Fenugreek Tea Benefits
Fenugreek seedsFenugreek seeds from where the tea is derived
Fenugreek tea benefits have been recognized for centuries mainly in the Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations, and is now making its way to the mainstream of health consciousness.  

Fenugreek seeds, from where the tea infusion comes from, are an effective nutritional supplement and have also been used by herbalists for many centuries for the health benefits they provide.
 
The Herb

Fenugreek, also known by its scientific name of trigonella foenum-graecum, is an annual plant belonging to the family Fabaceae that is commonly found in the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and in Central Asia.  It typically grows up to a height of about 2 feet on very fertile soil.  It has small oblong leaflets and has yellow to whitish-colored flowers.  It has distinct yellow pods where the seeds can be obtained from.

The fenugreek plant has a sweet, almost maple-like fragrance.  In India, fenugreek is an important ingredient in curry powder while in the Mediterranean area, the seeds and leaves are also used as a culinary spice. 
 
Components of Fenugreek Tea

The fenugreek seeds have active components of alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan.  Other compounds found in fenugreek are mucilaginous fiber and saponins that are seen to impart the plant’s health-giving benefits.
 
How to Make Fenugreek Tea

These components can be derived through fenugreek tea which can be prepared by soaking 500 mg of the fenugreek seeds in about 5 ounces of cold water for at least 3 hours.  Discard the seeds and then drink the tea in cold or room temperature.

Fenugreek tea may also be enjoyed hot and is made by pouring boiling water on about 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.  Let the mix stand for about 6 to 7 minutes.  Strain the seeds and enjoy the tea infusion.

The tea possesses a nutty, maple syrup-like flavor that can be quite bitter in taste.
 
The chemical compounds found in fenugreek tea have the ability to aid the digestive process.  However, as with any herb, fenugreek should not be taken by pregnant women except with the advice of a physician.

The Health Benefits

Among the purported fenugreek tea benefits are:
 
  • Fenugreek tea is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and may induce production of insulin.
 
  • Fenugreek tea is known to help lower the bad cholesterol levels.
 
  • Fenugreek tea is said to be an effective laxative.
 
  • It may help in treatment of beri beri.
​
  • Fenugreek tea is believed to help increase the production of milk for lactating mothers.  Women typically notice an increase in their milk production about 2 to 3 days upon starting fenugreek tea.
 
  • It may also be an important component in the overall treatment of kidney ailments.
 
  • This drink may help expel phlegm and may be helpful in treating a host of chest and respiratory ailments.
"Fenugreek, Tuesday's spice, when the air is green like mosses after rain."
~ Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
​   Indian-American Author
Check out the Health Benefits from these Herbal Teas:
​Check out the Health Benefits of these Teas and Tisanes: