Fenugreek Seeds Health Benefits

Fenugreek http://goo.gl/yKMAHp also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek,(Binomial name: Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is  commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean region and India as a semiarid crop, with both seeds and leaves are primarily used as a culinary spice, along with it's use to treat a variety of health problems in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and Southern Asia. 

The first recorded use of fenugreek http://goo.gl/yKMAHp dates all the way back to 1500 B.C.E., in ancient Egypt. Across the Middle East and South Asia, the seeds were traditionally used as both a spice and a medicine. 

Its uses included helping with:

• digestive issues
• problems breastfeeding
• inducing childbirth
• arthritis
• kidney problems
• menopausal symptoms.

Today, fenugreek is typically used to treat:

• loss of appetite
• diabetes
• high cholesterol
• eczema

What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek seeds have 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.

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 seeds. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek seed 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 seeds and grind them 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

Many women want to know exactly how fenugreek breast development works. It works because it stimulates your mammary gland and encourages the growth of breast tissue. It also contains phyto-estrogen that increases the level of prolactin in your body that helps increase the size of your breasts. 

Many women think that progesterone and estrogen are not good for their health and may even cause cancer, but it is completely safe to use fenugreek because the hormones found in fenugreek are not like progesterone and estrogens your body produces – they are basically phytoestrogens or plants estrogen and are completely safe to use.

Therefore, a simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make fenugreek a part of your regular diet. This can be done by consuming them in either the form of fenugreek capsules, fenugreek beverage or fenugreek extract daily. 

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).

For Skin Care

Make these home-made hair and face packs using fenugreek.

To get rid of dandruff

Fenugreek can help reduce dandruff. In order to make a paste out of it, do the following:

• Soak a handful of its seeds overnight in water and then grind to a coarse paste in the morning.
• Now apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for a few hours.

Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo or shikakai. Another variation to this paste is to heat mustard oil with a few leaves of henna in it. Then strain it.

• Once it cools down, add the fenugreek  paste to the oil and apply on the scalp. Keep it for half-an-hour before washing your hair. 

To reduce itchiness on scalp

Fenugreek can help reduce the itchiness and small bumps on the scalp which are a result of heat or dryness. In order to counter these, make this:

• Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water. In the morning, strain the water and rinse your hair with this solution.
• You can even use other ingredients in addition to fenugreek seeds to get relief from itchiness.
• First, chop and grind some tulsi leaves and then mix sesame oil (til ka tel) in it.
• Heat this on a low flame and add a few fenugreek seeds to it.
• Once they start to crackle, turn off the gas.
• Apply the solution only once you’ve let it cool and strained it. You can also get rid of an itchy scalp with these remedies.

To control hair fall

Hair fall can be detrimental to one’s personality and self-esteem. In order to control it, make a paste of fenugreek  seeds.

• You can grind them before you mix them in curd and then apply on your scalp.
• Do keep it for about 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair. 

To lighten acne scars

Your pimples have disappeared but have left pesky scars on your face. In order to lighten them, make this effective pack:

• Boil a few seeds of fenugreek  in water for 15 minutes and allow it to cool.
• Strain the seeds and apply the liquid on the scars with a cotton ball.
• Follow this ritual at least for a week to see results. 

To get rid of burn marks

Burn marks are tough to get rid of but fenugreek  can help fade them over time.

• First, make a paste but grinding seeds soaked overnight.
• Apply this mixture on the marks and let it dry completely.
• Now wash the area with water and continue its use on a regular basis. 

To prevent pimples

Fenugreek can prevent the eruption of pimples as well as help treat blackheads. For this, instead of the seeds, use the fenugreek leaves.

• Grind them with a little water to make a paste.
• Now apply it on your face at night. Wash it the next morning with lukewarm water.
• If your skin is prone to acne, it is best to use this paste regularly to keep pimples at bay. 

Remember, home remedies take time to show any effect. Using them just once will not show any marked improvements. So use them on a regular basis.