The Wisdom behind Allah's provision of fresh dates & water for Maryam bint Imraan (radhi Allahu anha).

The Qur'aan mentions fresh ripe dates and water as a comfort for a woman in the stages of labour.

There is medical wisdom behind the choice of the fruit of the date palm over any other fruit during labour and childbirth.

Allah Azzawajal narrates regarding His servant Maryam Umm Eesaa (radhi Allahu anha) when the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "Oh! I wish I had died before this and been like something forgotten!" [19:23]

The fruit of the date palm (Ar Rutab, or fresh dates) contains a substance that causes the uterus to contract and strengthens the uterine muscles, thus helping in birth. It also reduces the amount of bleeding that occurs after birth.

Fresh dates contain high levels of simple sugars which are easy to digest. They are a basic source of energy and a preferred form of nourishment for the muscles. The muscles of the uterus are among the largest muscles which work very hard during birth. Obstetricians give women in labour water and sugar in the form of a sugar solution. Natural sugars from organic fresh ripe dates must be considered far better for the body when compared with a solution made with refined sugars. The verse mentioned also speaks of giving liquids with sugar, as Allah the Exalted says;

"So eat and drink..." This is another miracle.

Fresh dates lower blood pressure in the pregnant woman for a short while, after which it goes back to normal. That also serves to reduce the amount of bleeding.

Reference - p63-64 Islamic Medicine; The Key to a Better Life. By Yusuf Al Hajj Ahmad. Darussalam 2010.

The blessed fruit of the Hejaz is full of beneficial vitamins, iron, calcium and fibre. It may assist with milk production in nursing mothers.

From this we can also see the link to Tahneek from the Sunnah the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam); one of the most excellent manners in which to welcome the newborn child. 

In modern times, sugar/water solution is conventionally given to newborns, but the best and most beautiful traditions is that of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam).

Tahneek is performed by softening a date and then rubbing the palate of the new-born with it just after the birth or soon after. This is done by putting a tiny piece of the softened date on the finger and rubbing it from left to right in the mouth of the baby.

Ibn Hajr said, "If one is not able to find a dry date, then a fresh date should be used, and if that is not available then anything sweet." 

(Fath 9/588)

It is not essential to chew the date rather it may be softened in any way. The action of chewing as reported in the Sunnah was something specific to the Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) due to the blessings that Allah had placed in his saliva.

Tahneek done by the father or the mother or anyone from the People of Knowledge whose supplication is hoped would be accepted. So he should perform tahneek and supplicate for the child as was the practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).

Imaam Nawawee says, "Scholars are agreed upon the recommendation of performing tahneek upon the baby after it's birth." 

(Sharh Saheeh Muslim 4/122)

A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) reported that, "New-born children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate." 

(Saheeh Muslim)

The Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi / Hulbah).

Fenugreek is a green herb with a pungent flavour which is traditionally used in South Asian cooking. It is easy to grow, even in the Western climate. It has a pleasing flavour when cooked and is my favourite herb :)

It is praised highly in Ayurvedic Medicine and is particularly beneficial for women and for cold, wet illnesses like common colds, flu and bronchitis as it can help clear congested phlegm and soothe a sore throat. Some herbal therapists (Hakeems) have said, “If people knew the benefits of fenugreek, they would pay its weight in gold.”

There is no reference to Methi in the Sahih Sunnah.

A number of sites around the net have reported that Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) encouraged the use of Fenugreek as a treatment for the sick, but I have not been able to confirm that from any source of Sahih Hadith.

However, there is no doubt that Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) did mention it in his works and that it is one of the oldest and most beneficial natural medicines and should therefore not be ignored.

Ibn Al Qayyim's commentary on Hulbah [Fenugreek].

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that the health benefits of this plant could be gained from drinking a concoction of Fenugreek seeds, which could help to sooth a sore throat, clear the respiratory tract,  help conditions like asthma, bronchitis, colic and breathing difficulties, ease hemorrhoids and constipation, relieve an upset stomach and strengthen the heart.

He suggested applying a hot cooked fenugreek concoction to skin eruptions and cold sores to sooth and soften them, and using it for washing hair. He also recommended cooking fenugreek with dates, honey or figs and eating this on an empty stomach to dissolve phlegm and relieve a persistent cough.

A teaspoon of fenugreek seeds can be soaked in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes and then this mixture can be drunk to gain the above benefits insha’Allah. Fenugreek can also be used to relieve an upset stomach, it can be used as an aphrodisiac and it also helps constipation, helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, lowers blood sugar levels, relieves water/urine retention and it also is particularly beneficial for women as it stimulates menstrual flow and balances female hormones, assists in childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions during labour and increases breast milk for breastfeeding women. Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before self-medicating with fenugreek or other herbal remedies.

Benefits for women.

Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the seeds and leaves which increases milk production in lactating mothers. Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pains. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth. As well as Diosgenin, fenugreek contains isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. 

Women who are in child-bearing age are more prone to iron deficiency due to the monthly loss of blood, also during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes to the dish when cooking it to enhance the iron absorption.

Fenugreek for medicinal use can come in a number of different forms, young fresh leaves, dried leaves, seeds, essential oil or powdered in capsule form. All of these are available in Indian/Pakistani grocery stores or on the Internet.

Fenugreek can be grown for its mildly spicy leaves and shoots by soaking the seed in water for about 30 minutes and then planting it into the ground or into a window box in a bright sunny spot on the windowsill. Young leaves can be cut and used as a garnish, in fenugreek tea, pakoras, curries, in breads or in stews and casseroles.

References - 


http://www.aidanbrooksspices.blogspot.com/2007/10/fenugreek.html

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/fenugreek_health_benefits.php


http://www.aidanbrooksspices.blogspot.com/2007/10/fenugreek.html


http://www.homeremediesweb.com/fenugreek_health_benefits.php

http://www.tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120:--hulbah--
fenugreek&Itemid=151

http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/15-health-benefits-of-methi/