Botanical name: Trigonella foenum-graecum Other names: Fenugreek, Methi Family: Fabaceae Part used: seed Taste (rasa): Pungent, astringent, bitter, sweet Characteristic (guna): Light and unctuous Energy (veerya): Hot Post digestive effect (vipak): Pungent Dosha effect: VK-, P+ Action (karma) : Reduces cholesterol, antidiabetic, mild laxative, digestive, reproductive system tonic Dosage: Up to 50g/day Safety: May interact with diabetic medication

A poultice made from the powder is very useful for drawing infections, boils, splinters and arthritic swelling from the body.

Ref: ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’ by Sebastian Pole; ‘Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Plants’ by Vaidya V.M. Gogte; ‘Yogi of Herbs’ by V. Lad & D. Frawley; ‘Herbs Are Special’ by Isabel Shipard.