Useful properties of fenugreek tea (helba): composition, contraindications

The beneficial properties of helba tea are explained by the rich content of components necessary for the body. The drink is widely used in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. Helba began to be used for medicinal purposes as early as 1550. It has hypocholesterol, hypoglycemic and hypolipid activity.

What is helba, what it looks like and where it grows

Helba is an annual plant belonging to the legume family. It got its distribution back in Ancient Greece. At the time of the philosopher Avicenna, it was given to gladiators before battle to replenish physical strength. Helba is popularly known as fenugreek or shambhala.

Plant height can be 40-70 cm. It has a branched stem and ovoid leaves. Due to the serrated ends, they bear a resemblance to clover. Helba is distinguished by yellow inflorescences and cylindrical fruits. It is from them that a healing drink is prepared. The fruits have a pleasant nutty flavor. They are also called methy seeds. They are an essential ingredient in Indian curries.

From planting helba to the moment the seeds ripen, 3-4 months pass

Helba grows in the Mediterranean and Western Asia and the Caucasus. She prefers well-lit terrain and clay soil. More than 100 varieties of helba are represented in nature. The most common of them include blue and hay.

Hay helba is often grown at home. She not only brings health benefits, but also decorates the house with purple and yellow flowers.

Chemical composition

The use of helba is due to its rich composition. It contains substances that help the body to cope with various diseases. The content of flavonoids and trace elements is of paramount importance. The calorie content of 100 g of helba is 323 kcal. It contains a lot of fiber and healthy carbohydrates. Experts consider the plant to be the most valuable source of energy. The chemical composition of the helba is represented by the following elements:

• nitrogenous substances;
• a nicotinic acid;
• estrogen;
• polysaccharides;
• essential oils;
• trace elements (calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc);
• essential oils;
• vitamins of groups A, C and B;
• slime.

The mucous substances in the helba seeds have an enveloping effect. Due to this, the work of the digestive system is normalized, and discomfort is eliminated. The vitamin component provides the strength of the immune system, which helps the body to prevent various diseases. Essential oils in the composition of the helba have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. Estrogen increases libido and stimulates milk production in lactating women.

What and why is Helba tea useful for humans

Helba tea is famous for a whole range of useful properties. It is popular not only in the East, but also in most European countries. Plant seeds are of particular value in alternative medicine. They contain a large supply of saponins that normalize liver function. After numerous studies, helba was included in the list of plants that are effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and lowering harmful cholesterol. The beneficial properties of fenugreek tea include:

• antibacterial effect;
• increased physical endurance;
• removal of sputum from the lungs;
• reducing the risk of developing a heart attack;
• getting rid of heartburn;
• immunostimulating effect;
• elimination of toxins from the body;
• activation of metabolic processes;
• stimulation of the production of hemoglobin;
• normalization of reproductive function;
• decreased appetite;
• restoration of the gastrointestinal tract;
• elimination of constipation;
• stimulation of the brain.

Thanks to its antibacterial effect, the healing tea is excellent for treating inflammation in the sinuses. In this case, it is used for washes. For overweight people, tea helps to normalize metabolic processes and get rid of excess pounds. Experts often recommend fenugreek to couples wishing to have a baby. It contains substances that improve the quality of seminal fluid and increase libido. Among other things, Helba tea has a positive effect on digestion.

Helba seeds are distinguished by a sharp nutty taste

For women

Helba tea is in special demand among women. It has a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin. This is due to the rich content of vitamins and minerals. There is an opinion that helba is capable of increasing breast growth. This is due to the presence of estrogen in its composition. With vulvitis, tea from it is used for hygienic douching. This relieves discomfort and prevents the spread of infection. In case of infertility, helba tea is recommended to be taken after the end of menstruation, until ovulation. With pronounced PMS symptoms, tea helps to reduce spasms in the uterus, thereby eliminating painful sensations. The sedative effect of the tea helps to cope with irritability during this period. In addition, it contributes to the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Tea is often prescribed for women in menopause. He effectively copes with the symptoms characteristic of the restructuring of the hormonal system.

For men

Helba tea is also in demand among the male population. It contains substances that stimulate testosterone production. This has a positive effect on potency and improves the quality of the semen. For genitourinary diseases, the drink is recommended to be taken with milk 3 times a day, 200 ml. To restore energy, it is enough to drink 1 tbsp. tea a day. This is especially beneficial for men involved in sports. Helba is no less effective in coping with insomnia and normalizing the emotional state.

Is it possible for children

Fenugreek tea can be given to children over the age of 1 year. It helps to normalize glucose levels and restore the immune system. The drink is very useful for children during colds. It helps to reduce fever and improves well-being. Sometimes helba tea is taken to treat allergies. But in this case, it is extremely important to consult a pediatrician.

Preparation methods and rules for drinking tea

The intensity of the manifestation of the benefits and harms of helba tea depends on the method of its preparation. The scheme of drinking the drink is also important. When consumed in excessive amounts, it can provoke side effects. Unlike other teas, fenugreek is necessarily boiled. The cooking process is as follows:

1. Helba seeds are thoroughly washed with running water and dried.
2. Then they are lightly fried in a skillet.
3. The finished seeds are crushed in any convenient way.
4. 1 tsp is poured into the container. the resulting mixture and pour 1 tbsp. water.
5. Within 10 minutes after boiling, tea is boiled over low heat.
6. The finished tea is filtered and taken in the required volume.

You can add a slice of lemon or milk to medicinal tea

The standard scheme involves taking 200 ml of tea no more than 3-4 times a day. The duration of herbal medicine depends on the purpose of the application. In general, it should not exceed 1 month. After the break, you can continue drinking tea.

Application in traditional medicine

The beneficial properties and composition of yellow Egyptian helba tea are carefully studied by supporters of alternative medicine. The multifunctionality of the drink allows it to be used in the fight against various diseases. It has a strengthening effect on the immune system and normalizes metabolism. In some cases, tea is not used internally, but externally. Before taking it, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the side effects and contraindications. It is advisable for people with chronic diseases to consult a doctor first.

For skin diseases

Helba tea is often used to treat skin diseases. It effectively treats dermatitis, calluses, purulent wounds and eczema. In these cases, medicinal tea is used to make a compress. It is kept on the skin for 10 minutes. The procedure must be carried out 2 times a day. For dermatitis, a dressing with fenugreek is applied every 2 hours. The course of treatment in this case will last 10 days.

To prevent heartburn

Due to the content of mucus, helba normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates the consequences of the inflammatory process. All of this together helps prevent heartburn. For this purpose, herbal tea is taken with meals.

To normalize the emotional state

To relieve irritability, Helba tea is drunk in combination with milk. It is desirable that it be warm. Experts recommend taking it before bed. This will get rid of insomnia and stabilize the nervous system.

To improve lactation

The ability of helba tea to improve lactation is due to the content of phytohormones. Drinking a yellow fenugreek drink stimulates prolactin production. He is directly involved in the process of milk production. At the same time, helba tea improves the emotional state of a woman, which also has a positive effect on breastfeeding. You need to take it no more than 4 times a day.

With anemia

With the help of helba tea, you can replenish the iron supply in the body. Milk and 1 tsp are also added to the drink. honey. You need to take it 2 times a day. This will help improve your well-being and prevent the unwanted effects of anemia.

Helba tea has the ability to eliminate bad breath

From helminths

Helba has a useful ability to remove toxic substances from the body. This is especially true in the presence of worms. As a result of the decay of the remains of their vital activity, toxins are released into the blood. The substances that make up the helba contribute to their elimination and normalize the work of digestion. Sometimes helba tea is taken together with anthelmintic drugs.

With cardiovascular diseases

Fenugreek drink has a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system. It effectively lowers blood pressure and strengthens the vascular cavity.It prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques by lowering blood cholesterol levels. At the same time, tea has a thinning effect on the blood. To obtain the desired result, it is enough to take 1 tbsp. helba tea a day. The duration of herbal medicine depends on the person's well-being.

Useful properties of helba tea for weight loss

Helba is also popular with people who want to lose weight. Its main value lies in reducing appetite. It significantly reduces the amount of food consumed. In addition, Helba tea normalizes bowel function and removes toxins from the body. When used regularly, it helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin. The desired effect of tea is achieved by starting the metabolism.

Application in cosmetology

Even in ancient Greece, fenugreek tea was considered a real elixir of beauty. According to legend, Cleopatra herself used it to preserve her youth. The desired effect of tea is achieved due to the content of niacin. It promotes the renewal of epidermal cells and accelerates regenerative processes. Tea is often used to make homemade hair and facial masks. It is enough to carry out procedures with the use of helba once a week. She is credited with the following beneficial properties:

• preventing hair loss;
• getting rid of dandruff;
• elimination of acne;
• protection from ultraviolet rays;
• preventing the appearance of gray hair;
• cleansing and lightening the skin.

Before using helba seeds, it is advisable to check for debris

Cooking applications

Fenugreek tea is also very popular in cooking. In hot weather, it can be served as a cooling drink. In the cold season, tea is taken with lemon and honey to prevent colds. It also pairs well with ginger and cinnamon. It is not recommended to add sugar to medicinal tea. The most suitable sweetener is honey. The seeds are used as a condiment. It is part of the famous Indian curry.

Contraindications

Despite the long list of beneficial properties, Helba tea is contraindicated. These include:

• insulin-dependent diabetes;
• increased levels of prolactin or estrogen;
• pregnancy;
• neoplasms in the mammary glands;
• allergic reaction;
• bronchial asthma;
• violation of blood clotting.

During pregnancy, taking tea from helba can lead to an intense contraction of the uterus. This is fraught with miscarriage. With allergies, the use of a healing drink can provoke a skin rash. In some cases, itching and impaired respiratory function occurs. In this case, you must stop taking tea and use an antihistamine. If you drink too much tea, you may experience diarrhea.

How to choose and where to store

You can buy fenugreek tea from your regular grocery store in the spice section. The seeds are sold in small portioned sachets. You can also order them online or find them at a pharmacy. The cost of packing seeds does not exceed 70 rubles. Self-procurement of raw materials will become a more affordable option. Seed collection is carried out in summer in dry weather. Helba pods should be slightly swollen. After collecting, the seeds must be dried in a ventilated area. Store fenugreek in a closed container, away from moisture and sunlight. The shelf life of whole helba seeds is 2 years. In ground form, they can be stored for no more than 3 months.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of helba tea are relevant for people of any gender and age.The drink perfectly strengthens the body and prevents the development of serious diseases. It can be used for both medicinal and prophylactic purposes.

Reviews of the beneficial properties of helba tea