Prophet Muhammad said: "Heal yourself with helboy!" .

It was said by the tabibs: "If people knew how much use there is in the helba, they would buy it at the price of gold." .

The English scientist Kleber also said: "If we put all the medicines on one side of the balance and on the other helbe, then the scales will balance." .

(الحلبة, trigonella foenum-graecum L., hay fenugreek, hilbe, shambhala, chaman, fenugreek, fenigrec herb, Greek hay, Greek goat shamrock, Greek coconut, cocked hat, camel herb) is a popular worldwide spice and medicine. The whole plant (including seeds) has an intense aroma with a slight nutty aroma.

Fenugreek seed recipes are found in Egyptian papyri dating from 1500 AD. BC.
In ancient Egypt, khilbe was used to treat burns and to induce childbirth, as well as to embalm mummies. In the fifth century BC, the famous Hippocrates treated many diseases with fenugreek. These seeds were once used by both gladiators and Greek athletes to provide strength and appetite. Charlemagne bred fenugreek in his domain and used it as a remedy for baldness.

Arab doctors used fenugreek in ointments to treat wounds and abscesses, since the seeds of the khilbe contain a lot of plant mucus and adhesives. Applying this mucus to the wound is good for soothing irritated and inflamed tissue. It works in a similar way when taken orally. Chinese doctors it was used to treat hernia, fever, diseases of the bladder, kidneys, muscle pain and impotence; it was recommended for fevers, intestinal and pulmonary diseases, genital infections in men, constipation, atherosclerosis, high triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Indian specialists this spice is used to treat peptic ulcer disease, strengthen women's health. Hilbe was widely used in Europe Benedictine monks... Since the 9th century, this plant has been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, fevers, respiratory and gastric diseases. In North America the colonists used fenugreek to treat female diseases. Over time, it became the main ingredient in Lydia Pinkham's famous herbal medicine, a well-known remedy for menstrual discomfort. In any case, the American creator of this drug declared it the greatest medical discovery of the 19th century.

Nowadays, hilbe is widely used in many countries around the world. In Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, hilbe is popular, they use not only the seeds of this plant, but also green leaves because of their high nutritional value. There are several popular dishes in parts of Saudi Arabia that are prepared using hilbe seeds, especially in the month of Ramadan.

Modern scientists, having analyzed the composition of fenugreek, found that it is rich in protein and carbohydrates, and also contains potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, PP, folic acid, and is very similar in composition to fish fat.

Belongs to the legume family. Seeds are medium-sized, mustard-colored, rectangular in shape, with stripes. Fenugreek seedlings take 6-7 days to germinate.
Hilbe sprouts disinfect and cleanse the blood, kidneys and liver. They stimulate appetite and are recommended for anemia and physical fatigue. They contain a large amount of proteins and carbohydrates, vitamins A, D, E and group B, minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur.

Hilbe sprouts are eaten raw. Their taste is a little spicy, so they are used as a seasoning for salads and soups.

The range of medical uses for hilbe is very wide, because it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and has a soothing effect. Hilbe is an excellent remedy for people who are weak after illness and recovering, especially for diseases of the nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems.

Biological action of fenugreek: expectorant, antipyretic, tonic, anti-atherosclerotic, antidiabetic, laxative, etc. Hilbe is used to help with diabetes and sugar intolerance.

American Cancer Center(Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) states:

"Fenugreek has strong hypocholesterol, hypolipid and hypoglycemic activity in healthy and diabetic people."

After deep scientific research European Scientific Society on herbal medicine has included fenugreek in the list of drugs useful for treating diabetes and lowering cholesterol. Fenugreek also promotes lipid oxidation and thus reduces the level of free radicals in the blood.

German Food and Drug Administration Commission, similar to the FDA (USA), recognized the usefulness of fenugreek and approved its use for medical purposes, in particular, to dissolve mucus and other secretions, to improve blood circulation and prevent the growth of infections.

Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna):

Hilbe soothes throat and chest pains, soothes coughs and asthma, especially when cooked with honey. If boiled with vinegar (apple cider), then it is very useful for the treatment of intestinal ulcers, and if boiled in water, it is useful for diarrhea. Hilbe oil is beneficial for stomach tumors. If its oil is cooked with honey, it helps to remove dense moisture (toxins) from the intestine, increases the flow of urine and menstrual blood, and also becomes useful for patients with hemorrhoids.

Respiratory diseases

Hilbe is one of the best home remedies for colds and lung diseases, it is used for influenza, bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, for lingering, chronic cough, bronchial asthma.
It is recommended to boil 2 teaspoons of seeds in 1 glass of water for 5-10 minutes. over low heat with dates, figs or honey (can be combined). Take 3-4 times a day for half a glass of drink. With a dry cough, Hilbe milk broth helps a lot.
For sore throat, you can rinse with infusion: simmer 2 tablespoons of hilbe seeds for 30 minutes. in 0.5 l of water, remove, let stand for 15 minutes, strain.

Women Health

Modern research has confirmed that hilbe is an excellent medicine for the treatment of female diseases. Hilbe seeds contain diosgenin, which is similar in structure and action to the female sex hormone estrogen. In large quantities, hilbe acts as a powerful stimulant to promote menstruation and induce breast milk flow. If there is a lack of milk, drink 3-4 glasses of infusion of hilbe seeds per day (2 teaspoons of seeds per glass of boiling water, brew with honey).

Douching with a strong infusion (1-2 tablespoons of seeds per glass of boiling water) is successfully used in the treatment of infectious diseases of the genital area, with inflammation of the uterus, vagina and vulva.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Hilbe decoction cleanses the stomach, kidneys, intestines from mucus and toxins. The infusion covers the walls of the internal organs with protective mucus, which has a healing effect in case of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

Cholesterol control

Research in the United States has shown that fenugreek seeds can significantly lower bad cholesterol.

Skin diseases

Ground seed paste is used to treat ulcers, abscesses and hard-to-heal wounds, cleanses the skin, and relieves warts.

Bad breath or body odor

Due to the large accumulation of toxins in the body, the body develops an unpleasant odor. If you drink hilbe tea, the odor that confuses you will, after a while, miraculously change to the pleasant aroma of this plant.

Diabetes

Soak 2 teaspoons of seeds in water and let sit overnight. In the morning, drink the resulting infusion with stevia broth.

Anemia

Hilbe seeds are rich in iron. Take 1-2 teaspoons with dates or honey. In this combination, iron is well absorbed, and the level of its content in the blood rises.

Impotence

As a tonic and tonic, take 2 teaspoons of crushed seeds daily in a cup of hot milk. Sprouted hilbe grains are especially beneficial.

Sinusitis

In case of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, simmer the seeds (1 teaspoon) in 250 ml of water until half the volume remains. Drink 3-4 cups of broth a day.

Temperature

Hilbe is an excellent antipyretic agent.

Arthritis

Hilbe is used for severe arthritis and polyarthritis: 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds to darken for 5 minutes. with stevia leaves, drink half a glass 3-4 times a day. Use incense at the same time.

Kidney problems

Hilbe tea cleanses not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the kidneys.
A thick broth of dates with hay fenugreek is a good diuretic, crushes kidney and bladder stones.

Fenugreek is a tonic and stimulant for the whole body and especially for the urinary system, usually animals resort to it for liver and kidney diseases.

Hilbe in cosmetology:

Hair masks

1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek is mixed with olive and caraway oil. You can add a pinch of ground black pepper. Rub the mixture into the roots of the hair, insulate the head. Keep the mask on the hair for half an hour, then rinse. Hair growth is accelerated, dandruff is eliminated and various scalp dermatitis is cured.

A gruel made from ground seeds applied to the scalp promotes hair growth. Also use sprouted hilbe grains in your food to enhance the effect. For dandruff, soak 2 tbsp. l. seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind the softened seeds into a gruel and apply to the scalp for 1 hour. Then wash your hair thoroughly.

Boil 4 tablespoons of the powder in one glass of water, then strain and wipe the skin with the resulting composition several times a day. Use to treat dull, brittle hair, and for hair loss.

Face masks

Purifying mask. 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds is mixed with a tablespoon of olive oil, applied for ten minutes. The mask helps to get rid of acne, various dermatitis.

Nourishing mask. Mix 1 teaspoon of ground seeds with yolk, 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. caraway oil, 1 tsp. olive oil. Apply for 15 minutes, rinse.

Moisturizing mask. Mix 1 teaspoon of hilbe seeds with 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. carrot juice and 1 tsp. aloe juice. Apply for 20 minutes, rinse.

Cosmetic effect of Hilbe essential oil

Anti-inflammatory, cleanses the skin. Used to prevent hair loss and increase hair growth. It is used for head massage, added to masks and shampoos.

Dosages and contraindications

Unless otherwise indicated, 1-2 teaspoons of seeds (preferably ground) simmer in 1 glass of water over low heat for 5 minutes. To improve the taste add dates, honey, figs, lemon, mint, stevia.

Contraindications: do not use hilbe in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it has an abortive effect, as well as for vaginal bleeding.

Note

Hilbe at the beginning of application gives a specific smell of sweat (strong cleansing properties). However, by following daily body hygiene and drinking enough fluids, the odor can be avoided. If you often drink hilbe tea, over time, the embarrassing smell will change to the pleasant aroma of this plant.

Delicious recipe

Arabian sweet - helba

2 cups regular semolina
1 / 3-1 / 2 cup ground walnuts
1 tbsp Sahara,
a pinch of salt,
1/3 tsp cinnamon,
1/3 tsp turmeric for color,
1/2 cup olive oil for the dough
1 / 2-2 / 3 cup helba broth,
2 tbsp vegetable oil for lubrication.

Helba broth
1 dessert spoon of helba seeds,
1 glass of water.

Syrup
1 glass of water
1 cup of sugar,
1 tbsp lemon juice.

Description:
Syrup preparation
Bring the water to a boil, add sugar, stir until completely dissolved, add lemon juice and cook for 4-5 minutes over low heat. The finished syrup should be similar in thickness to children's cough syrups, i.e. don't be thick. Cool the syrup.

Cooking a decoction of helba.
Pour 1 dessert spoon of helba with 1 glass of hot water. Boil covered over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Cool and drain.

Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees.

Dough preparation.
In a bowl, mix semolina, sugar, ground nuts, spices - cinnamon, salt, turmeric.
Then add half a glass of vegetable oil and mix thoroughly.
Pour in half a glass or a little more helba broth to make an elastic dough.
Grease the form with vegetable oil, lay out the dough and distribute it evenly over the form, pressing with your palms. The thickness of the dough should not be more than 1 cm. Grease the dough with vegetable oil on top.
Cut the dough into portioned pieces in the form of rhombuses, put on each piece a nut - almond or a quarter (half) of a walnut and lightly press it into the dough.
Put the form with the dough in a preheated oven. Bake over low heat until golden
brown for about 40-45 minutes.
Pour the cooled syrup over the hot helba (perhaps excess will remain). The syrup is absorbed slowly, so leave it on for 3 hours or overnight.
Ready-made sweets have a dense, slightly crunchy texture.

Of course, tea is not a primordially Russian drink, but in Russia it has been loved and appreciated from time immemorial. Rarely in any family breakfast is complete without a cup of fragrant black, green, red, yellow tea with and without milk, with fragrant herbs, pieces of fruit, honey.

If you, too, can be attributed to loyal admirers of a fragrant drink, then you will probably like helba tea, the beneficial properties of which are well known in the countries of the East. Its name, translated from Latin, means - Greek hay. This drink has been known since ancient Egypt. In those days, the helba plant was used as a medicine. Infusion smeared burns, healed wounds. It is said to have been used to induce labor. It was added to the composition of mixtures for embalming mummies.

As an effective medicine, helba was used by residents of Arab countries, China. With its help, they relieved of fever, renal colic, eliminated a hernia, treated intestines, lungs, muscle pains. In addition, they were used in the treatment of genital infections, impotence. Later, healers of the American continent, European countries, healed female diseases with its help.

How is Helba tea useful?

As you can imagine, tea is made from a dried crushed plant - helba fenugreek, the beneficial properties of which were admired by Hippocrates. He used it to relieve painful periods, and recommended it to relieve pain during childbirth. On the advice of the doctor, nursing mothers drank Helba infusion to increase the amount of milk.

Scientists have found that Egyptian tea contains a lot of digestible proteins, carbohydrates, essential mineral salts (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, sulfur, starch, zinc). There are many vitamins (B, E, D, C, B1, B2, PP,) as well as valuable folic acid.

Helba yellow Egyptian tea has excellent warming properties, therefore it is very useful in winter cold. Traditional medicine recommends an infusion based on a plant for bronchitis, as an effective expectorant. If the cough is dry, dilute strong fenugreek tea with warm milk.

The seeds of the plant are used as an antipyretic, very effective diaphoretic. Therefore, they are recommended to be brewed for various colds. Helba tea helps to increase appetite, normalizes digestion, and soothes the nervous system. The drink effectively cleanses the body of toxins.

If you drink a cup in the morning, the drink tones up perfectly, provides the body with energy, and increases efficiency. But you should not overuse the drink. Just one small cup in the morning is enough. If you drink a lot of it, you can get an upset stomach.

The drink has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which makes it an effective remedy against a variety of diseases. Thanks to this antioxidant property, Helba tea has a positive effect on the entire circulatory system.

In particular, the drink strengthens the walls of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure in hypertension. The plant contains a large amount of iron, so I recommend taking the drink for iron deficiency anemia, anemia, as it increases hemoglobin. The fruits of the plant contain phytosterols, which have a positive effect on the hormonal system of the body.

However, you need to be aware that pregnant women should be wary of this drink. The plant contains the substance diosgenin. It has the ability to tone the uterus. Therefore, if its concentration is exceeded, there is a risk of miscarriage.

In general, it should be noted that many experts consider Helba tea to be a female drink, since the plant contains plant substances similar to female hormones.

Tea is recommended for people with diseases such as tuberculosis. But with diabetes mellitus, asthma, other allergic diseases, especially with a severe course, before you start drinking it, you need to consult your doctor.

How to brew it correctly?

In general, of course, there are significant differences between making a helba drink and brewing ordinary tea. Here's how it's done:

First, the seeds (namely, they form the basis of the helba raw materials) must be washed very well under running water. Then lay it out in a warm place, on a flat surface, covered with a napkin, so that the raw material dries well. Only now helba is ready for brewing

Put 2 tsp. seeds in an enamel saucepan, add 200 ml. boiling water. Boil and then simmer over low heat for about 7 minutes. Then cover warmly, wait 10 minutes. Strain. If you want, you can add honey, your favorite herbs like mint or cardamom, or some cinnamon to the finished drink. Tea is very good with milk or lemon. In general, there are no strict, well-established rules for its use.

True, what the taste of the finished drink looks like, no one can really explain. Someone categorically does not like them, but someone describes the sensations from him with complete delight. Therefore, no one will describe the taste of this yellow tea to you for sure. So try it yourself. In the morning, brew an invigorating drink, the beneficial properties of which we just discussed with you, and take a sip. Perhaps after that you, like many others, will fall in love with this tea.

Contraindications

This is a fairly extensive list: vaginal blood loss, pregnancy, iron anemia, type 1 diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease. In all these cases, you should consult a doctor and do not try the drink without him.

Conclusion

So we talked about yellow tea, helba tea, how to brew, useful properties, contraindications you learned. As you can see, behind the word tea, which does not cause any concern, there may be a drink that is not so harmless and harmless for people with certain health conditions. It will only benefit everyone else! Be alert and healthy!

Today there are many different types of tea: white, black, red, green. But not everyone knows that there is also yellow tea. From Egypt, he came to us not so yes ...

Egyptian helba yellow tea: composition, beneficial properties, how to brew?

From Masterweb

Today there are many different types of tea: white, black, red, green. But not everyone knows that there is also yellow tea. He came to us from Egypt not so long ago, but has already established himself as one of the most delicious, aromatic, and, importantly, useful! We offer you a review of this interesting drink.

Is it tea?

Yellow tea with the beautiful name helba is generally difficult to attribute to the genus of teas. The raw material for the production of tea leaves is the helba plant of the same name, which belongs to the legume family and has many names: shambhala, fenugurek, fenugreek, abish and others.

For the manufacture of yellow Egyptian tea, not even the leaves of the plant are used, but its seeds, which outwardly resemble buckwheat. However, not all the harvest goes into the production of tea leaves, only the ripe grains are taken for this.

Benefits of yellow tea

It is difficult to argue about the benefits of this drink when you know the content of trace elements in it. Yellow tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, it contains the following complex:

• about 25% carbohydrates and proteins;
• about 0.3% essential oils;
• arsenic, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, calcium, zinc, starch, magnesium, sodium;
• amino acids that are essential for our body;
• enzymes;
• folic acid;
• vitamins A, B, B1, B2, PP, D, C.

In order for all trace elements to pass from raw materials into the body, you need to know how to brew yellow tea correctly. And this applies not only to the described drink, but also to all similar ones that are brewed with boiling water.

Effects on the body

The popularity of the described drink can be easily explained. The properties of yellow tea are versatile, they are aimed not only at prevention, but also at the treatment of certain diseases. In addition, the drink has established itself as an excellent aid in the fight against excess weight in people suffering from obesity.

For tea to really help, you need to consume it regularly. You should not count on the fact that the body will revive, the kilograms will go away immediately after the first mug.

1. The drink helps to remove toxins, promotes the regeneration of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. That is why many people who consume this tea note improvements in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcers.
2. If you have been diagnosed with urolithiasis, then by all means include yellow tea in the course of treatment, it will help break down stones and sand, remove them from the body. Also, this drink is recommended for other diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract and gallbladder.
3. When the temperature is high with a cold, and the daily rate of antipyretics is already drunk, brew yellow tea from Egypt, it will help bring down the fever.
4. The drink helps to remove phlegm from the respiratory tract, so it should be drunk for the following diseases: bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, laryngitis, tuberculosis and others. Even one mug of this magical drink will noticeably improve overall well-being, and pain will decrease.
5. If you are overweight, then the drink will help you lose weight, while eliminating edema.
6. Normalizes liver function.
7. Yellow tea will help increase the level of hemoglobin, as it contains iron - it is recommended for people with anemia.
8. The drink improves immunity.
9. It can help people with chronic fatigue recuperate and improve their overall health.
10. It has a beneficial effect on the reproductive systems of women and men, helps to fight some diseases. For men, this tea is recommended for impotence in bed.
11. Estrogen and prolactin are hormones that are often elevated in the female body. Yellow tea will help reduce this level, normalize it.

The basics of good brewing

Whoever first encountered the need to brew the tea described in the article hardly knows how to do it correctly.

The biggest mistake of all beginners in this business is to pour boiling water like regular or herbal tea. With such heat treatment, the lion's share of all vitamins and microelements will remain in the grains, and crumbs reach the body.

This is not so important if you just decided to pamper yourself with an outlandish drink, but nevertheless, the correct brewing influences the taste. Another thing is when a person needs to include yellow tea in a complex treatment - there will be no sense from an incorrectly brewed drink.

The first thing to look for when buying tea is the type of brewing. It is best to purchase the tea that consists of whole grains.

We suggest considering the options for the correct brewing of yellow Egyptian tea.

First brewing method

Calculation of grains for one glass of drink - one spoon without a slide. Place the raw materials in a hot skillet, do not add oil! Roast the beans until a pleasant aroma appears for a few minutes.

Place them in a metal, enameled and deep container, fill with boiling water and put on low heat. It is necessary to boil the tea for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong the drink you want to get in the end.

Method two

As in the first case, measure out the required amount of grain, fry it a little in a dry (without oil) and clean frying pan. The dishes should be free of foreign odors. For example, if you recently fried fish in this pan, then take another one, because even a slight shade of foreign smell will spoil the taste and aroma of the resulting drink.

After the helba grains have been fried, let them cool, and then grind them in a coffee grinder. One important point - rinse the grinder well several times so that it does not have the spirit of the coffee bean.

Place a spoonful of the resulting powder in a glass, pour boiling water over it and cover with a lid. Let it brew for 10 minutes.

Tea additives

Yellow tea is delicious on its own; when consumed, both bitter and sweet notes are revealed. But, despite this, many people prefer to decorate the drink with various additives. What is not forbidden to put in tea?

• a little sugar, and best of all, natural honey;
• a slice of lemon will give the drink a fresh shade, such tea is especially good cold on a hot summer day;
• if tea is used as an additional aid for weight loss, then add ginger, which is famous for its excellent fat burner;
• during the period of a cold, add milk to a cup of tea, such a drink will help to warm up, give a feeling of peace, peace and comfort.

The additives will not affect the health benefits of the tea, so drink it as you are used to!

You can not only drink yellow tea, but also make cosmetic masks from it, the skin will appreciate such care and respond with a healthy glow.

Helba and cosmetology

Teas have long been used in cosmetology; masks are made of them not only for the skin, but also for the hair. Yellow tea is also loved by those who are trying to take care of themselves through natural products.

The helba contains many vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which are essential for the health and youth of the skin and hair.

The polyphenols contained in the raw materials give the effect of aromatherapy during the procedure, which relieves stress, fatigue, soothes not only the nerves, but also the skin, due to which it becomes younger! Polyphenols relieve irritation, this is especially true in case of allergies, harmful working conditions and living in a dusty city.

Egyptian tea masks

If spots, rashes appear on the skin, it is irritated, and irregularities appear, then yellow tea will be a real salvation, because after the first procedure you will see an amazing result! We propose to consider a few simple recipes.

1. The easiest way is wiping and lotions. Brew yellow tea in any of the ways, refrigerate. Soak cheesecloth or any natural cloth in tea, squeeze out a little and apply on your face. When the cloth is dry, remove it, you do not need to wash! After such a procedure, you do not even need to apply a cream, so the skin will be moisturized, soft and beautiful.
2. Grind the grains in a coffee grinder, mix them in 1/2 ratio of rice flour, where 1 part is grains. Next, pour some water into the mixture to make something like a gruel. Apply the mask to the skin without exposing the skin around the eyes. Once the gruel is completely dry, rinse it off with warm water. By the way, in this recipe, you can use cake from brewed tea. You don't need to throw away this drink and the tea leaves just like that. In this case, just squeeze out the used raw materials (not completely dry, you need to leave the liquid for diluting the flour), add two parts of the flour and apply on your face.
3. The third option is the simplest. Add crushed yellow tea to the finished face or hair mask, stir the composition well, use according to the instructions of the purchased mask.

These are the wonderful properties of helba tea.

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• 1 Yellow tea: discovering new feelings
• 2 Fenugreek - a wonder of African nature
• 3 And what is the use?
• 4 Contraindications
• 5 Preparing yellow tea the right way

Egyptian helba yellow tea is so different from teas familiar from childhood. Its taste and aroma cannot be confused with anything! But is this drink useful only by external qualities and can it harm health? What is the use of it in medicine? Let's find out the correct recipe for making yellow tea at home.

Yellow tea: discovering new feelings

It is difficult to surprise a modern person with something. This is especially true of his gastronomic preferences. But Egyptian helba tea will be a discovery even for experienced connoisseurs. Yellow teas are also produced in China, but helba is a drink of a completely different quality. This drink is not made from leaves, as we are used to, but from the seeds of a plant. The inhabitants of Egypt are very fond of drinking such tea and will certainly treat the guests of their ancient country to it.

The taste of yellow tea is difficult to compare with something already familiar. There are vanilla, nutty, even chocolate notes in it. And all the familiar flavors in helba feel as if they were rediscovered. Some people take time to get used to new sensations.

Fenugreek - a wonder of African nature

We have already mentioned that helba and tea cannot be called in the literal sense of the word. Fenugreek seeds are used to make this drink. This plant grows not only in Egypt, but also in many other countries. However, only in the ancient homeland of the pharaohs it is used in this form. There are many names for fenugreek. It is also called shambhala, camel grass and even goat shamrock.

Fenugreek is mentioned in the ancient works of Hippocrates, Avicenna and Chinese medieval scholars wrote about it. Now it is well studied by both doctors and biologists. It is an annual plant up to 70 cm high. The leaves and fruits have a pronounced odor due to the high coumarin content. Fenugreek fruits resemble the familiar beans in appearance. They ripen in large pods.

The seeds of Shambhala themselves are rich in various elements useful for the human body. It includes:

• protein;
• selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium - micro- and macroelements useful for our body;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• amino acids;
• flavonoids;
• a huge variety of vitamins - A, C, B4, B9, B1, B2, B3;
• cellulose, pectins, starch;
• phytoesterone diosgenin - an analogue of progesterone (a female hormone produced by the ovaries) in plant organisms;
• tannins;
• enzymes;
• essential oil;
• hydroxycinnamic acids and many other substances.

See also: Clove tea benefits and harms

It will be interesting for those watching their weight to know this! A teaspoon of fenugreek beans contains 12 calories.

And what is the use?

Egyptians value yellow tea not for its extraordinary taste. They got used to it for a long time! The main treasure of such a drink is its healing properties. Among the people, Helba is surrounded by some semi-mythical facts, but doctors have their own data on its benefits.

Fenugreek seeds have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antipyretic effects. For some diseases, it is yellow tea that will be useful more than other remedies.

• For diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia) as an adjuvant. Helba helps the expectoration process, relieves inflammation and removes harmful toxins from the body.
• In case of a cold, tea will lower the temperature and help you soon return to your usual rhythm of life.
• With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike many other teas, Helba does not irritate the gastric mucosa, but, on the contrary, gently envelops it and creates a strong protective layer. Fenugreek improves the functioning of the liver and gallbladder, suppresses pathogens. This drink stimulates the regeneration of the walls of the stomach and expels worms from the body.
• For specific female problems. In this case, the plant analogue of progesterone, phytoesterone diosgenin, acts. Helba, in combination with traditional drugs, will cope with polycystic and ovarian cysts, mastopathy and even female infertility. This tea should not be drunk during menstruation! It will provoke increased bleeding. However, regular use on other days of the cycle will help to cope with painful sensations in the first days of menstruation.
• With menopause, yellow tea reduces the unpleasant symptoms of this period.
• When breastfeeding - Helba increases the amount of breast milk.
• With low libido and other sexual disorders.
• For diseases of the excretory system. The drink has bactericidal properties and promotes the destruction of kidney stones.
• With chronic fatigue, memory disorders, decreased concentration, depression.

Contraindications

• Fenugreek is considered a very useful plant for women. But if you have an increased level of progesterone or prolactin, you do not need to drink helba. This will only worsen the problem.
• Pregnant women are allowed to drink Egyptian yellow tea only in the last month. Fenugreek easily tones the uterus, and this in most cases threatens a miscarriage. But before giving birth, such an action of the helba will not hurt. The process will be easier and faster for the woman in labor.
• Contraindications also include problems with the thyroid gland, insulin-dependent diabetes. Fenugreek cannot be combined with the use of plantain and foxglove.

In the world, in addition to black, green and red tea, many other exotic varieties are brewed and drunk with pleasure. One of the most extravagant is the yellow tea from Egypt. It produces an unusual in appearance, original in taste and healthy drink. What are its benefits and harms?

What is yellow tea from Egypt

The inhabitants of Europe habitually call the dried top leaves of the tea bush tea. The Egyptian brew is unique in that it uses the seeds of a plant from the legume family - hay fenugreek. It is also referred to as:

• helba (or hilba);
• abish;
• methi;
• camel grass;
• chaman;
• Greek goat shamrock;
• fenugreek;
• blue sweet clover;
• fenugreek;
• "cocked hat".

The properties of fenugreek, useful for humans, have been known since time immemorial. They were studied by ancient Chinese healers, and various parts of the plant were used in their medical practice by Avicenna and Hippocrates.

Growing areas and appearance

The mass planting and cultivation of "camel grass" is practiced not only in Egypt and Asian countries (China, India). The conditions of the Central European and South American climate are also suitable for this unpretentious plant.

Abish stems reach 70 cm in height. During the ripening period, the grass produces long pods (about 100 mm), inside which are seeds (beans). Both inflorescences and fruits, as well as the herbaceous part (leaves and stem) have a characteristic aroma.

Composition

The value of medicinal herbs and food supplements is determined by the content of nutrients in them. Fenugreek fruits are rich in:

• rare macro- and microelements (zinc, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, etc.);
• polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• flavonoids (rutin) that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• carotenoids, which are responsible for the supply of oxygen and moisture to all cells;
• B vitamins;
• amino acids (lysine, etc.);
• phytosterol, which activates the defense system;
• a herbal substitute for the hormone progesterone (the main "fuel" for female ovaries);
• polysaccharides, which are responsible for the elimination of toxins and the normal functioning of cells.

It's important to know. Exposure to high temperatures during brewing does not diminish the value of Egyptian tea. Useful substances pass from fruits to water and dissolve in it.

For those who follow the figure

1 serving (teaspoon) of seeds contains only 12 Kcal. Shambhala is rich in:

• vegetable proteins (23%);
• simple carbohydrates (28.4%);
• fiber (10%).

There is very little fat in fenugreek grains (3.4%). Therefore, Egyptian tea can be consumed 2-5 cups a day without fear of losing your figure.

What is the use of helba

Goat shamrock fruits have truly magical qualities:

• promote increased production of sputum in respiratory diseases;
• "Extinguish" the focus of inflammation;
• remove toxins from the body;
• act as an antipyretic;
• eliminate the feeling of "aches" in the muscles of the body;
• help to strengthen the immune system;
• protect the delicate mucous membrane of the stomach from spicy and rough food;
• improve the functioning of the pancreas;
• activate metabolic processes in the stomach and liver;
• fight against pathogenic microorganisms that enter the digestive tract;
• heal ulcers, wounds, cracks in the walls of the intestinal tract;
• normalize hormonal balance in the body (this is important for women);
• eliminate the negative symptoms of menopause;
• remove pain during menstruation, help to make the cycle regular;
• improve the formation of breast milk (useful during the period of breastfeeding);
• in men, they help to increase potency, stimulate sexual activity;
• have a mild diuretic effect;
• with regular use - "break" stones in the kidneys and liver, remove their remains outside together with urine;
• increase concentration of attention, relieve fatigue.

Did you know that abish tea brewed with dates is an excellent remedy for anemia. The fruits of camel grass in milk help with male impotence. A stevia supplement will make fenugreek drink a delicious cure for joint diseases, arthritis, etc.).

How it is used, including in cosmetology

Various parts of the helba (stems, leaves, inflorescences, beans) are used as:

• food additive;
• fodder crops for livestock;
• drug.

Food additive

Abish seeds are found in multicomponent spices such as hop-suneli. Due to the high protein content and rapid absorption in the body, as well as the prevention of gas formation in the intestines, chaman beans are advised to beginner vegetarians and vegans.

A delicious medicine with beneficial properties

• diabetes;
• malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract);
• duodenal ulcer;
• anemia (anemia);
• the formation of kidney stones and bladder;
• arthritis;
• osteochondrosis;
• osteomyelitis;
• impotence;
• various dysfunctions of the female reproductive organs;
• menopause;
• bronchial asthma;
• pneumonia;
• angina;
• tuberculosis;
• physical and mental fatigue;
• neurasthenia;
• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• depressive state.

Good to know. Helba has the unique property of lowering cholesterol levels and removing it from the blood. This prevents blood clots and vascular blockages. In addition, the drink brewed from camel grass improves metabolism.

Panacea for the skin

Fenugreek is also actively used in dermatology. Almost all skin diseases (rashes, dermatitis, eczema) indicate malfunctioning of the gallbladder and liver. This tea heals "from the inside", restoring the functions of the most important internal organs. As a result, the skin condition becomes much better.

Gruel made from raw ground helba beans is one of the best wound healing agents.

Egyptian beauty

Used abisha beans, left over from brewing tea, are useful for cosmetic face and body care. From the fruits, mashed in mashed potatoes, you get an excellent hair mask that has a strengthening and nourishing effect.

Semi-liquid gruel obtained from the beans remaining after making tea will become the basis for the "Nefertiti mask". The skin is transformed, it becomes fresher, firmer and more toned. You can add a couple of drops of any essential oil.

The resulting mixture is applied in an even layer on cleansed skin for 8-10 minutes, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. After the allotted time, gently wash off with warm water, and then pat the skin with a towel and apply a light nourishing cream.

How to brew yellow tea correctly

Our compatriots are accustomed to the standard way of brewing tea: pour boiling water over and let it brew for 5–7 minutes. The correct preparation of chaman is a real ritual:

• the fruits are thoroughly washed under running cold water, dried on a towel or parchment for 2-3 days, periodically turning from one side to the other;
• completely dried beans, like coffee beans, are lightly fried in a hot pan (without adding oil), until a light brown hue appears;
• the roasted seeds are crushed (with a pestle in a mortar or on a coffee grinder);
• the resulting "tea leaves" are poured into a container with purified cold water (or cow's milk) and put on low heat (approximately 1 teaspoon of tea per 200 ml of liquid);
• the mixture should boil for up to 10 minutes over low heat, after which it can be poured into cups and enjoy the resulting drink.

It is interesting. Shambhala, properly prepared, has a unique flavor, with hints of nuts, chocolate and vanilla. Although to those who try hilba for the first time, its taste often seems strange. Instead of traditional granulated sugar or refined sugar, it is better to use bee honey. If the tea is made with water, you can add a wedge of lemon, a pinch of cinnamon, or finely grated ginger to the cup on the tip of a spoon.

Contraindications and harm to the body

The remedy, which for one person is a panacea for ailments, becomes a poison for another. "Tricorne" is capable of causing harm:

• pregnant women (due to the risk of causing bleeding and premature birth);
• women during menstruation.

Blue sweet clover should be used with great care:

• insulin dependent patients;
• people using anticoagulants and hormonal drugs.

It is best to discuss the dosage of the tea with your doctor.

Interesting fact. Regular and prolonged consumption of blue melilot tea leads to the fact that the whole body begins to "smell", and sweating is noticeably reduced. The smell is generally pleasant, with a slight bitterness and a hint of walnuts. Most Egyptians smell exactly the same.