Herb × Condition

Fenugreek for Arthritis

Sanskrit: Met.hika- | Trigonella foenum-graecum

How Fenugreek helps with Arthritis 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 arthritis. 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 Arthritis

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

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

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 Arthritis

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Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
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Ajwain Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan
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Alfalfa
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Amla Emblica officinalis
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Angelica
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Apple Pyrus malus Linn.
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Bael Aegle marmelos
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Baheda Terminalia belerica Roxb.

See all herbs for arthritis on the Arthritis page.

▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
  • 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.