11 Amazing Fenugreek Health Benefits and Remedies
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners discovered the fenugreek medicinal qualities thousands of years ago. Its seeds have some amazing health benefits that could change your life and transform your health for the better. These tiny light yellowish stones help in reducing both external and internal inflammation.
Fenugreek seeds taste somewhat bitter, similar to burnt sugar or celery, and are often used to make medicine. But the taste is far more pleasant when cooked.
Nutrition Facts
One serving /1 tablespoon — of fenugreek seeds contains:
- 5 calories
- 7 grams fiber
- 4 grams carbohydrates
- 5 grams protein
- 7 gram fat
- 7 milligrams iron (20 percent DV)
- 6 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
- 1 milligram manganese (7 percent DV)
- 21 milligrams magnesium (5 percent DV)
- 1 milligram copper (6 percent DV)
- 1 milligram vitamin B6 (3 percent DV)
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Fenugreek Benefits and Uses
It is shown to help with a large number of health issues. Here are some of the most proven health benefits.
1. Improves Digestive Problems
Fenugreek may help with many digestive problems, such as inflammation of the stomach, upset stomach, and constipation. It is often incorporated into a diet treatment for ulcerative colitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- To maintain regularity, mix a ½ tablespoon of fenugreek seed powder with 1 glass of warm water and drink daily before going to bed.
Note: These remedies for constipation are not recommended for small children.
2. Cholesterol Levels and Heart Conditions
It also seems to help those with heart conditions, such as high blood levels of certain fats including triglycerides and cholesterol, and hardening of the arteries.
- To reduce high cholesterol, take 4 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds throughout the day. First, dry roast the seeds, then grind them into a powder. The powder can be consumed with water or can be sprinkled onto prepared food.
- To improve your heart health, drink 1 – 2 cups of fenugreek seed tea daily.
- To make the tea:
Add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to 2 cups of water.
Boil it for 5 minutes, and then strain it.
Add a small amount of raw honey.
3. Fights Cold and Flu
It has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties that help fight cold and flu symptoms. The mucilage in fenugreek also helps ease pain from a sore throat and cough. It even helps reduce a fever.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of fenugreek powder, raw honey, and lemon juice. Consume this twice a day to fight cold and flu symptoms.
- Drink fenugreek tea 2-3 times a day to speed up the recovery time.
- For a sore throat, gargle with warm fenugreek tea twice a day.
4. Lowers Inflammation Inside the Body
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, is said to cool inflammation within the body and break up stuck energies and it is known as a phlegm mover.
It helps in reducing inflammation within the body, such as:
- arthritis
- bronchitis
- mouth ulcers
- infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin
- boils
- tuberculosis
- chronic coughs
- kidney ailments
- cancer
- Make an infusion with 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of pounded fenugreek seeds in a glass of water, strain and drink this twice a day as an additional treatment for asthma.
- Take 1 tablespoon of soaked fenugreek seeds every day in the morning to reduce joint pain.
- Make a paste of fenugreek seed powder with warm water. Apply this paste on the painful areas. Allow it to dry first and then rinse it off with warm water. Use this remedy twice a day until the pain is gone.
- To reduce menstrual discomforts drink warm fenugreek tea twice a day.
5. Diabetes
Fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels. It stimulates insulin and slows the absorption of sugars in the stomach.
-  Soak 1 – 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water overnight. Then, the next morning on an empty stomach, drink the water and eat the seeds. Repeat this daily.
6. Promotes Milk Flow in Breastfeeding
It acts as a galactagogue (a substance to increase milk supply) and increases a woman’s breast milk supply.
- Soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water overnight. Then the next morning, boil the water for several minutes together with the seeds and strain it. Drink this every morning.
- You can also add fresh fenugreek leaves to your salads, soups, or stews.
Note: If your infant shows signs of diarrhea, stop consuming it.
7. Reduces Inflammation from the Outside the Body
Fenugreek also can be used externally for lowering inflammation. Usually, people use it as a poultice, (wrapped in cloth, warmed and applied to the skin). This lowers external inflammation and can treat:
- sciatica
- eczema
- pain and swelling in the muscles and lymph nodes
- wounds
- gout
- leg ulcers
- dandruff
- Fenugreek tea is also a great remedy to get rid of body odor and bad breath.
- To get rid of dandruff, soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. The next morning mash the seeds to a fine paste. Apply this paste to the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes.
8. Helps with Eating Disorders
Because of its nutritive and restorative properties, it can also increase appetite.
9. Improves Exercise Performance
One study showed that fenugreek extract combined with creatine supplementation makes a significant impact on body composition and upper body strength as effectively as the combination of dextrose with creatine.
10. Increases Libido in Men
Fenugreek can be used as a natural remedy for impotence. It may increase testosterone levels and sexual arousal. Also it can treat erectile dysfunction, hernias, baldness, and other male problems.
11. Enhances Skin Health
Fenugreek has amazing benefits for your skin, too. Its antioxidant properties help prevent free-radical damage and eliminate signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. You can use it to treat skin problems, such as eczema, abscesses, burns, and boils because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It even helps to get rid of scars.
- Blend 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and soaked fenugreek seeds and make a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your face. Leave it for 30 minutes, and then remove it off with wet fingers. This exfoliates dead skin cells from the face. Finally, wash your face with cold water. Repeat this procedure once a week.
Warnings
- Avoid taking the herb in large amounts, as it can lead to side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
- Before using it topically, do a patch test to lower the possibility of rashes and skin irritation.
- Do not use it in any form during pregnancy. It has the potential to induce labor.
- If you take any medications or you have health conditions, consult your doctor before including it in your diet.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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This article appeared first at Health Tips Now and appears here with permission. Like on Facebook!
