Fenugreek Seed/Goat's Rue/Fennel Seed

Fenugreek, also known as Greek Hay, is an erect annual herb, growing about 2 feet high. Women in harems would eat Fenugreek seeds in the belief that they would become more desirable. Fenugreek has been used in folk medicine for centuries to increase milk production in lactating mothers. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens and removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues. Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion. The steroidal saponins account for many of the beneficial effects of Fenugreek, particularly the inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis. The seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which may be the main reason it can lower blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Goat's Rue, also called French Lilac and Italian Fitch, is a bushy plant with lilac blue flowers that is native to Europe, Russia, Iran, and Japan, where it thrives in moist soils. Goat's Rue grows 2-3 feet tall with branching stems and oval, opposite leaves. The long flower stalk produces many light purple to pink flowers similar to those in the pea family. Goat's Rue is a very effective herb with a wide variety of uses. It has been used to lower blood sugar levels and is thus used in alternative treatments of and for the prevention of diabetes mellitus. Goat's Rue has also been used to reduce fevers through its diuretic and diaphoretic (sweat inducing) properties. Goat's Rue is also the most effective herb in the stimulation of milk production. It was formerly used in England to increase milk production in goats and cattle. The belief soon developed that Goat's Rue can stimulate breast development in human females as well. In the past, the herb was also used to treat snakebite, plague, and intestinal parasites. Active constituents of Goat's Rue include flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and galegin, the compound responsible for its blood sugar reducing capability.

Fennel Seed is also known by the names Finocchio and Carosella. Ancient Greek athletes ate Fennel Seed so they would gain strength, but not weight. During the Middle Ages, the seeds were chewed to stave off hunger during fasting periods, and also during long church sermons. Eating the leaves has been a traditional tonic for the eyes, brain and enhanced memory. The major constituents of Fennel, which include the terpenoid anethole, are found in the volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids inhibit spasms in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is thought to contribute to fennel's use as a carminative. Related compounds to anethole may have mild estrogenic actions, although this has not been proven in humans. Fennel is also thought to possess diuretic, choleretic, pain-reducing, fever-reducing, and anti-microbial actions. The seeds are used as a flavoring agent in many herbal medicines, and to help disperse flatulence. The seeds, and roots, also help to open obstructions of the liver, spleen and gall bladder, and to ease painful swellings, in addition to helping with yellow jaundice, the gout and occasional cramps. Fennel Seed was formerly an official drug in the United States, and was listed for the treatment of indigestion.