How to Brew Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek seeds need to steep for three to five hours.

Traditional herbal medicine claims fenugreek tea is for increasing the milk supply in lactating women and considered an herb that will help increase the libido in post-menopausal women. The FDA has listed fenugreek as "GRAS"--generally known as safe--so if you have either need of either of these benefits, making up a cup or two of fenugreek tea will do no harm and may do some good.

Things You'll Need

• Teacup
• Fenugreek seeds
• Tea ball or tea basket
• Cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and pour it into a teacup.

2. Place 1 tbsp. fenugreek seeds into a tea ball or tea basket.

3. Immerse the tea ball into the hot water and allow to steep for three to five hours.

4. Strain the tea through a layer of cheesecloth to remove any seeds that may have escaped from the tea ball or basket. You can drink fenugreek tea hot or cold. Warm it up in the microwave if you want to drink it hot.

Tips & Warnings

• Fenugreek seeds can be purchased at most health food stores. Buy only seeds that are labeled "for tea."

• Fenugreek has been used for centuries for womanly complaints and ailments.

References

• University of Virginia Health System: Alternative/Complementary Therapy For Midlife Women
• University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine/Dept. of Family Medicine: Supplement Sampler
• "New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way: Alternative Approaches for Women 30-90" by Susan S. Weed, 2001
• "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" by Susan S. Weed, 1990

Resources

• Buzzle/Intelligent Life on the Web: Fenugreek Tea Recipe