Herbal Medicine

Couchgrass, like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), is another valuable herb cast into the annoying worthless weed category by virtue of its extensive system of rhizomes which help the plant spread remorsefully through cultivated land. Experienced UK herbal practitioner Simon Mills describes it as “the archetypal weed of cultivation” making it a pest for farmers and gardeners. 17th Century English herbalist Culpeper concurs saying: ”...for it is a constant customer to the place it get footing in.”

However, this medicinal rhizome has been used in herbal medicine since classical Greek times where it was recommended by Dioscorides (author of De materia medica) for “stone in the bladder”. One of couchgrass's other common names is dog grass which comes from the fact that sick dogs will chew its rough leaves as an emetic to make them vomit. Culpeper said “…If you know it not by this description, watch the dogs when they are sick and they will quickly lead you to it.” Culpeper concludes his account of its medicinal virtues with: ”…and although a gardener be of another opinion, yet a physician holds half an acre of them to be worth five acres of carrots twice told over.”

In her 2023 book A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals, self-sufficient UK medical herbalist Lucy Jones describes the physiological virtues of couchgrass: “Couchgrass is a valuable urinary system antiseptic and demulcent diuretic, providing a soothing action on hot, irritated urinary passages while encouraging increased production of urine. It is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial – a helpful herb in many conditions, including cystitis, dysuria [painful urination], haematuria [blood in the urine], irritable bladder, prostatitis, urethritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, oedema, and incontinence. It soothes the urinary passages and eases discomfort, as well as assisting with the passage of urinary gravel. It is an old remedy for hypercholesterolaemia, arthritis, and gout. Couch[grass] also brings its antimicrobial and demulcent qualities to the respiratory system, being expectorant and decongestant. It is sometimes prescribed for irritating coughs and bronchitis.”

References

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.465
Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Middlesex:Penguin Books. 1978. p. 370
Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023 p110.

We love this poem, by New Zealand herbalist Richard Whelan, about how herbalists and naturopaths may sing the praises of herbs differently but no one but the herb itself can say exactly how it is.

Dandelions

A bouquet of herbalists squeezed into my rooms today, to talk about dandelions

Historical herbalist warmed the topic with Jaundiced Cholerics, French Bed-Wetters and 'Failing-to-Thrive' children who grew like weeds themselves once they starting taking this essence of Earth

Brown-bottle herbalist witnessed Dandelion's persuasive, enlivening charm to today's tired patients

Science herbalist eloquently enthused about Dandelion's inulins, FOS's and fatty acids

Romantic herbalist described golden fairies dancing 'Doctrines of Signatures' over Kingly roots

Political herbalist gave a speech on the bland lawn of convention and the vital necessity of weeds

Then a Hands-on herbalist produced some dandelion extract to do the rounds

whereupon everyone stopped talking for a while while the herb spoke for itself

and somehow it showed us that our differences fade into utter insignificance

when we remember the least of what it is that binds us together 

References

Whelan R. Dandelions. R.J.Whelan Ltd c2011 (updated Winter 2011; accessed 23 Jun 2023). Available from https://rjwhelan.co.nz/poetry/dandelions.html

In a May 2023 clinical trial, daily use of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with type 2 diabetes. Depression is higher among diabetic patients than in the general population. The incidence of depression in diabetic patients significantly impacts glycaemic control, adverse events and quality of life in these patients. The combination of diabetes and depression also increases the risk of death in these patients. Lemon balm has anti-diabetic, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions so this study aimed to determine its efficacy of on depression, anxiety and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms.

In the Iranian randomised, double-blinded trial 60 volunteer patients (age range 20 to 65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who had symptoms of depression, were randomised into the intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention group (30 people) took two capsules containing 350mg of lemon balm extract daily, and patients in the control group (30 people) took two capsules containing 350mg of toasted wheat flour. They were instructed to take one capsule after lunch and one after dinner for 12 weeks. To avoid ethical problems, all participants were invited to an educational session to receive general points about anxiety and depression by the psychologist before intervention.

Dietary intake, physical activity, body composition measurements, fasting blood sugar, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, depression, anxiety and sleep quality were determined at the beginning and end of the study using the most widely used measures in both research and clinical practice for assessing depression, anxiety and sleep quality. In the intervention group there was a significant decrease in depression and anxiety severity at the end of the study compared to the baseline.

References

Safari M, Asadi A, Aryaeian N, Huseini HF, Shidfar F, Jazayeri S, Malek M, Hosseini AF, Hamidi Z. The effects of melissa officinalis on depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes patients with depression: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023 May 2;23(1):140. doi: 10.1186/s12906-023-03978-x. PMID: 37131158; PMCID: PMC10152712.

The history of calendula, also known as pot marigold, is filled with poetry and symbolism. At dawn the blossom opens, and rises with the sun, creating a poetic image of the “awakening” of a flower. Its golden orange colour brightens the day until sunset when the flower closes for the evening. Calendula’s luminous blooms and sensitivity to the sun have earned it the moniker “herbal sunshine,” vying with sunflower in literary popularity. Perhaps the most exquisite poetic reference to calendula is from one of England’s finest poets, John Keats, whose verse is known for its vivid imagery and sensuous appeal. In his poem “I stood tiptoe upon a little hill” (London 1817) the author keenly describes calendula (which he refers to as marigold) beginning with:

I stood tip-toe upon a little hill,

The air was cooling, and so very still,…

I was light-hearted, And many pleasures to my vision started;…

Open afresh your round of starry folds, Ye ardent marigolds!”

On a hot day the sun pulls the medicinal resins up into the calendula flowers making them very sticky. Keats refers to this in the next line:

Dry up the moisture from your golden lids

For great Apollo [the Greek God of the sun and light] bids

That in these days your praises should be sung

 On many harps, which he has lately strung;

And when again your dewiness he kisses, Tell him, I have you in my world of blisses:…

According to herbal medicine educator and researcher, Dr Sue Evans, plants have always been part of cultures throughout history and this is tied to the understanding of the herbal medicine within that culture. She says the dominance of science in modern herbal medicine, and the emphasis on phytochemisty, has meant that the social sciences and humanities often get ignored. She suggests modern herbalists can think about herbs in a broader context and resolve this disconnect by examining them through the lens of subjects such as music, literature and poetry. In this context calendula’s cheerfulness makes it a wonderful ally for people who are feeling low as it can lift the spirits, or as Keats observed make one “light-hearted”, when there is melancholy and mild depression. 

This familiar garden flower has long been touted as a topical anti-infective remedy for wounds resistant to healing. Calendula is used as a therapy for a wide array of skin disorders ranging from chapped hands to lacerations. According to the German Commission E, topical applications of calendula are safe and efficacious in decreasing inflammation and promoting granulation of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Based on the results of a 2023 human clinical study calendula may have beneficial healing properties, and be effective, in accelerating the healing of second-degree burn wounds and can be used as a supplement to treat wounds.

Calendula is especially beneficial with cysts, swollen glands or chronic skin conditions such as acne where it helps to move stagnation, particularly in the lymphatic system. As a digestive calendula is indicated where there are chronic problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies and leaky gut syndrome. As a detoxifier, especially of the liver, it also has a hormone balancing effect helping to regulate periods and ease painful menstruation.

To read more please login and visit the Resources page on our website for our new calendula monograph. There you can take advantage of our monthly specials. Calendula also features in our new Naturopath’s Guide to Acne.

References

Hylton, W ed. The Rodale Herb Book. Rodale Press, 1974. p. 381

Lovell Verinder E. The Plant Clinic. Thames & Hudson: Port Melbourne. 2021. p. 131

Evans, S. The Impact of Science on Herbal Medicine. Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). Naturopathic Symposium May 2023, Melbourne.

Rezai S, Rahzani K, Hekmatpou D, Rostami A. Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing. Scars Burn Heal. 2023 Jan 4;9:20595131221134053. doi: 10.1177/20595131221134053. PMID: 36632430; PMCID: PMC9827526.

Calendula (Pot Marigold). IMGateway. c2001-2023 UnityHealth Proprietary Limited (accessed 24 Jul 2023). Available from https://www.imgateway.net/page.jsp?profRef=ProfHerbs_CalendulaPotMarigoldph

Lovell Verinder E. The Plant Clinic. Thames & Hudson: Port Melbourne. 2021. p. 131

Gotu kola is a tropical plant which has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in southeast Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka and China. It has also been referred to by the name brahmi but most authorities associate brahmi with Bacopa monniera. Also known as Indian pennywort, gotu kola is recognised for its rapid healing and anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to improve memory, anxiety and depression. It is one of the chief herbs for treating skin problems, varicose veins, to heal wounds, for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells and is well known as a universal panacea for promoting longevity. This beguiling promise of longevity through cell regeneration is the herb’s main attraction.

Gotu kola has high nutritional value and in Sri Lanka, where it is known as the secret of perpetual youth, it has been a staple food in many households for generations. There it is served in a popular breakfast porridge known as kola (which means leaf in Sinhala) kanda, a nutritious mix of red rice, fresh coconut, garlic, pepper, salt and a blend of green leaves. It is used for general wellbeing and especially beneficial for the sick, elderly or arthritic. In fact a Sri Lankan legend has it that people observed elephants, an animal renowned for its longevity, eating wild growing gotu kola and decided to try it themselves thus discovering the plant’s medicinal properties and giving credence to the saying ‘to have a memory like an elephant’. This led to the Sinhalese proverb, ‘two leaves a day keep old age away’.

When the ‘doctrine of signatures’ (some visible or other clue that indicates a plant’s therapeutic use) is considered gotu kola leaf looks very much like the human brain, particularly the cerebellum portion, bringing to attention the mind strengthening and cognitive supportive aspects of this herb. A human clinical study aimed at managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other age-related problems in the elderly returned positive results. MCI is a problem which may convert into Alzheimer’s disease in later stages. In 60 people aged 65 and above gotu kola aqueous extract was prescribed in a dose of 500mg twice a day (1000mg daily) for six months. A favourable improvement was observed in MCI along with other problems like hypertension, insomnia, loss of appetite and constipation.

References

Braun L, Cohen M. Essential Herbs and Natural Substances. Chatswood: Elsevier Australia; 2017. p. 2011

European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, herba [Internet]. London: European Medicines Agency; c1995-2023  [updated Mar 30 2022;cited 3 Jul 2023]. Available from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centella-asiatica-l-urb-herba-revision-1_en.pdf

Gohil KJ, Patel JA, Gajjar AK. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010;72(5):546–556. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.78519

Huson P. Mastering Herbalism – A Practical Guide. First Madison Books:Oxford. 2001. p. 309-11

vFoster S, Tyler VE, Tyler VM. Tyler’s Honest Herbal. 4th edn. Routledge:New York. 1999. p. 199-200

Tiwari S, Singh S, Patwardhan K, Gehlot S, Gambhir IS. Effect of Centella asiatica on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other common age-related clinical problems. Digest J Nanomat Biostruct. 2008;3:215–20.

With a name like feverfew it could be assumed correctly that this daisy like, aromatic, cooling plant was historically used as a fever reducing herb. The first-century Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed feverfew for “all hot inflammations” and as an antipyretic. It was known as “medieval aspirin” or the “aspirin” of the 18th century.

More recently feverfew has gained fame as a migraine herb and there has been a great deal of interest in its activity in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches. The first modern, public account of its use as a preventative for migraine appeared in 1978. The story, reported in the British health magazine Prevention, concerned a patient who had suffered from severe migraines since the age of 16. At 68 years of age she began using three leaves of feverfew daily and after 10 months her headaches ceased completely. One large randomised controlled trial, conducted on 170 migraine patients, showed overall good tolerability and a reduction in migraine attacks with 6.25mg of feverfew extract.

Feverfew is also renowned as a herb for women. Headaches, irritability and tension associated with ‘liverish’ premenstrual symptoms can be treated with this bitter herb. As a traditional emmenagogue, sluggish menstrual flow and painful periods can also be relieved with feverfew. It has been used traditionally for the hot flushes of menopause and feverfew may also help arthritis when it is in the painfully active inflammatory stage.

References

Pareek A, Suthar M, Rathore GS, Bansal V. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011 Jan;5(9):103-10. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.79105. PMID: 22096324; PMCID: PMC3210009.

Puledda F, Shields K. Non-Pharmacological Approaches for Migraine. Neurotherapeutics. 2018 Apr;15(2):336-345. doi: 10.1007/s13311-018-0623-6. PMID: 29616493; PMCID: PMC5935652.

Trickey R. Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle. 3rd edn. Fairfield: Melbourne Holistic Health Group. 2011. p. 464-65

Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal. Melbourne:Element. 1990.p. 200

McIntyre A. The Complete Woman’s Herbal. Gai Books Limited:London. 1994. p. 131

There are studies to support andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) as an immune modulator which could be helpful in preventing viral infections and to support immune function. In Thailand andrographis was approved by the health ministry as an alternative treatment for the early stages of COVID-19 symptoms. In a 2023 randomised controlled pilot study of a proprietary andrographis, used as an add-on therapy in mild to moderate COVID-19, it was found to reduce the severity of infection and halted the disease progression.

Forty people were assigned to andrographis as an add-on to the conventional standard of care COVID-19 treatment using modern medicine, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, antacids and supplements, without antiviral drugs whereas in another group 40 patients were also recommended antiviral drugs, such as Favipiravir and Remdesivir, for COVID-19 management. Andrographis arrested the disease progression of COVID-19 by alleviating the inflammatory markers. The study highlighted a two-day benefit in recovery for those who received andrographis. Andrographis also demonstrated an excellent safety profile. For ethical reasons the researchers had to conduct an 'add-on' trial as no standalone treatment was permitted during the pandemic. Critical patients could not be enrolled due to ethical reasons.

In a randomised, quadruple-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 86 people with mild COVID-19, a combination of andrographis and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) reduced the duration of disease, virus clearance, days of hospitalisation, accelerated the recovery of patients and significantly relieved the severity of inflammatory symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose and muscle pain.

References

Koe T. Thailand to drive exports of Andrographis, turmeric, black ginger to neighbouring SEA markets (updated 7 Mar 2023; accessed 5 Jul 2023) Available from https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2023/03/07/Thailand-to-beef-up-exports-of-Andrographis-turmeric-black-ginger-to-SEA-markets
 

Bone K. The role of herbs and phytonutrients in acute and long COVID: An Update. Presentation at the Naturopathic Symposium 2023. 27-28 May. Melbourne.

Rajanna M, Bharathi B, Shivakumar BR, Deepak M, Prashanth D, Prabakaran D, Vijayabhaskar T, Arun B. Immunomodulatory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract in healthy adults - An open-label study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021 Jul-Sep;12(3):529-534. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.06.004. Epub 2021 Aug 8. PMID: 34376353; PMCID: PMC8377179.
 

Shanker K, Rangnekar H, Wele A, Soni P, Gaikwad P, Pal A, Bawankule DU, Chanda D. A randomized controlled pilot study of add-on therapy of CIM-MEG19 (standardized Andrographis paniculata formulation) in mild to moderate COVID-19. Phytomed Plus. 2023 Feb;3(1):100398. doi: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2022.100398. Epub 2022 Dec 20. PMID: 36570418; PMCID: PMC9762910.
 

Ratiani L, Pachkoria E, Mamageishvili N, Shengelia R, Hovhannisyan A, Panossian A. Efficacy of Kan Jang® in Patients with Mild COVID-19: Interim Analysis of a Randomized, Quadruple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Aug 17;15(8):1013. doi: 10.3390/ph15081013. PMID: 36015163; PMCID: PMC9415141.

In 400 BCE Hippocrates referred to the elder tree as his "medicine chest." Other noted classical healers, including Theophrastus, Dioscorides and Galen, regarded the elder as one of nature's greatest healing plants. Native Americans believed that elderberry would promote a long life, giving reason to the name elder. Maud Grieve dedicated the largest section of her classic 1930s book A Modern Herbal, the first comprehensive encyclopaedia of herbs to appear since the days of Culpeper (1600s), to elder. This book is considered to still be relevant today. In modern times elderberries are most frequently used for supporting immune system health, and symptoms of upper respiratory infections, however historically they were commonly used for pain and inflammation such as in rheumatism.

This centuries-old remedy moved into the mainstream consciousness during the height of the pandemic as the population rushed to fortify their immune health and fight infection. There was a huge surge in demand for elderberry, and it became the poster child for immunity, with solid clinical research showing benefits in fighting the viruses that cause colds and flu. With the shockwaves of COVID-19 subsiding the overall concerns about immune system health are still strong and immunity is seen as a key element of good health. Although elderberry is used by many as a year-round supplement for immune support its time to shine is for seasonal immune support during the winter cold and flu season which is now upon us. Elderberry’s deliciously tart and sweet flavour makes it easy to enjoy. This makes elderberry liquid extract a mainstay in many herbalists’ dispensaries as the go-to herb at the initial signs of a cold or the flu.

Elderberry studies validate the hype. Meta-analyses of clinical trials can help add a level of credibility and confirmation to elderberry studies. An article about elderberry research says meta-analyses “can cut through the noise of improperly structured studies or biases to arrive at conclusions with true clinical relevance and consistency.” One 2019 meta-analysis of four clinical trials, involving a total of 180 people, found that elderberry supplementation substantially reduced the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms in cold and flu patients. The researchers concluded that “these findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.”

References

HEC Elderberry monograph

Blatman J. Elderberry sales are declining, but experts aren’t worried. Here’s why. Nutritional Outlook 2023 May 20;26:4

Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Feb;42:361-365. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004. Epub 2018 Dec 18. PMID: 30670267.

Straus M. Elders & betters: Elderberry research is validating the hype. Nutritional Outlook 2022 March 5

Head colds are also known as the common cold because they are the most common cause of illness in both children and adults. When you come down with a cold it means you have a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract. There are more than 200 types of viruses that can cause colds, which are more common in the colder winter months. People tend to stay indoors more in winter which means they are in closer contact with each other at this time of year and are more likely to infect each other. The cold, dry air may also weaken resistance. The symptoms of a head cold (as opposed to a chest cold) are usually mild and may include fever, sneezing, blocked or runny nose, cough and sore throat. This can impact daily life and leave people feeling tired and run down. Some people, including those with a weakened immune system, can develop more serious illnesses as a complication of a head cold such as bronchitis, a sinus infection or pneumonia. While the best treatment for the common cold is prevention through nutrition, lifestyle and prophylactic herbal medicine there is no such thing as perfect protection. Instead there can be reduced risk, symptom reduction and quicker recovery.

Herbal Head Cold is a strong, balanced formula that has been specifically designed to reduce the duration and intensity of upper respiratory tract infections. The herbs in Herbal Head Cold complement each other to produce a powerful remedy that effectively targets the infection and reduces congestion. It contains traditionally used, and scientifically proven, herbs with anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, immune-stimulating, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal actions. Herbal Head Cold can be taken to either help prevent infection or alleviate the symptoms of a current infection.

A short description of each herbal component in Herbal Head Cold:
Elder Flowers (Sambucus nigra) are one of the most traditional and reliable herbs for use in the treatment of colds, influenza and fevers. They are indicated for any catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. As a gentle relaxing diaphoretic they open the pores to cool the body, encourage sweating and help to expectorate phlegm, and so are indicated in fevers accompanied by stuffy sinus.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is the most researched and popular herb for assisting immune function in Western Herbal Medicine. It has traditionally been used in North America for the prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms. As an immune modulator, echinacea can be used both as a preventative and as treatment for a wide range of infections. Many studies have proven that echinacea successfully reduces the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections and that it can inactivate and/or inhibit many viruses at different levels.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an anticatarrhal herb for the upper respiratory tract particularly where there is profuse watery flow.
Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) is ideal for coughs as it acts as a gentle expectorant while soothing inflamed membranes.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) may be used as the central ingredient in any fever management program including respiratory infections. It is a diaphoretic that can open up the peripheral circulation, helping to reduce unpleasant symptoms and keeping the body temperature from rising too high.
Lime Flowers (Tilia cordata) are commonly known as a diaphoretic to promote perspiration and are used in common cold and antitussive preparations. They have a relaxing, mild sedative action making them an ideal remedy for the treatment of acute feverish upper respiratory tract infections. Lime flowers are significant for upper respiratory tract catarrh and congestion, especially when headaches are associated with an increase in sinus pressure.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in the nose and throat. It is a mild diaphoretic and an efficient lymphatic, helping to remove the metabolic and immune toxic by-products from acute infections. 

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Classically a warming circulatory tonic, cinnamon is used for this purpose across many modalities including TCM, Western Herbalism and Ayurvedic Medicine. Cinnamon exhibits analgesic and astringent activity, making it applicable to reduce catarrh in the nasal passages while easing a sore throat. Cinnamon is pleasant tasting and encourages the assimilation of additional herbs in a medicinal complex.

References

Colds. Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia c2021 State of Victoria. (updated 23 May 2022; accessed 8 Jun 2023). Available from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/colds

Elder. Jim McDonald Herbalist.  cJim McDonald. (accessed 8 Jun 2023). Available from https://herbcraft.org/elder.html

Hudson J, Vimalanathan S. Echinacea—A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2011;4(7):1019–1031. Published 2011 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/ph4071019

Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2013.

Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester: Healing Arts Press. 2003. p. 574

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.401-2

McIntyre A. The Complete Woman’s Herbal. Gai Books Limited:London. 1994. p. 191

Wyk van BE. Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World Timber Press:USA. 2004. p74

Wichtl, M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers:Germany. 2004. p102

Blumenthal, M. ABC Guide to Herbs. Theime International:USA. 2003. p138

A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) has found that supplementation with fenugreek seed, especially in doses of 15g or more per day over three months or less, might play a role in reducing systolic blood pressure. Cardiovascular diseases are a growing health issue worldwide with hypertension (high blood pressure) being one of the most common of these in all populations. Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. For this reason it is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly. Hypertension is a major independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke and kidney failure. The good news is that, in most cases, blood pressure can be managed to lower the risk of serious health problems (see The Naturopath’s Guide to Hypertension, under the Resources tab on our website, for more information).

Six RCTs, including a total of 373 participants, were included in the final meta-analysis. Fenugreek seed supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure. The Iranian researchers said further investigations are warranted to ensure the clinical relevance of these findings. High systolic blood pressure can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity and eating an unhealthy diet. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.

The most well-researched area of therapeutic use for fenugreek includes effects on blood glucose, glucose tolerance and insulin levels. Fenugreek has been shown to decrease insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity, as well as reducing serum triglycerides in mild type 2 diabetic patients.

References

Amini MR, Payandeh N, Sheikhhossein F, Pourreza S, Ghalandari H, Askarpour M, Hekmatdoost A. The Effects of Fenugreek Seed Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. 2023 Mar;30(2):123-133. doi: 10.1007/s40292-023-00565-6. Epub 2023 Feb 10. PMID: 36763260.

Fenugreek. The Herbarium, Herbal Academy. (accessed 1 Jun 2023). Available from https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/5128