Fenugreek

Fenugreek Uses and Benefits

People use fenugreek for multiple reasons. It is believed to have healing properties for a wide array of needs or wants, anything from helping cholesterol to helping get enlarged breasts.

Fenugreek has many estrogen-like properties and therefore is used to treat various female conditions. In addition to increasing libido and enlarging breasts, the estrogen properties of fenugreek are believed to help with hot flashes and hormonal mood changes.

Additionally, fenugreek can be used to induce labor as well as to aid in the production of breast milk in lactating women. However, if you are pregnant or nursing you are advised to consult with your physician before taking fenugreek or any other herbal supplement. 

If you are trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about the possibility of trying fenugreek. Once again, because of its estrogen properties it is possible that fenugreek can help with reproductive disorders.

Other uses for fenugreek include:

• Lowering cholesterol
• Lowering blood sugar levels
• Aiding naturally in the fight against heart attacks and diabetes
• Reduce inflammation of the skin
• Acid reflux
• Heart burn
• Sore throat
• Fever

When it is used as a flavoring agent on food, the properties of fenugreek are not as pure and therefore are not as effective as when taking fenugreek directly as a supplement. Depending on the reason you are using fenugreek may determine what kind of supplement to take and how much.

Fenugreek Supplements and Recommended Dosages

Since there are so many uses for fenugreek, the form you choose and the amount you take may vary based on the relief or cure you are seeking. Fenugreek supplements come in the form of pills, powder, and seeds.

Of course, it is also a common flavoring agent for food and is often used in herbal tea bags as well. One common place to find fenugreek is at a Middle Eastern grocery store. You can also find fenugreek at health food stores.

Below are some suggested dosages for use in treating certain conditions. Again, it is always best to consult with your physician before taking any herbal supplement.

• When using fenugreek for its estrogen properties, the amount of dosage will vary based on your needs. If you are using it as a breast enhancer then you may want to take up to 3g per day. However, if you are using it to aid in the production of breast milk, you may need up to 500mg per day, three times a day.

• Two ounces of seeds per day has been shown in studies to help lower cholesterol and 500mg twice a day can significantly lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. You can also sprinkle fenugreek on your food to help prevent acid reflux or heartburn.

• When it comes to treating a fever, fenugreek works best in conjunction with lemon and honey. Making fenugreek tea or drinking green tea along with taking fenugreek supplements can help reduce your fever.

• If you want to use fenugreek to treat a skin rash or inflammation, you can mix fenugreek powder with water and apply it as a compress. This remedy can also be used for eczema and burns.

When you talk to your doctor about taking fenugreek supplements, ask what form of fenugreek you should take and how much. If you experience any side effects, be sure to call your doctor right away. Side effects are rare but can occur.

Fenugreek Side Effects

Supplements are generally considered safe, but there may be some side effects. In some people fenugreek causes gastric upset like bloating and gas, while in others it can cause nasal congestion, wheezing and facial swelling. According to the National Institute of Health it can also cause a skin rash if used topically. However, herbal supplements can also impact other medications you are taking so it is best to tell your doctor about all of your prescription drugs before beginning to take fenugreek.

Fenugreek supplements can impact your bleeding levels, so if you have any bleeding or blood clotting disorders you need to consult with your physician. Fenugreek can also impair the absorption of certain drugs and so fenugreek should be taken a couple of hours before or after your other oral meds are taken.

Also, if you experience nausea or diarrhea while taking fenugreek, it may be an adverse reaction. 

Since there are so few known side effects and so many potential benefits, fenugreek may be a very powerful herbal supplement in addition to being a flavoring agent. Use the supplement finder to compare fenugreek options and formulas.