Recently, Kyle and I have both had a nasty cough. One of those chesty coughs that comes from having too much crud in your lungs. (That is as nice as I could possibly say it.) I turn to Fenugreek seeds as one of the strongest expectorants. I crush the seeds in my coffee grinder that is only used for herbs and encapsulate the Fenugreek. I take 2 capsules three times a day.I recently learned that Fenugreek is also great for dissolving cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, try it and let me know what results you have.
ETA: Faith pointed out that I failed to mention another important function of Fenugreek. It's great for stimulating milk production in lactating mothers. (Thanks Faith!)
Caution: Pregnant women should not take Fenugreek.
9 comments:
Hey Ginger,
I have a pretty extensive herbal library but am always looking for new additions. Can you tell me what your 3 favorite herb books are?
Great question! My absolute favorite is The How To Herb Book. I also refer to Practical Herbalism a lot, and The ACC Herbal (which is for kids' ailments).
I thought Fenugreek was to help lactating women. Have you ever heard that? It made me laugh that it is an "expectorant." :)
Yes, of course! I totally forgot to mention that. (I guess because I'm no longer lactating ;) )
ooooh!!!
Good to know about the fenugreek helping expectant mom's and their milk supply. When should I start taking it? Any other recommendations for when I nurse? I've always seemed to have a low milk supply and end up only nursing for a handful of months before switching to formula.
Not for expectant mom, for nursing moms. You can't take it when you're pregnant, but you could start taking it any time after the baby's born, altho you wouldn't want to if you get engorged like I do. Take it after that first week. And you can take up to 6 capsules 3x/day or you can take Mother's Milk tea, sold at Whole Foods-type stores.
That and drink tons of water.
I ordered fennel seeds from the co-op but got Fenugreek. I knew I could use them but wasn't sure the best way. Thanks for the suggestion of encapsulating them.
you also forgot to mention that it will make your urine and sweat smell like maple syrup.
used it while breast feeding and smelled like waffles the whole time :)
LOL! TMI, Kelley!
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