Fenugreek Health Benefits

Fenugreek has excellent medicinal qualities, its regular use keeps the body healthy. It is an effective home remedy for diabetes, lactation, heart burn and heart ailments.

Fenugreek Origin

Fenugreek is herb that is commonly grown in southern Europe and Asia. The Fenugreek is an erect, strongly scented, annual herb with compound leaves and yellowish flowers. Both the seed and the leaves are used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.

Fenugreek Medicinal Properties

The fenugreek leaves are aperient and refrigerant in nature. The seeds are aromatic, mucilaginous, tonic, carminative, astringent, galactogogue and anaphrodisiac. Fenugreek has a lot of medicinal properties and can be used to treat many conditions. It contains protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium and diosgenin - a phytoestrogen compound that mimics the effects of the hormone estrogen. Other active constituents are the alkaloids, lysine and L-trytophan, steroidal saponins and mucilaginous fiber.

Fenugreek Home Remedies

It is used to treat the following conditions:

• Natural Cure For Diabetes

  Clinical studies have established that fenugreek seeds are effective against Type 2 diabetes. The seeds contain alkaloids, dietary fibre, fenugreekine all of which contribute to a lower glycemic activity. It also seems to increase the number of insulin receptors in red blood cells. Consume at least 500mg of fenugreek seeds to reduce blood sugar. Read other Diabetes Home Remedies.

• Fenugreek Lowers High Cholesterol

  Fenugreek is rich in steroidal(furostanol) saponins - notably trigoneosides and diosgenin. These are responsible for its efficacy on blood fat and cholesterol levels. Two ounces of fenugreek seed can be added as part of the diet to develop a healthier heart. Read other Cholesterol Home Remedies.

• Decongestent Relief

  Fenugreek's expectorant properties makes it a useful remedy in treating sinus and lung congestion. It helps to loosen and remove excess mucus and phlegm. Boil the seeds in water and drink the decoction every couple of hours. Warm fenugreek gargles are soothing for sore throats. Read other Cold Home Remedies.

• Soothing Heart Burn Relief

  Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage and forms a soothing ling on the stomach and intestine and is a good remedy for gastrointestinal inflammation. Consume a tsp of powdered fenugreek powder with water or buttermilk and then eat dinner as usual.

• Fenugreek Promotes Lactation

  Fenugreek seeds is a galactologue and greatly increases milk in a lactating mother. It has a compound called as diosgenin which is similar to the estrogen hormone. It supports milk production. You could consume fenugreek seeds as capsules, tea or work it into a recipe.

• Menopause Comfort

  The chemical diosgenin, a phytoestrogen found in fenugreek can act as a natural hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. It also increases libido and lessens the effects of hot flashes and mood fluctuations.

• Healthy Skin and Hair

  Fenugreek is used to treat inflammation, boils, rashes, wounds, abscesses and oral ulcers. Fenugreek powder can be mixed with some water, allowed to soak for a few hours and then administered. It is also an excellent hair conditioner and dandruff remover. Apply fenugreek paste to the scalp and leave it on for a couple of hours and then rinse your hair.

Fenugreek Side Effects

Excess fenugreek consumption can cause gas, flatulence, bloating and diarrhea. Pregnant women should avoid medicinal quantities of fenugreek as it is an uterine stimulant. It may also cause allergic symptoms and lower blood pressure.

Indian Language Glossary:

English	Latin	Sanskrit	Hindi	Marathi	Tamil	Telugu	Malayalam	Kannada
Fenugreek	Trigonella foenum	Methika	Methi	Methi	Ventayam	Menthulu	Uluva	Mentya