Use of Hu Lu Ba (fenugreek seeds) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities and dry
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Warms the Kidneys. Disperses Dampness and Cold. Relieves pain.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Hu Lu Ba may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Hernial pain Abdominal pain Abdominal bloating Back pain Impotence
Contraindications*: Not for symptoms of Heat or Damp-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency.
Key TCM concepts behind Hu Lu Ba's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hu Lu Ba belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Yang Tonics are generally used in combination with a small amount of Yin tonics. If Yin is deficient, neither Qi nor Yang herbs alone will be effective. The most common symptoms associated with Yang Deficiency are low libido and impotence. It is worth mentioning that another very effective remedy against Yang Deficiency is regular exercise.
Furthermore Hu Lu Ba is Warm in nature. This means that Hu Lu Ba tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Hu Lu Ba can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Hu Lu Ba also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Hu Lu Ba tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Hu Lu Ba is thought to target the Kidney and the Liver. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Hu Lu Ba
Fenugreek may reduce some biomarkers in people with diabetes and with pre-diabetic conditions.1
Sources:
1. Gong, J; Fang, K; Dong, H; Wang, D; Hu, M; Lu, F (2 August 2016). "Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycaemia and Hyperlipidemia in Diabetes and Prediabetes: a Meta-analysis". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 194: 260–268. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.08.003
Use of Hu Lu Ba as food
Hu Lu Ba is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Fenugreek seeds pulao rice.