Health benefits of Fenugreek

 Fenugreek (popularly known as Greek Hay), is an herb that is commonly grown in the Mediterranean regions of the world. While the
 leaves and seeds are primarily used as a culinary spice, it is also widely used to treat a variety of health problems in Italy, South Asia, Egypt and Greece.  

 Seeds of fenugreek contain  vitamin C, niacin, potassium, protein and diosgenin (a chemical compound who has similar properties to estrogen).

 

What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?

Due to fenugreek's estrogen-like properties, it seeds have been found to assist increase libido and reduces the effect of mood fluctuations and hot flashes that are common symptoms of PMS and menopause.
 
Fenugreek has been used in China and India over the years for treating asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, improving digestion, maintaining a healthy metabolism, increasing libido and male potency, curing skin problems ( rashes, boils and wounds), treating sore throat, and  also curing acid reflux.
 
Fenugreek has a long history in terms of its use for the treatment of hormonal disorders, to aid in breast enlargement, to induce labor, reproductive disorders and also to reduce menstrual pain.
 
Some recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps to lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels, and may be an effective panacea for both type 1 and 2 diabetes.
 
Fenugreek is also being researched for its cardiovascular benefits.

Uses of Fenugreek

1. Home Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol

Research studies have shown that people who took  56grams (2 ounces) of fenugreek seed each day had significantly (around 14 %) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and as such  lowered their risk of heart-related attacks by more than 25 %. For this reason, a recommended remedy for reducing cholesterol is to take 2 ounces (56grams) of seeds throughout the day.

Fenugreek seeds can be added to prepared food or simply taken with water if they are in the form of capsules.

2. Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lowered blood glucose levels after eating this powerful seed.

It is highly recommended as a natural home remedy for Type 2 diabetic patients. Consume 500mg of the seed 2x daily.

3. Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation

Various researches have shown that fenugreek is very effective and has the potency in treatment for skin problems such as eczema, abscesses, boils, gout and burns. For simple skin inflammation treatment, follow these steps:

•Take one spoonful of fenugreek seeds and grind them smoothly into a powder.
•Mix the powder with warm water.
•Take piece of clean cloth (preferably white) and soak it into the mixture.
•Apply the soaked cloth onto the affected part of the skin as a poultice.

4. As Natural Remedy for Heartburns and Acid Reflux

Fenugreek seeds contain high level of mucilage, which assists soothes gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the  intestinal lining of the intestine and the stomach. For this reason, to have an effective remedy against Acid Reflux or heartburns, simply add 1 teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds onto your food. Another option is to take one teaspoonful of the seeds and swallow them with  juice or clean water before any meal.

5. Home Remedy for Fever

The herb of fenugreek has the potency in reducing fever when taken with lemon and honey since it nourishes the human system during illness.

Therefore, to treat a fever, simply take 1-2 teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds 3x a day along with an herbal tea (example, green tea) with a teaspoonful of lemon juice and honey. A number of health food stores also sell herbal fenugreek tea, which can be used in place of the green tea.

6. Breast Enlargement

Fenugreek in most of the times are added to tea and other health products that assist balance hormones in women especially in enlarging the breasts. 

A simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make fenugreek a part of your daily diet. A common advise is to consume up to 3g of the seed per day.

7. Helps to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women

Fenugreek also stimulates uterine contractions and can be very helpful to induce childbirth. However, its advisable for pregnant women to use this remedy for inducing labor only after consulting  their doctor.

8. Aids Milk Production in Lactating Women

Fenugreek has been known over the years to help increase milk production in lactating women.

Research has even revealed that milk production can increase by over 500 % within 24 - 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it isn't known why this happens but researchers speculate that the oil present in fenugreek seed plays a role in this.

For this reason, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume 1 capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) 3x a day.

What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been few reported cases of minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect that has been reported, others have reported gastrointestinal discomfort. Also, when using fenugreek topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin rashes and irritations.

 Using fenugreek during pregnancy is not recommended, simply because it has the potential to induce labor. Therefore pregnant women should seek medical advise before taking fenugreek.
 
 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).
 
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