TRIGONELLA FŒNUM-GRÆCUM, Linn.
Sans. Methi. Vern. Methi, Hind. Beng.
The Trigonella Fœnum-græcum is extensively cultivated in many parts of India. Its seeds are used as a condiment and its aromatic leaves, as a pot-herb. Fenugreek seeds are considered carminative, tonic and aphrodisiac. Several confections made with this article are described under the names of Methi modaka, Svalpa methi modaka etc., and are recommended for use in dyspepsia with loss of appetite, in the diarrhœa of puerperal women and in rheumatism. All these preparations consist of a number of aromatic substances, one part each, and fenugreek seed equal in quantity to all the other ingredients. The following is an illustration.
Methi modaka. Take of the three myrobalans, ginger, long pepper and black pepper, tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka), nigella and cumin seeds, coriander, bark of Myrica sapida (katphala), pátchak root, Rhus succedanea (karkatasringi), ajowan, rock salt, black salt, leaves of Pinus Webbiana (tálisa), flowers of Mesua ferrea (nágakesara), tejpatra, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmegs, mace, cloves, sandal wood and camphor one part each; fenugreek seed, in quantity equal to all the above ingredients; powder them all and prepare a confection with old treacle. Dose, one to two drachms to be taken in the morning with clarified butter and honey.
The Sanskrit name in Devanagari beside the romanized one, the superscript note number, and the Sanskrit verses in the footnote are not transcribed.