Kapha while potentially aggravating Pitta. Its actions include stimulant, tonic, expectorant, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, and diuretic properties.
Fenugreek works on plasma, blood, marrow, nerve, and reproductive tissues through the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. It is valued for its wide range of therapeutic applications including dysentery, dyspepsia, chronic cough, allergies, bronchitis, influenza, convalescence, dropsy, toothache, neurasthenia, sciatica, and arthritis.
The seeds are typically prepared as a decoction, powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste, or gruel. Fenugreek should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause abortion and promote vaginal bleeding. High Pitta conditions are also a precaution.
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Pungent, astringent, bitter, sweet |
| Vīrya (energy) | Hot |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Light, unctuous |
| Doṣa effect | VK–, P |
| Dhātu (tissue) | Plasma, blood, fat, bone, nerve, reproductive |
| Srotas (channel) | Digestive, excretory, water, sweat, respiratory, reproductive, lactation |
Therapeutic Actions
- Dı-pana: Appetite builder
- Pa-cana: Digestive
- Anulomana: Encourages vata to move downwards
- Virecana: Mild laxative Vātakaphaghna Alleviates vata and kapha
- Pramehaghna: Alleviates symptoms of diabetes
- Biomedical: Carminative, cholesterolaemic, bulk laxative, antidiabetic, demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, aphrodisiac
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: High pitta
Safety: As a known hypoglycaemic there may be a positive interaction and it is advisable to monitor patients on diabetic medication. The claims that fenugreek interacts with warfarin appear to be mistaken, but it does appear to inhibit iron absorption at a high dosage (Bone 2003).
Dosage & Combinations
Dosage: 2–50g per day or 3–30ml per day of a 1:3 @ 45% tincture.
Combinations:
- Gurmar, turmeric, neem, trikat. u in diabetes.
- Guggulu, turmeric in high cholesterol.
- Fennel, cumin, coriander for bloating and constipation.
- Ashoka, shatavari for menstrual problems.
- Shatavari, fennel for milk production.
- Nutmeg, ashwagandha, kapikacchu, bala for male reproductive problems.
- Punarnava, guggulu, trikat.u for swollen arthritic conditions.
How to Use Fenugreek by Condition
Explore how Fenugreek is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Vata Roga
- Prameha (diabetes)
- Aruchi (anorexia)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.