Herb × Condition

Fenugreek for Anorexia

Sanskrit: Met.hika- | Trigonella foenum-graecum

How Fenugreek helps with Anorexia according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Overview

Fenugreek is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for anorexia. Fenugreek is a very warming seed that benefits kapha and va-ta. It is used to treat constipation, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Its smell is very pungent, and it is a nourishing seed.

How Fenugreek Helps with Anorexia

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Fenugreek has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing anorexia:

  • Potency (Virya): Hot
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent
  • Taste (Rasa): Pungent, astringent, bitter, sweet
  • Qualities (Guna): Light, unctuous

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
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
  • Vata Roga
  • Prameha (diabetes)
  • Aruchi (anorexia)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Safety & Precautions

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).

Other Herbs for Anorexia

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Amla Emblica officinalis
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Bala Sida cordifolia Linn
⟶
Betel Leaf Piper betle Linn.
⟶
Black Pepper Pipernigrum Linn.
⟶
Brahmi Bacopa monniera
⟶
Sorrel Oxalis corniculata Linn
⟶
Chitraka Plumbago zeylanicum
⟶
Citron Citrus medica Linn.

See all herbs for anorexia on the Anorexia page.

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.