Fenugreek, also known as fenugreek or alforvas, is a medicinal plant of the species Trigonella fenugreekwhich has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, and is widely used as a home remedy for diabetes, menstrual cramps or high cholesterol, for example.
The used part of fenugreek is the seeds, from which active substances with medicinal properties are extracted. However, fresh or dried fenugreek leaves can also be used in cooking, as a seasoning in preparing food or bread, for example.
Fenugreek for medicinal use can be found in health food stores or street markets, being used in the form of tea, powder or capsules, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
What is it for
Fenugreek is indicated for:
1. Regulate blood sugar
Some studies show that the soluble fiber present in fenugreek seeds is rich in galactomannan, a substance capable of reducing the absorption of sugar from food, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, the seeds of this plant can also help improve insulin resistance, as they contain an amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which stimulates the production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas.
Fenugreek helps you lose weight as it is rich in fiber, which reduces hunger and increases the feeling of satiety.
Furthermore, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, such as flavonoids and caffeic acid, which reduce the absorption of fats and sugar in the intestines, helping with weight loss. Check out other foods that help you lose weight.
3. Protects against cardiovascular diseases
Because it is rich in fiber, fenugreek seeds help reduce the absorption of fats from food, which helps regulate bad cholesterol levels and control blood pressure, reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction or atherosclerosis , for example.
4. Reduce menstrual cramps
Some studies show that fenugreek powder, prepared with the seeds of this plant, when used during the menstrual period, helps to alleviate the symptoms of cramps, as well as tiredness, headache, feelings of lack of energy or even dizziness.
This is because the seeds contain anti-inflammatory substances, such as alkaloids, saponins and apigenins, which reduce inflammation caused by the uterus during menstruation.
Additionally, fenugreek extract can help alleviate symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome by regulating levels of the hormones LH and FSH, which helps reduce the size of cysts, normalize the menstrual cycle and improve fertility.
5. Improve the functioning of the digestive system
As it is rich in fiber, fenugreek seeds help to improve the functioning of the digestive system, contributing to good digestion and making stools softer, which helps with constipation.
Additionally, fresh fenugreek leaves can also be used to help with problems such as indigestion, excess intestinal gas or a sluggish liver.
6. Stimulate testosterone production
Some studies show that fenugreek extract can help regulate the levels of the hormones GnRH and LH, increase the sensitivity of the testicles to these hormones and stimulate the production of testosterone.
Furthermore, the plant appears to be able to increase sperm count, improve mental alertness, mood and sexual desire.
7. Fight inflammation
Fenugreek seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids, the amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine and furostanol, which act by reducing the production of inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins and cytokines, being very useful in helping to treat inflammation in the throat, in addition to arthritis or muscle pain.
8. Improve skin quality
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances present in fenugreek tone and cleanse the skin as they are antiseptics and exfoliants, improving skin quality, in addition to treating problems such as allergies, acne, eczema or psoriasis.
Furthermore, the antioxidant substances in fenugreek prevent the formation of free radicals that damage cells and thus delay skin aging.
Fenugreek also has antifungal and antibacterial action and can be used to help treat dandruff on the scalp, boils or skin wounds, for example.
9. Help fight cancer
Some laboratory studies using breast, pancreatic, lung and lymphoma cancer cells show that some substances present in the aqueous or alcoholic extract of fenugreek, such as diosgenin, squalene and naringenin, can help reduce cell multiplication and increase cell death. of these types of cancer.
However, studies in humans are still needed to prove this benefit.
How to use
Fenugreek leaves are popular in Indian cuisine and can be used to season dishes or prepare some recipes, such as bread.
For medicinal use, the seeds of the plant are recommended, which can be used in the form of:
1. Fenugreek tea
Fenugreek tea should be prepared with the seeds to help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, for example.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds;
- 1 cup of cold water.
Preparation mode
Add the fenugreek seeds to the cup of cold water and let it rest for 3 hours. Then boil the ingredients, strain and drink while warm, up to 3 times a day.
2. Fenugreek compresses
Fenugreek compresses can be used to help treat skin problems, especially dandruff.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds;
- 1 cup of filtered water.
Preparation mode
Combine the ingredients in a pan and boil for 10 minutes. Then strain and use the infusion as compresses on the scalp to treat dandruff.
3. Fenugreek plaster
Fenugreek poultice can be used to help combat boils or skin wounds that are not open or bleeding.
Ingredients
- 110 g of fenugreek seeds;
- Water or vinegar.
Preparation mode
Add fenugreek seeds and water or apple cider vinegar to a blender and blend. The amount of water or apple cider vinegar should be enough to form a paste.
Then heat until it boils. Spread the pulp while still hot on a clean, dry compress or sterile gauze, wait for it to warm and apply it to the boil or wound on the skin until it cools, repeating the procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
4. Fenugreek capsules
Fenugreek capsules should be taken orally, with a glass of water, and the normally recommended dose for adults is 1 capsule of 500 or 600 mg, 1 to 2 times a day, according to medical advice.
To help treat diabetes, it is recommended to take the fenugreek capsule before or during a meal.
The use of fenugreek seeds and the duration of treatment should be guided by a doctor or healthcare professional with experience in medicinal plants.
Possible side effects
Using fenugreek seeds is safe for most people when consumed orally in capsule or tea form.
However, some side effects may appear during prolonged use or in large quantities, including diarrhea, excessive production of intestinal gases and a strong smell in urine.
In addition, fenugreek can cause allergies in some people, and medical help should be sought immediately or the nearest emergency room if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a blocked nose, coughing or swelling in the mouth, tongue or face appear. Know how to identify the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
Fenugreek should not be used by pregnant women as it can stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor.
This plant should also not be used by children, or by people undergoing cancer treatment who are sensitive to hormones, such as breast or prostate cancer, for example.
Furthermore, people using insulin or other medications for diabetes should be cautious when using fenugreek, as it can greatly reduce blood sugar and cause hypoglycemia.
The use of fenugreek should be stopped 2 weeks before any surgery, as it can affect blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding or hemorrhage.
