METHIKA

Introduction:

Methi plant grows up to 15 to 20 inches in height, having small green leaves and white flowers. On plant getting old, bears pods having seeds. Seeds are yellowish in colour having hard cover. Leaves and seeds have medicinal values and are used in Indian kitchens as spice in regular diet.

Uses:

1. Good appetizer, stimulates digestive fire. Relieves gas in stomach. Useful in gastritis. Powder of methi can be taken with a pinch of asafoetida.

2. Decoction is made of seeds and consumed along with cow ghee to relieve constipation and piles.

3. Given to lactating mothers to increase breast milk. Seeds are soaked overnight and consumed with milk making paste.

4. In diabetes, powder of seeds is useful. Can also be soaked in water overnight and consumed next day morning. Also reduces cholesterol level.

5. Methi is good hair tonic. It is useful in hair fall, dandruff and is good hair conditioner. Hair oil is prepared adding methi powder in coconut oil at low flame. Methi paste is applied on the scalp as hair conditioner.

6. Gargle of fresh methi leaves or decoction of methi powder is useful to relieve mouth ulcers and soar-throat.

7. Useful to relieve pain in arthritis and swelling. Paste of leaves may be applied externally on affected part while consuming seeds powder with water.

8. Methi is diuretic and useful in urinary tract disorders.