Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Middle East, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its seeds, leaves, and flowers have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and european herbal medicine.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Fenugreek
Scientific Name	Trigonella foenum-graecum
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Trigonella
Species	foenum-graecum
Native Range	Middle East, Southwest Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Seeds, Leaves, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Common Name: Fenugreek
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Trigonella, Greek Hay, Greek Hay
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Trigonella

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Opposite, ovate leaves with a glossy upper surface and a matte lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are spike-like clusters bearing small, yellow, zygomorphic flowers with five sepals, two lateral petals, one dorsal petal, and two stamens arranged in a distinct, bilaterally symmetric pattern.
Stems: Erect, branched, herbaceous stems with opposite leaf arrangement, glabrous surface, and nodes bearing stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Culinary Use

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a calming tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Diuretic: Commonly referenced as a mild diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling bitter, for digestion-related formulations.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.