06 Nutrition Methi

ESPITE the fact that methi is one NUTRITION Dof the oldest medicinal herbs, ongoing research in India and abroad is currently uncovering new possibilities for its potential role in the The Many Uses of Methi treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol levels associated with coronary heart disease, both of which English name: Fenugreek plague many industrial societies. Botanical name: Trigonella Foenum-graecum Methi has been used as both a food and a medicine in many different Paige Passano cultures, but especially in Asia and the Mediterranean region. The medicinal value of its seeds is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as well as in Greek has a softening and soothing effect on and Latin pharmacopoeia. The the skin and all mucous membranes, Ayurvedic texts praise this herb for its especially for inflamed areas. Their power as an aphrodisiac, but modern chemical makeup is similar to cod vaidyas seem to be using it more for liver oil, and according to Dr P. Blum, digestive and respiratory problems can be used effectively in treating stemming from an excess of kaph anaemia, arthritis, gout (inflammation (phlegm) and vat (wind). In ancient A of the smaller joints, such as the toes) Egypt, methi was used to ease and diabetes1. The seeds are also childbirth and to increase milk flow, ground into methi powder, which may and modern Egyptian women are still be more convenient for those taking using it today to relieve menstrual larger quantities, as it can be easily cramps, as well as making hilba tea gulped with water or mixed into out of it to ease other kinds of chappatis or other foods. Dosages abdominal pain. The Chinese call it depend on the form it is taken in, but hu lu ba, and also use it for treating after consulting several doctors, the abdominal pain. Ancient Egyptian recipe for general recommendation is 1-2 grams Though this cool season crop is fenugreek ointment, c. 1500 BC daily of powdered seeds, or 50-100 grown in most corners of the world, grams of sprouts. The incorporation its uses and people’s awareness of its The leaves of methi are highly of methi into one’s diet may be useful value vary considerably. The average alkaline, and rich in iron, calcium, in the following conditions: Westerner is not likely to be able to sulphur, chlorine, and vitamins A As a solvent of excess mucous: identify it, nor have any idea what it and C. They are aromatic and bitter is good for (unless one happens to be tasting, with as much protein as most The chemical makeup of methi seeds a good cook or a herbalist), yet in pulses, so they make an excellent gives them the power to dissolve sticky India, fresh methi ka saag (the stems inexpensive substitute for other substances such as body mucous, an and leaves of the plant) is very sources of protein. The seeds however, overabundance of which can lead to commonly cooked as a winter have much more medicinal value due numerous problems. Respiratory vegetable, and the seeds are used year to the bitter fatty oil resin, mucilage, trouble will occur if there is excessive round as a flavouring agent for various protein and fiber that they contain. mucous in the throat, lungs, or other dishes. The seeds are also eaten raw The seeds are odd looking — air passages. A deadened sense of as sprouts and used medicinally. In yellowish-brown, almost square, and taste or smell is also likely to be a Egypt and Ethiopia, methi is used in they emit a peculiar odour. When result of mucous built up over a long baking bread, and the Swiss use it for soaked in water overnight, these tiny period of time. Taste is diminished flavouring cheese. In the USA, it is rocklike seeds swell slightly and when a blockage of mucous and mainly used to make spice blends for become mucilageous. Eating the seeds accumulated juices lead to swelling in soups and stews. plain or making methi tea out of them the mucous membranes, causing a No. 91(November-December 1995) 31 malfunctioning of the salivary glands. to cleanse and awaken any this stage is one way to prevent this. Similarly, the sense of smell can be sluggishness in these parts. The iron-rich seeds will also benefit affected when accumulated mucous anyone suffering from anaemia. Relieving Digestive Disorders: In obstructs the olfactory nerves.2 India, it is common knowledge that Pregnancy/Lactation/ Regular use of methi may help in both methi promotes good digestion. The Menstruation: Methi has been found of these conditions but like other main reasons for this is the high fiber to increase the flow of milk in nursing natural medicines, Kaviraj Dr content (51.7 percent), which acts as mothers.4 The seeds are generally Khazanchand, president of the Board a scrub brush on the digestive tract. eaten as a gruel to achieve this result. of Ayurvedic and Unani Systems of Indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, According to Bakhru, if a woman Medicine from 1962-1985, dysentery, peptic ulcers and colic are takes small daily doses of methi after emphasises the importance of all complaints that may be relieved the birth of a child, this can also help allowing sufficient time for the methi with the use of methi. In addition, in quick normalisation after delivery. to take effect: “It really depends on people who suffer from biliousness or He suggests frying the seeds in ghee both the person’s constitution and the a sluggish liver may derive benefit. and blending them into a paste, adding type of illness they have. Some will flour and sugar to make halwa. Since Soothing inflamed tissues: Methi have a speedy response, such as two methi is a uterine stimulant, some has been used effectively in the weeks, while others need extended western herbalists advocate its use treatment of ulcers, boils, arthritis, use, maybe three to four months, to during prolonged labour, but suggest see any noticeable results. These days, avoiding its use during pregnancy.5 people expect immediate results. Ayurvedic texts also discourage taking There is no patience.” methi during pregnancy, but report Similar to the problem of that the herb’s effect on the uterus diminished sense of taste or smell, bad B makes it helpful in a wide range of breath and body odours emanate from menstrual disorders, including body orifices if there is hardened absence of blood, irregularity, or mucous or other toxic substances in painful menstruation. the nasal and oral passages, Diabetes and High Cholesterol: Methi Seeds gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, Recent research conducted in bloodstream or vagina. H.K. Bakhru Hyderabad has revealed that methi claims that methi tea taken on a sinusitis (an inflammation of the seeds have hypoglycaemic properties regular basis will remove these mucuous membranes of the nasal and can be used in the management accumulations much more thoroughly passages) and sore throat. For of diabetes. Dr R.D. Sharma, T.C. than soap or mouthwash can do. external use, such as in the treatment Raghuram and N. Sudhakar Rao Lelord Kordel, in his book, Health the of burns or boils, a poultice made from reported successful results on a study Easy Way, also describes this cleansing the leaves can be applied. The seeds of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic action of methi: or the leaves can be eaten to soothe patients, who were given a controlled internal inflammation or swelling. To diet of 1200-2400 calories daily. Two “So potent are the volatile oils in relieve a sore throat, a strong methi control groups were formed, the only fenugreek and so thorough a job of brew can be prepared by simmering difference being that one group had cleansing do they perform, that often two tablespoons of the seeds in a quart 100 grams of defatted powder of methi a decided fragrance of fenugreek seeds of cold water for a half hour. After seeds mixed into their food. The emanates from the body pores of a allowing it to cool, strain it and use results were quite dramatic: person using the herb regularly. These the entire quantity as a gargle.3 oils seek out and penetrate the most The fenugreek diet significantly remote crevices and creases of the Prevention/treatment of reduced fasting blood sugar and membranous linings within the body Anaemia: In adolescent girls, the improved the glucose tolerance test. cavities. The volatile oils are absorbed sudden onset of puberty along with a There was a 54 percent reduction in into the cell tissues to do their job of growth spurt can make them 24 hours of urinary glucose excretion. rejuvenating our body. Some of them susceptible to anemia. Incorporating Serum total cholesterol, LDL [low- find their way into the sweat glands cooked methi ka saag into the diet at density lipoproteins] and VLDL [very 32 MANUSHI low-density lipoproteins] cholesterol In Dr Roy Chaudhary’s opinion, the and triglycerides were also most interesting area of future significantly reduced. The HDL research will be to determine whether [high-density lipoprotein] cholesterol using methi as a food will enable fraction, however, remained diabetics to reduce the dosage level of unchanged.6 allopathic drugs. Tolbutamide is a commonly used oral anti-diabetic It is believed by these researchers which can result in liver damage and that methi acts as an anti-diabetic insulin has led to allergic reactions agent in two ways. It improves the and other serious side effects because body’s sensitivity to insulin, while the of the large quantities required to high fiber content of the seeds delay D control blood sugar levels.

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