Medicinal Properties of Fenugreek
- Fenugreek is often used in cooking, but it may have medical properties as well.fenugreek und mais mehl image by Lucky Dragon from Fotolia.com
Fenugreek has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The earliest recorded use of fenugreek dates back to Egypt in 1500 B.C., according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAM). The Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of fenugreek for medicinal purposes, but some doctors and pharmacists recommend it for certain medical conditions. Fenugreek is often used as a food flavoring, though herbal supplements are also available. Check with your doctor before taking any medication or supplement. - Some doctors recommend fenugreek to their diabetic patients to help lower their blood sugar levels. According to the NCAM, there have been a few studies that indicated fenugreek helped lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients when taken regularly.
Although fenugreek is sometimes used for other medicinal purposes, the NCAM states that there is not sufficient scientific evidence to recommend the use of fenugreek for any medical condition except diabetes. Physicians of diabetic patients may need to adjust their insulin dosage while they are taking fenugreek, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. - Using fenugreek regularly as a food flavoring or taking herbal supplements containing fenugreek may help stimulate milk production in lactating women.
Some women struggle to keep their milk supply up while breastfeeding, but may choose to avoid other drugs that can be passed through breast milk and opt for an herbal approach.
Pregnant women should not take fenugreek due to its stimulant effect on the uterus, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Fenugreek was used to help induce childbirth in ancient cultures. - Dried fenugreek seeds can be crushed and mixed with warm water to form a paste to apply to swollen areas of the body. The herb can help soothe inflammation, thereby reducing pain and discomfort in some patients.
Do not use fenugreek externally if you are also taking supplements containing fenugreek or using it in your food regularly. Too much fenugreek can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and gas. Some people experience skin irritation when using fenugreek topically. Crushed fenugreek seeds mixed in water can also make a good gargle to help soothe a sore throat by decreasing swelling and inflammation in the mouth and throat.
