Fenugreek seeds – Natural medicine application

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) originates from Europe and western Asia and is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants. For example, it is mentioned in writing on Egyptian papyrus as early as 1500 BC.

Fenugreek was also used in the embalming ceremonies of the ancient Egyptians, where it was noticed that continuous consumption of the plant and its seeds causes the body's sweat and urine to smell like maple syrup.

Today, fenugreek is grown mainly in the Mediterranean, North Africa, France, India, Argentina and the USA. In natural medicine, the seeds are mainly used against inflammation and, to a certain extent, infection.

The effects of fenugreek seeds on health

Below is an overview of the effects of fenugreek seeds on health. Please note that only some of the effects are scientifically proven:

• Minerals: Fenugreek seeds are rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and magnesium.
• Vitamins: Fenugreek seeds contain thiamine (vitamin B1), folic acid, riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamins A and C.
• Weight gain: 100 grams of fenugreek seeds are relatively high in calories (323 kcal) and fiber (24.6 grams), which may explain why they are used for weight gain in the Middle East (the traditional use is to mix the seeds with sugar and olive oil). In addition, the seeds are also used by bodybuilders to promote muscle development.
• Cholesterol: Fenugreek seeds contain the following polysaccharides: saponins, hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin and pectin. Some researchers believe that these polysaccharides – along with fiber and niacin – lower the body's level of LDL cholesterol (the “unhealthy” cholesterol) by counteracting the colon's absorption of bile salts.
• Blood sugar: The amino acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine decreases the absorption of glucose in the intestines, which lowers blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes (this has been confirmed in a few small studies). If you have diabetes and want to use fenugreek seeds to lower your blood sugar, you should always consult your doctor first.
• PMS and menopause: Fenugreek seeds contain the essential nutrient choline, which according to some studies may be used to slow mental aging and reduce the symptoms of PMS and menopause.
• Aphrodisiac: Several studies have shown that fenugreek can be used to increase men's libido.
• Breast size and lactation: Some believe that fenugreek can be used to increase the size of women's breasts, but this property is undocumented. However, the substance diosgenin found in the seeds can increase the flow of milk into the breasts during breastfeeding, but because fenugreek seeds can cause the uterus to contract, all use of fenugreek seeds is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Cancer: Some studies have also suggested that the same substance – diosgenin – may be used in the treatment of cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this use.

Use in natural medicine

In natural medicine, fenugreek seeds are thought to be used for the following health problems:

• Heartburn: When stomach acid flows back – i.e. up – into the esophagus, heartburn (reflux) occurs. Naturopaths recommend adding 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds to your meal to prevent heartburn. Alternatively, you can also swallow the seeds with a glass of water before the meal.
• Gastrointestinal system: Fenugreek seeds are used for stomach and intestinal problems such as constipation, loss of appetite, gastritis and stomach upset.
• Toxins: Fenugreek seeds are used to bind toxins in the body so that they can be removed.
• Inflammation: Fenugreek seeds have a long history as a natural remedy for inflammatory conditions – see the ‘Inflammation' section below for more information.
• Diarrhea and ulcers: The herbal part of the fenugreek plant is used for diarrhea and ulcers.
• Fever reduction: When fenugreek seeds are taken with lemon and honey, this should have a fever-reducing effect. The procedure is simple; eat 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds 3 times daily with an herbal tea (e.g. green tea) and mix lemon and honey into the tea.

Other herbal uses: Because fenugreek seeds have a very long and extensive history of herbal use, they are also known to have been used for the following (to a lesser extent): kidney disease, vitamin A deficiency, abscesses, blisters, bronchitis, cellulitis, tuberculosis, hernia, chronic cough, chapped lips and baldness.

Fenugreek seeds against inflammation

As mentioned, fenugreek seeds have long been used for various inflammatory conditions. More specifically, fenugreek ointment (made from crushed fenugreek seeds with added oil or liquid) is used topically to reduce inflammation and infection (which is collectively known as ‘inflammation'). Although this property has not been scientifically proven, many herbalists emphasize the effect of fenugreek seeds on inflammation.

Our recommendation is the following:

• for inflammation, you can try it out to form your own experience
• In case of infection, you should always consult a doctor

How to use fenugreek seeds against inflammation:

• Take a spoonful of fenugreek seeds and pulverize them (e.g. crush them in a mortar)
• Mix in small amounts of warm water until the desired consistency is achieved
• Take a piece of clean fabric (e.g. a cloth or tea towel) and soak it in the mixture
• Use the cloth as a poultice on the inflamed skin (place it directly on the skin)

Fenugreek seeds in a poultice

As mentioned above, some herbalists use fenugreek seed ointment in poultices for inflammation and certain infections. Others also use the poultice for:

• Muscle pain
• Swollen or painful lymph nodes
• Toe pain (especially gout)
• Wounds and leg ulcers
• Eczema

Fenugreek seeds and hair

Fenugreek seeds have been used to some extent for hair loss and baldness, but these uses – like so many of the natural medicine uses – have never been scientifically proven. Of course, this doesn't change the fact that you can try it out; and if you get good results, you're well served. The “hair cure” itself consists of applying fenugreek seed ointment in a poultice (see recipe above) to the scalp and leaving it on for 1 hour. Do this every day for a month; if you see progress, you can continue – and if not, you can stop.

The idea behind the method is that the fenugreek seeds deliver their nutrients to the skin and hair follicles on the scalp, which should stimulate hair growth. If you don't want to use the above cure, there is the product Arcon Tisane Plus, which is based on fenugreek seeds and in some cases can help with hair loss and balding.

Other uses

Fenugreek seeds have a bitter and pungent taste, described by many as the taste of “burnt celery”. This charismatic flavor has made fenugreek seeds a widely used spice, especially in Indian and Asian cuisines.

In addition, fenugreek leaves (only the fresh leaves and fenugreek shoots) are used as salad greens and fenugreek extract is used as a flavoring in marinades, rum, butterscotch, maple syrup, tobacco and to imitate the taste of vanilla. The extract is also used in soaps and cosmetics. In addition, the seeds are used in industrial foods such as candy, baked goods, ice cream, chewing gum, sodas and more.

Fenugreek powder (i.e. powdered fenugreek seeds) is also a popular ingredient in Indian curry, which has helped make the seeds a central part of Indian cuisine. However, fenugreek powder can be used for many other gastronomic purposes, adding an exotic flavor to any bland dish.

Finally, it should be mentioned that fenugreek seeds can be used to make fenugreek coffee if you roast and grind them.

For your information, fenugreek seeds can keep for up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place.

Side effects

Fenugreek and fenugreek seeds are considered safe when taken by mouth in the dosages normally found in food. When taken as a natural medicine, it should be taken for a maximum of 6 months at a time.

The known side effects of taking fenugreek and fenugreek seeds are:

In addition, fenugreek and fenugreek seeds can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to the plant and its parts.

When fenugreek seed ointment and other forms of fenugreek are applied to the skin, it can cause skin irritation.

Precautionary measures

Pregnancy

All use of fenugreek and fenugreek seeds is not recommended in pregnant women because the plant as well as the seeds can have a contractive effect on the uterus, which can cause early labor in pregnant women. If fenugreek or fenugreek seeds are taken immediately before birth, the newborn may smell of maple syrup, which can lead to unnecessary suspicion of the rare metabolic disease: Maple syrup urine disease.

Breastfeeding

Although not considered scientifically proven, some studies have shown that consuming powdered fenugreek seeds can increase milk production in breastfeeding women. Some preliminary studies have shown that drinking tea with fenugreek seeds can also increase breast milk production. In addition, some studies have shown that fenugreek seed capsules have no effect on milk production.

Children

Neither fenugreek nor fenugreek seeds should be given to children, as there have been a few cases where children have lost consciousness (fainted) after drinking fenugreek seed tea. In several cases it has also been noted that children's body odor changes and they start smelling maple syrup after consuming the tea.

Diabetes

Fenugreek and fenugreek seeds can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Therefore, you should keep an eye on your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic and consume fenugreek or fenugreek seeds.

Interactions

Fenugreek and fenugreek seeds can interact with the following medications:

• Diabetes medications
• Medications that inhibit the blood's ability to clot (coagulate)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)