Fenugreek Seeds: More Than Just Curry!

Fenugreek seeds are quite well known in India as a spice. They are commonly used in cooking curries. The taste of fenugreek seeds can be described as bittersweet, powerful, and aromatic, with a slightly bitter aftertaste, like celery. While the taste isn’t well known, for those who have eaten Indian curry, it is widely recognized. Fenugreek is also used in some Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine.

According to research, ancient civilizations used fenugreek seeds for their health benefits and to increase milk production. The seeds, also known as Bird’s foot, Trigonella, Greek hayseed, Methi, bockshornsame, and Hu Lu Ba, have been discovered in Tel Halal and Tutankhamen’s tomb. They are also been mentioned in Cato the Elder’s writings.

Fenugreek seeds are quite well known in India as a spice. They are commonly used in cooking curries. The taste of fenugreek seeds can be described as bittersweet, powerful, and aromatic, with a slightly bitter aftertaste, like celery. While the taste isn’t well known, for those who have eaten Indian curry, it is widely recognized. Fenugreek is also used in some Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine.

According to research, ancient civilizations used fenugreek seeds for their health benefits and to increase milk production. The seeds, also known as Bird’s foot, Trigonella, Greek hayseed, Methi, bockshornsame, and Hu Lu Ba, have been discovered in Tel Halal and Tutankhamen’s tomb. They are also been mentioned in Cato the Elder’s writings.
 

Why are Fenugreek Seeds Special?

Fenugreek seeds have an abundance of polysaccharide galactomanan. This acts as a food stabilizer but is also the ingredient responsible for the production of more milk in lactating mothers. It has been used to enhance milk production since ancient Egyptian times. One study presented at the International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine noted a 40 percent increase in milk production with the use of fenugreek, although more research is needed to validate these scientific claims.

Fenugreek seeds have also been tested on people with diabetes, and the studies show that the seeds can ameliorate some of the diabetic symptoms as it makes the body more glucose tolerant.

Fenugreek seeds can also be used as a laxative, a digestive aid, or to lower cholesterol and others. Veria’s MD approved article is a scientific guide to distinguish between those health claims that are clinically proven, those that are false, and those that require further testing and evidence. 

Benefits

As an ancient seed, fenugreek has a number of health properties:

1. Constipation: fenugreek seeds can help with constipation. Fenugreek seeds can act as a laxative and aid in softening the body’s wastes for easier elimination.

2. Diabetes: People with diabetes, both Type 1 and 2, can benefit from fenugreek seeds as they can help lower the blood sugar levels. Diabetics using the seeds should monitor their blood sugars closely and consult with their doctor.

3. Cholesterol levels: A few limited studies suggest that people taking fenugreek seeds may lower cholesterol. You can sprinkle fenugreek seeds on your food, or you could make into a tea, sieve and drink with honey, either hot or cold.  

4. Impotency: According to studies, fenugreek seeds contain saponins and phytochemicals that can stimulate the production of sex hormones and normalize depressed levels of testosterone.

5. Anemia: Fenugreek seeds can help in formation of blood cells, good for people with anemia. 

6. Hair strengthener: Herbalists use fenugreek seeds to strengthen the hair. Fenugreek contains a large amount of lecithin which is a natural emollient and moisturizer. For hair, fenugreek seeds may be made into a tea, and drunk, or soaked into coconut oil overnight. Once sieved, the oil can be applied to the hair and left for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out. 

7. Skin problems: Fenugreek seeds can help in treating skin diseases when applied topically. As a natural demulcent, it can treat pimples, acne, rashes, and eczema. To apply to the skin, grind the seed into powder and mix it with water. Get a clean cloth and dampen a part of it. Gently apply the dampened poultice to the inflamed skin for analgesic relief. 

8. Heartburn and hyper-acidity: fenugreek seeds may help in relieving gastrointestinal inflammations like acid reflux and heartburn, according to a 2011 pilot study published Phytotherapy Research. Just swallow a fenugreek supplement with juice or water 30 minutes before every meal.

Side effects

Fenugreek seeds are a natural herb that is considered good for the body. However, there are some people that experience side effects when using this herb.

1. Uterine Contractions: Pregnant mothers should not use fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek seeds can cause uterine contractions and induce early labor.

2. Bowel Problems: Some people experience diarrhea and gas from using fenugreek seeds and supplements.

3. Drug Interactions: Fenugreek seeds can inhibit the effectiveness of certain medications, especially diabetic medications and blood thinners. If taking any prescription medication, talk to your doctor before taking fenugreek seeds. 

4. Urine Color: Taking fenugreek seeds can sometimes change the color and odor of a person’s urine, and it may look like maple syrup.

5. Hemorrhage: While the evidence is limited, fenugreek seeds could cause internal bleeding. If you see your stool has a reddish color, or you see blood in your stool, it may be a sign of intestinal bleeding. If you are vomiting blood, it is a sign of gastric bleeding, and you should  discontinue ingesting fenugreek seeds, and call a doctor.

6. Allergies: Some people may have natural allergies to this herb. If you feel nauseated, itching skin, rashes, or trouble breathing after ingesting fenugreek seeds, refrain from using the herb. 

Fenugreek seeds are an aromatic spice widely used in Indian, Eritrean and Ethiopian foods, and one that gives flavor to curries. It can be added to food, drunk as a tea, applied as a poultice for skin irritations or soaked in coconut oil and used on your hair. For those who don’t enjoy its distinctive taste, fenugreek can be purchased in tablet and capsule form. Fenugreek seeds have been for their health benefits for centuries. Today, scientific studies have provided evidence for the veracity of some of these claims.

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