What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?
Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help
increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood
fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS.
In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma,
bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase
libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils),
treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux.
Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of
reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to
help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain.
Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose
and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1
and 2 diabetes.
It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.
Uses of Fenugreek
Home Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol
Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of fenugreek seed
each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels
after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than
25 percent.
Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2
ounces of seeds throughout the day.
The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed
with water if they are in capsule form.
Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek.
Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2
diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily.
Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation
Research has shown that Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses,
boils, burns,
eczema, and gout.
Therefore, a simple skin inflammation remedy is the following:
- Take a spoonful of fenugreek and grind it into a powder.
- Mix the ground powder with warm water.
- Take a simple piece of clean cloth and soak it into the mixture.
- Apply the soaked cloth directly onto the affected skin as a poultice.
Natural Cure for Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth
gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and
intestine.
Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux,
simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food.
Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with
water or juice before any meal.
Home Remedy for Fever
The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with
lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness.
Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of
Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as
green tea) with a teaspoon of
honey and lemon juice.
Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas, which can be used instead of the green tea.
Breast Enlargement
Fenugreek is often used in many teas and other products that help balance women's hormones and/or enlarge the breasts.
Therefore, a simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make Fenugreek a part of your regular diet.
A common suggestion is to consume up to 3g of Fenugreek per day.
Remedy to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women
Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth.
However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after consulting with their doctor.
Remedy to Aid Milk Production in Lactating Women
Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating
women.
Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500
percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb.
Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that
the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role.
Therefore, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume
one capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) three times a day.
What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?
While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects.
Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas).
Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes.
Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor.
If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor.
If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always
use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs.
This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to
interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its
mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).