Fenugreek tea is a popular drink and common to the Mediterranean, where the spice is used in many dishes. It has been used for centuries, and even believed to have been used as far back as the ancient Egyptians as an herbal medication. Fenugreek boasts many health benefits.
Fenugreek herb tea is commonly made using the seeds of the fenugreek plant.
These are often sold in health foods stores.
The whole seed is needed to make the tea. If the seeds are ground, some of the nutrients can be lost.
Making the Tea
The tea itself is very easy to make. Using approximately one teaspoon of seed per cup of boiling water, boil the seeds for between 5 and 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.
Cover the tea and leave to stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour liquid through a fine strainer or colander to remove the seeds, and the tea is ready.
Fenugreek tea can be enjoyed either hot or cold, and as often as desired. Once made, fenugreek tea has a smell and taste similar to maple syrup.
Fenugreek Tea Benefits
The health benefits of fenugreek herb tea are numerous, notably the regulation of blood sugar levels by slowing the rate that sugar enters the body.
As such, anyone using fenugreek supplements who are on medications for diabetes, cholesterol, hypoglycemia, or high blood pressure should first consult their medical practitioner, as the effectiveness of these medications may be increased.
Fenugreek has strong laxative properties as it contains a high amount of mucilaginous fiber. This fiber swells after being mixed with fluids, but as the body is unable to digest it, it is dispelled from the colon taking with it any residual compacted waste.
Removal of this waste from the body promotes weight loss, and as the digestive tract is cleansed it will function better for improved digestion. This is one of the reasons fenugreek is usually found in various detox teas and it even helps to reduce the symptoms of halitosis.
A well-known use for the tea is the promotion of breast milk in nursing women. It has been proven effective in increasing lactation for those who have a less-than-adequate supply for their newborns.
The tea can be made stronger for external use. Use approximately 50 grams of powdered fenugreek seed to one quart boiled water. Mix it well and leave to thicken to a gel-like consistency. This can be used on the skin to relieve pain, ease irritation, and reduce swelling and is ideal for insect bites.
Fenugreek herbal tea has also been known to help with the symptoms of bronchitis and coughs, as it breaks up and removes excess mucus in the chest causing the problem.
Known side effects to using fenugreek tea include, diarrhea, bloating, or excessive gas, and with prolonged consumption the user may find their urine or sweat also starts to smell like maple syrup.
As previously mentioned, if on any other medication at all a medical practitioner should be consulted before use and immediately if after use it is found to give any of the symptoms of allergic reaction, including unexplained rashes, swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing.
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