Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
- Synonyms
Pharmaceutical Semen Foenugraeci Arabic حلبه, حلبة Hulba, Hilbeh Farsi
شنبلیلهShanbalile French Fenugrec, Sénegré, Trigonelle German Bockshornklee, Griechisch Heu Hindi
कसूरी मेथी, मेथी, साग मेथीKasuri methi, Methi, Sag methi Newari
(Nepalbhasa)मी Mi Tamil
மேதி, வெந்தயம், வேதனி; வெந்தய கீரைMeti, Vendayam, Vetani; Vendaya kirai (leaves) Urdu
میتھی, شنبلید, کسوری میتھیMethi, Shanbalid; Kasuri methi (herb)
Etymology
Trigonella is a latinized diminutive of Greek trigonon [τρίγωνον] "triangle", composed of treis [τρεῖς] "three" and gony [γόνυ] "knee, angle" (see also Vietnamese coriander); it probably refers to the triangular shape of the flowers. Cf. also the Yiddish term for the genus, draykantl [דרײַקאַנטל] "three-edged".
The Latin species name foenum graecum means "Greek hay", referring to both the intensive hay fragrance of dried fenugreek herb and its Eastern Mediterranean origin. That Latin name still lives in many European tongues, e.g., English fenugreek or Dutch fenegriek. Note that in some of these languages, the name for fennel may look similar, because "fennel" also derives from Latin foenum "hay".
Other languages use adaptions of foenum graecum, like Slovak grško seno "Greek hay" and Estonian kreeka lambalääts "Greek clover". Despite the strong association with Greece, the classical Greek name of fenugreek, telis [τῆλις], has vanished without a trace from modern languages (maybe with the exception of Bulgarian tilchets [тилчец]?).
Several Germanic languages have closely related names, e.g., German Bockshornklee, Swedish bockhornsklöver and Norwegian bukkehornkløver "buck’s horn’s clover". These names refer to the long, pointed fruits (legumes) which may be compared with a buck’s horn. Similar names meaning "buck’s horn" are also given to the large pods of St. John’s Bread (Carob) regionally.
Spanish alholva and Portuguese alforba are, like many other plant names used on the Iberic peninsula (see also capers), borrowed from Arabic: al-hulbah [الحلبه] "the fenugreek". The Arabic name hulbah [حلبه] is probably a native Semitic name deriving from the same root ḤLB "milk" that also lies behind the name of mahaleb cherry. In that case, that name would have been motivated by the strong galactagogue action of fenugreek which is widely used in folk medicine. The Hebrew cognate is hilbeh [חילבה], which appears in Yiddish as khilbe [כילבע].
Arabic hulbah is also the source for several names of fenugreek in Far Eastern languages: Malayalam uluva [ഉലുവ], Sinhala uluhal [උලුහාල්], Malay halba, Indonesian klabat, Chinese hu lu ba [葫蘆巴, 胡芦巴], Vietnamese ho lo ba [hồ lô ba] and Korean horopa [호로파].
Middle Persian sambalidag is the predecessor of modern Farsi shanbalileh [شنبلیله] or Urdu shanbalid [شنبلید]; it has been borrowed to Russian as shambala [шамбала]. Akkadian šambaliltu belongs to the same group, although the word is cetrainly not Semitic. Rather similar names are found in the Baltic countries (Finnish sarviapila, Latvian sierāboliņš), yet I do not understand the connection (if there is any). There is also a puzzling close match between Sumerian sullim [������] and Georgian solinji [სოლინჯი], with no similar forms in adjacent languages. Read More
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb that has been traditionally used for a variety of purposes. It is used to spice up a meal, and even medicinally due to its rich nutrients. Now, the benefits of fenugreek and its seeds can be reaped by everyone as it is easily available in the form of fenugreek capsules. They are available as 500 mg, 580 mg, or 610 mg capsules, and the dosage may vary depending on the purpose for their intake. Here we will talk about the different benefits of fenugreek capsules, and the possible side effects one may experience upon an overdose of this herbal medicine.Fenugreek Capsules Benefits
The benefits of consuming fenugreek capsules are several. They aid a variety of processes in the body, that help us lead a healthier life. Let's understand the effects of these capsules on our body.
Enhances Milk Production in Lactating WomenOne the most important benefits of fenugreek tablets or capsules is that it aids the lactation process in mothers, by increasing milk production. This is possible by following a fenugreek capsules dosage of 500mg, 3 times a day. The results will be effective in about 3-4 days. Take a look at fenugreek for lactation.Cures HeartburnFenugreek has a cooling effect on the body, and as such is an effective remedy for heartburn and acidity problems. Take a capsule before every meal, to relieve yourself of the symptoms of acid reflux, and further prevent it.Effective Remedy for Menstrual CrampsTaking these capsules during the menstrual cycle, can relieve a woman of all its effects such as painful cramps, fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings. Just take one capsule twice a day, and you are sure to be free of these symptoms. Discontinue the dosage when you feel relief.Reduces CholesterolStudies have shown that taking 56 g of fenugreek a day can reduce cholesterol levels in the body, over a period of time. This means 5 fenugreek capsules in a day (580 mg each). Consume it with a herbal tea such as green tea, that will aid the process of lowering cholesterol levels better. Consuming fenugreek with green tea is also a great soothing agent for the stomach.Controls Blood Sugar LevelsThese capsules have the capacity to lower blood sugar levels and keep them under control, particularly among those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. The recommended dosage for such patients is 1 capsule (580 mg), two times a day.Remedy for Skin ProblemsFenugreek capsules also affect the skin, they clear out boils and acne, and are even effective for severe problems such as eczema, burns, wounds and rashes. You may also crush a fenugreek capsule, mix it with a very small amount of water, and apply it topically on the affected area for effective results. Consume two capsules daily, for the effect to materialize over time.Induces LaborPregnant women who may be overdue can consume fenugreek capsules to induce labor, as it helps in uterine contractions. However, it is not always safe for pregnant women, and should be consumed only after consulting a doctor.Increases LibidoSince these capsules have the capacity of eliminating fatigue and depression, they also work as stimulants that help increase one's sex drive.
