The Potential Side Effects and Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds
Botanical Name of Fenugreek: Trigonella foenum-graecum.
Other Common Names: Greek hay, Greek hay seed, bird's foot, fenigreek, Greek clover, methi, foenugreek and hu lu ba.
Habitat: Fenugreek is native to the Mediterranean countries and Asia and is undoubtedly one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants. Today fenugreek is widely grown in Argentina, France, India, North Africa, England and the United States.
Description: Fenugreek is an annual herb with trifoliate leaves and it can grow to be about two feet tall. It blooms white flowers tinged with violet in the early summer. The flowers develop into long brown pods which contain the fenugreek seeds. The seeds give away strong special aroma.
Plant Parts Used: The seeds and the leaves if they are fresh.
 The Fenugreek Plant ( Trigonella foenum-graecum ) (Click on image to enlarge)
| Fenugreek Seeds, Capsules and Powder
|
|
Fenugreek Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims
- Recent scientific research has found that fenugreek can help reduce cholesterol in the blood.
- It is used to treat diabetes in adults.
- It can be helpful as a herbal remedy to minimize the symptoms of menopause and it is thought to be helpful for painful PMS.
- Fenugreek has been used for loss of appetite and anorexia. It can improve digestion, treat halitosis and relieve diarrhea and minor stomach aches.
 The Herb Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum ) - It has a reputation for enlarging breast tissue and is widely used in natural breast enhancement products. Fenugreek seeds contain compounds like diosgenin and other plant phyto-estrogens which are thought to promote breast growth in women. However there is no scientific proof that can confirm that fenugreek can enlarge breast tissue and more studies are needed.
- Fenugreek seeds contain hormone precursors that can increase milk production in nursing mothers and it is widely used for insufficient lactation.
- Because of the high mucilage content found in the fenugreek seeds it is considered a useful herb for diarrhea. The seeds husks absorb water resulting in bulkier stool.
- It has been used through the ages to increase sexual desire both in men and women and has been used for premature ejaculation.
- The seeds of fenugreek contain choline which may be helpful for memory loss and to slow down the aging process.
- Is has been used to treat bronchitis and asthma. It is also considered a good herbal remedy for sore throat and coughs.
- It has been used as an herb to promote hair growth both in women and men.
- Fenugreek has been used for skin irritation, such as ulcers, boils, eczema, dandruff and cellulite.
Potential Side Effects of Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have been known to cause allergic reaction. It is not very common but if you experience allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue then seek medical attention.
Fenugreek can change both color and smell of urine but is not harmful.
Pregnant women should not take fenugreek in any form. Because of the high fiber content of fenugreek, it should be used carefully with any kind of medication as it can affect the absorption of other drugs.
It is always a good idea to consult health professional before start using any herbs.
Leave a Comment or Tips on Fenugreek
Please leave a comment if you have any additional information, advice, or if you want to share your experience using fenugreek. This is not a forum so do not submit any questions or start any conversations.
Your name and email address are required. Your email address will not be displayed with the comment if you choose to keep it private. (Privacy Assured - We don't share your email address with anyone!)
Name: shashi
E-mail: Private
Date posted: September 10, 2011 - 08:26 am
Message: I hope Mr.Pankaj Sharma is talking about total cholestorol, HDL never goes that high.
Name: Bhaskar
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 07, 2011 - 01:09 am
Message: Methi as we call it in Hindi is the best medicine for diarrhea.
Recently our German partner came to India, due to his different eating habits back home he could not get adjusted to Indian garam masala food, he started purging day in & day out. Once he informed us we gave him fenugreek seeds & he was back in shape within some hours. He could not spell the word fenugreek properly & he started naming it "stones". Even now whenever he visits India, he asks my father to keep "stones" ready & we laugh heartily. Once bitten, permanent shy, we feel.
From now i will start taking fenugreek seeds twice a day after reading Times of India article today 20.June.2011 on fenugreek seeds.
Name: pankaj sharma
E-mail: Private
Date posted: May 18, 2011 - 10:19 am
Message: Before taking methi my H D L colostrol was 275. For last 2 months I'm using half spoon of Fenugreek (methi)my H D L colostrol is 180 NOW.
Name: Hari Malhotra
E-mail: Private
Date posted: February 17, 2011 - 11:06 pm
Message: For last 3-4 years, I was suffering from pain in my knees. I was not able to walk smoothly, was having pain while sitting also.
For last 10 days I started taking Methi seeds, 1 spoon with water in the night. Got the results within 3 days only. I have no pain now.
Name: Rosli Isa
E-mail: Private
Date posted: January 23, 2012 - 01:03 am
Message: I'm using Fenugreek Hot Chocolate Pre-mix drink during my "Ramadhan" month and found it is very helpful to stop my hanger and stomach pain whole day long. The bonus is my sex desire also feel something positive and different!
"Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and spirit as well;... and not today's pain or pleasure alone, but the whole being and outlook of a man"
James H. West
| 
