FENUGREEK (Methi)

Fenugreek is an herb that is similar to clover, it is used in cooking, as an ingredient in various medicines, and is also used to mask the taste of other medicines. Fenugreek leaves are consumed in India as a vegetable.

• Taste- Bitter, Pungent.

• Dosha- Balances Vata dosha, improves Kapha dosha, it is not suitable for Pitta dosha.

• Consumption- in the form of Green vegetables, seeds, sprouts, powder, extract.

Nutritional facts:

1tbsp of fenugreek seeds 3.7gms

1. Calories: 12

2. Protein: 0.85g

3. Total fat: 0.24g

4. Carbohydrates: 2.16g

5. Total dietary fiber: 0.9g

6. Cholesterol: 0 milligrams (mg)

7. Sodium: 2mg

8. Calcium: 7mg

9. Iron: 1.24mg

10. Magnesium: 7mg

11. Phosphorus: 11mg

12. Potassium: 28mg

13. Zinc: 0.09mg

14. Vitamin C: 0.1mg

15. Thiamin: 0.012mg

16. Riboflavin: 0.014mg

17. Niacin: 0.061mg

18. Vitamin B-6: 0.022mg

19. Folate, DFE: 2 micrograms (µg)

20. Vitamin A: 2 international units (IU) (6)

Possibly Effective for:

Diabetes: Fenugreek is known to be rich in fibers, it contains Glucomannan which stimulates Insulin that helps in maintaining blood-glucose level and also Fenegresin and Trigonelline which slows down the absorption of glucose in intestines.

• How to take: Dose of at least 5 grams daily is considered to help. Lower doses don't seem to be that effective. Soak one tbsp of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water, keep it overnight, and drink it in the morning.

Weight loss: Fenugreek is loaded with Antioxidants which boosts the metabolism of the body, Galactomannan which is present in the fenugreek helps in the metabolism process.

• How to take : Soak one tbsp of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water, keep it overnight. drink the water in the morning.

Healing: Fenugreek has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which reduces joint pain. It is also useful in the reduction of fever.

• How to use it for healing:

1. Apply fenugreek paste on the pain area.

2. Burn fenugreek seeds in oil with garlic and apply it on the pain area.

3. Tie a few seeds with a bandage on the pain area.

Hair growth: Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of iron and protein — two essential nutrients for hair growth. They also contain a unique composition of plant compounds, including flavonoids and saponins. These compounds are presumed to induce hair growth due to their anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects.

Heartburn: Taking a specific amount fenugreek before lunch or dinner may reduce the chance of heartburns. It is also known for maintaining cholesterol levels in the body.

Effectiveness of fenugreek for WOMEN:

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Taking 1800-2700 mg of fenugreek seed powder three times daily for the first 3 days of a menstrual period followed by 900 mg three times daily for the remainder of two menstrual cycles reduces pain in women with painful menstrual periods. The need for painkillers was also reduced.

• Fenugreek balances estrogen level. Diosgenin is responsible for it, that leads to increase in sex drive

• Helps in improving Insulin sensitivity in PCOS and PCOD patients. Insulin secreted by pancreas is not efficiently utilized by the tissues and this leads to obesity and production of excess testosterone. Consuming fenugreek leaves or seeds will help in maintaining normal insulin levels.

• For lactation, it helps in the lactation by increasing milk production. ( consult your physician about this before applying it in your life)

• Treats Urinary Tract Infections. Since it has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Effectiveness of fenugreek for MEN:

• Increasing response to sexual stimuli in healthy people. Taking 600 mg of fenugreek seed extract each day seems to improve ability and sex drive in older men that have started to lose interest in it.

• Fenugreek boosts the production of testosterones levels in men.

• Fenugreek increases fertility in men.

Side effects:

When taken by mouth, Fenugreek is likely safe for people when taken in normal amounts which is also found in daily food consumption. It is possibly safe when powdered fenugreek seed 5-10 grams is taken for up to 3 years. Side effects may include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, gas, and a "maple syrup" odor in urine. It may also cause allergic reactions in some people, including symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and facial swelling.

Precautions and Warnings:

• Pregnancy: Fenugreek is likely unsafe when used in amounts greater than those in normal food consumption. It might cause malformations in the baby, as well as early contractions. Taking fenugreek just before delivery may cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor. This unusual body odor doesn't seem to be harmful, but it could be confused with a condition called "maple syrup urine disease."

• Breast-feeding: Fenugreek is possibly safe when taken by mouth to increase breast milk flow. Some research shows that taking fenugreek 1725 mg three times daily for 21 days does not cause any side effects in infants.

• Children: Fenugreek is likely safe when used in the amounts which is in the daily food consumption. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if fenugreek is safe when taken in larger amounts. An unusual body and urine odor has been reported in some people who drink fenugreek tea. This unusual odor doesn't seem to be harmful, but it could be confused with a condition called "maple syrup urine disease."

• Surgery: Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking fenugreek at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Tips for it's consumption:

• Do not consume regularly for long. You can consume it for 15 days to maximum 3 months, then discontinue for a few days and then you can start consuming it again.

• Best way to consume it is by soaking it in water. You can mix in curd, buttermilk or milk, do avoid having it with tea.

• If you are taking it on an empty stomach, do not eat or drink anything for the next 40 to 1 hour.