Herb of the Month - Fenugreek
Also known as: Methi (Hindi), Uluva (Malayalam), Venthayam (Tamil) in few south Indian States.
Note: Within my site, this spice is interchangeably referred to as methi or fenugreek.
Why write about Fenugreek? In my opinion, this herb, which is also known as a spice, has always intrigued me. If not simply by its unique name, but the fact that at the same time that it can be pungent in one form, it is mild in another.
Parts of plant used: Seeds (as raw seeds, as roasted seeds, as roasted, powdered seeds), fresh leaves, dried leaves, sprouted seeds.
Ayurvedic Use as quoted from The Ayurvedic Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention and Longevity, by Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha 
(page 157)
-I am providing this information for your reference only. I am not a physician or ayurvedic doctor. Consult your doctor or ayurvedic practitioner for indications based on your particular health concerns and/or dosha imbalances.-
Reduces Vata and Kapha, Increases Pitta
Acts as a demulcent, diuretic, tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, stimulant, antirheumatic.
Used for longevity, nerves, allergies, arthritis, skin, rejuvenation, diabetes, bronchitis, flu, chronic cough, dysentery, dyspepsia, convalescence, edema, toothache, sciatica, neurasthenia, counters cold in extremities, abdominal pain, indigestion, respiratory and reproductive problems, hair growth, promotes breast milk flow, liver hypo-function, seminal debility.
Do not use when pregnant.
I have used Fenugreek to Benefit my Health:
I have used this herb in whole, raw seed form for two different challenges.
1 In Chennai during the hot season, many people I knew would eternally carry a water bottle with slight yellowish color. I came to find out that a tablespoon or so of raw fenugreek seeds put in the water bottle turned the water yellow. The purpose for drinking the water from the soaked seeds was to cool the body down during the hot season and to promote healthy digestion. It is not advised, nor did I ever see anyone eat these seeds once soaked. They were simply discarded.
2. Soaking about 10 raw fenugreek seeds in a cup of water for four hours and drinking the water (not eating the seeds), aided in relieving throat pain and coughs.
I have used Fenugreek in Cooking:
I have used the roasted seeds to make sambar powder and the dried leaves to make potato fry. I know there are other uses, have not personally encountered the final products made with the fresh leaves.
References:
Herbal Bookshelf
Leung's Chinese Herb News- Fenugreek
Simply Spicy at Blogspot.
Additional Resources (January 2009)
From Siddha Home Remedies blog by Shaiju Joseph
Some More Fenugreek Uses - An American-born Indian woman inspired by using fenugreek as a remedy in India is adapting this into an innovative paper product in America.
Fenugreek Remedy for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Siddha Home Remedies Using Fenugreek for Swelling and Inflammation
A Siddha Hair Oil for Hair Loss Using Fenugreek
Fenugreek Remedy for Stomach Ache - Method 2
Fenugreek A Siddha Home Remedy for Stomach Ache
**Page updated on October 1, 2007 and January 8, 2009.