Fenugreek

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Fenugreek
Other Names : Alholva, Bird's Foot, Bockshornklee, Bockshornsame, Chandrika, Egypt Fenugreek, Fenogreco, Fenugrec, Foenugraeci Semen, Foenugreek, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Greek Hay Seed, Hu Lu Ba, Medhika, Methi, Methika, Sénégrain, Sénégré, Trigonella, Trigonella Foenum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Trigonella foenugraecum, Trigonelle, Woo Lu Bar.
See also : Fenugreek Leaves

Special Precautions of Fenugreek

  • Pregnancy : Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.
  • Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Fenugreek has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
  • Fenugreek may also interact with diabetes medications. Fenugreek may interact with medications that slow blood-clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs).
  • Although uncommon, allergic reactions to fenugreek have been reported. Stop taking fenugreek and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
  • Fenugreek may change the color and smell of the urine. Although this is not harmful, your doctor may question this change in color or odor since it may be similar to that caused by the metabolic disorder "maple syrup urine disease".
  • Fenugreek may not be safe for children.

The benefits of Fenugreek are

  • Increase breast milk production : Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers.
  • Induce and ease child birth : Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.
  • Ease women’s health problems : Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and 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 are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption.
  • Breast Enlargement : Want to enlarge your breasts? Include fenugreek in your regular diet. The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.
  • rich in antioxidant properties
  • powerful antiviral properties : The researchers now say that fenugreek stops the viruses that cause sniffles and Sore Throat and Tonsillitis.
  • Can boost sex drive by at least 25%.
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes : Fenugreek keeps blood sugar levels balanced by slowing the absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulating insulin. 4-hydroxyisoleucine , a natural phytochemical extracted from the Fenugreek herb has been scientifically shown to increase carbohydrate storage in muscle cells while decreasing carbohydrate fat storage through the sensitizing of insulin receptors in muscle tissue.
  • Cancer :
    • In the journal Integrative Cancer Therapy researchers found that fenugreek along with other medicinal extracts reduced the number, incidence, and multiplicity of tumors, which was confirmed by the pathologic studies that showed regressed tumors. Results of the study confirmed that fenugreek extract not only limits the rate of proliferation by inhibition of the processes integral to cancer development but also induce programmed cell death of cancer cells leading to fewer and regressed tumors. Various animal experiments have shown fenugreek inhibits liver cancer cells. In China, fenugreek is employed as a pessary in the treatment of cervical cancer.
    • Treatment with 10-15 ug/mL of FE for 72 h was growth inhibitory to breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer cell lines (PCa).
    • Prevent colon cancer : The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers.
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Improve appetite
  • Aid digestion : Fenugreek helps flush out harmful toxins. It relieves indigestion and helps treat constipation.
  • Cure acid reflux or heartburn : One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and sooth irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.
  • To maintain a healthy metabolism
  • Lose weight by suppressing appetite : Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite.
  • Increase male libido naturally and male potency
  • Body Building : can increase muscle strength and decrease body fat percentage.
  • Skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils)
  • Sore throat
  • Acid reflux
  • might help lower cholesterol.
  • Kidney Diseases : fenugreek is believed to reduce the presence of calcium oxalate in kidney stones.
  • The herb is currently being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.
  • aluminium Toxixity : The researchers concluded that fenugreek seeds can be used as a regular nutrient to alleviate the side effects of aluminum ingestion, especially for anybody populations who are more susceptible to developing aluminum toxicity.
  • applied topically, it’s an effective treatment for hair loss.
  • Reduce cholesterol : According to studies fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL).
  • Reduce cardiovascular risk : Fenugreek seed has cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of galactomannan. It lowers the risk of heart attack. It is also an excellent source of potassium which counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Remedy for fever and sore throat : Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat.
  • Cure for skin inflammation and scars : Apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste for effective treatment of skin problems like burns, boils, eczema, etc. Fenugreek seeds also help in getting rid of scars.
  • Solution to hair problems : Using fenugreek as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes your hair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall. What more? Fenugreek is also great to keep the dandruff away.

Refrences

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19197146

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.