Methi

Fenugreek is called Methi in Hindi. It is very useful plant that is used as a spice and herb. Its leaves are used as a vegetable and usually cooked with potatoes. It is cultivated throughout the world and used for various purposes.

History
The name of fenugreek is derived from Latin language that means "Greek hay". It is believed that first it was grown in the East. Its seeds are found from Iraq and near the tomb of Tutankhamen. The seeds of fenugreek were fed to animals in early ages.

Production
Various countries are cultivating fenugreek however India, Spain, Egypt, China, Nepal, Turkey, Bangladesh, Pakistan, France, Morocco and Argentina are the countries that are on the top of fenugreek production list. Among all these countries, India is the biggest fenugreek producer. Pakistani Qasoori Methi is very famous for its distinguished taste and aroma.

Cuisine
Fenugreek is used in various ways like as a spice in curry powders, pickles and pastes. It is special ingredient of Ethiopian and Ethiopia cuisine. Jews love to have it in their meals and especially on their "New Year". It is also used for herbal treatment.

Medicinal uses of fenugreek

• Fenugreek is very helpful in lactation as it maximizes the milk supply.
  
  
• Fenugreek reduces the possibility of Arthritis. If you take only one cup of fenugreek in a day, you would never face the problem of Arthritis.
  
  
• An Australian clinical center researched and found that the people, who consume the extract of fenugreek two times a day, have higher level of gauging libido.
  

Seeds
The seeds of fenugreek are the biggest source of neotigogens, diosgenin, polysaccharide galactomannan, gitogenin, yamogeni and tigogenin. These seeds are frequently used in Chinese Medicine named "Hu Lu Ba". This medicine is good to tonify and warm the kidneys. It also helps to cure cold and sooth the pain of body.

Fenugreek seeds can be used both in raw form and toasted. In India, the patients of joints pain use these seeds raw. They take these seeds early in the morning with lukewarm water before taking their breakfast. The food that you take in the morning effects more than anything else that's why they are engulfed with empty stomach to get the best effect of seeds for their joint discomfort. The natural taste of fenugreek is bitter so its seeds are toasted to change its taste at some extent. These seeds are used in artificial maple syrups to add the flavor in them.

It is best stimulator of mother's milk. If some woman is facing the deficiency of breast milk production, she should go for fenugreek capsules to increase milk production. Fenugreek seeds work up to 90% as far as the milk production is concerned.

Fenugreek is anti-diabetic agent that helps to reduce both types of diabetes. It is also useful to overcome the hypercholesterolemia. Fenugreek is available at medical stores that are frequently used as food supplements. It is also best remedy for constipation. The patients of constipation should take its raw seeds, capsules or tablets with lukewarm water.