Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) vs Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

About

Arjun is an evergreen tree that can grow up to about 100 ft (30 m) high, bearing pale yellow flowers and cone-shaped leaves. Its bark has a longstanding reputation in Ayurvedic medicine - used for at least 3,000 years - as a primary heart remedy. Traditional texts report its effectiveness in angina, congestive heart failure, and poor coronary circulation, with modern research suggesting it helps reduce blood cholesterol and may stabilize heart rhythms.

Fenugreek is much used in herbal medicine in North Africa, the Middle East, and India, being esteemed as a remedy for a wide variety of conditions. The nourishing seeds are given during convalescence and to encourage weight gain, especially in anorexia. They are also helpful in lowering fever, with some authorities comparing their ability to that of quinine. The seeds’ soothing effect makes them of value in treating gastritis and gastric ulcers. They are used to induce childbirth and to increase breast-milk production. Fenugreek is also thought to be antidiabetic and to lower blood cholesterol levels. Externally, the seeds may be applied as a paste to treat abscesses, boils, ulcers, and burns, or used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge.

Safety & precautions

Not recommended during pregnancy unless supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. Owing to conflicting research on how it affects blood pressure and heart rate, it should be taken only with professional guidance.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.