Fenugreek Seed / Goat's Rue

Fenugreek is an erect annual herb that reaches about two feet in height. It is said that women in harems would eat Fenugreek seeds in the belief that they would become more desirable. Today, Fenugreek is known to support the respiratory system by relieving congestion, reducing inflammation and fighting infection. Fenugreek is said to contain natural expectorant properties that are ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, as well as loosening and removing excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen, and it 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 works to alleviate coughing, stimulate 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 to about three feet in height 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 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 claimed to be the most effective herb in the stimulation of milk production. It was formerly used in England to increase milk production in goats and cattle, and that belief soon created interest and studies in human females for both milk production and breast development. 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 believed responsible for its blood sugar reducing capability.